Friday, March 26, 2010
EAW Announces Exclusive Germany Distributor At Prolight + Sound
TRIUS Vertrieb GmbH & Co. to be exclusive distributor Germany.
EAW has announced the appointment of Ibbenbüren-based firm TRIUS Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG as EAW’s exclusive distributor for Germany.
Effective immediately, TRIUS will handle distribution for EAW’s products, interfacing with EAW’s European Sales Director Sean Martin, EAW Application Support Group EMEA representative Moray McMillin and other key members of EAW’s team in Europe.
The announcement was made by Jeffrey Cox, V.P. Pro Audio, on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at the Musikmesse Show in Frankfurt, and further underscores EAW’s ongoing commitment to the German market.
For over two decades, TRIUS has been a German leader in the worlds of live sound/touring, installations, recording and M.I., having established itself through consistent and comprehensive sales results for several of the industry’s major brands.
The TRIUS organization has respective specialized departments for sales and support, service and technology, marketing and IT, and logistics. The company’s infrastructure, innovative sales approach and decades of practical experience make them the ideal choice for EAW distribution in Germany.
Kai Boeckmann, TRIUS Manager Director, stated, “TRIUS has been a German market leader for several decades, having built successful business relationships throughout the region, and we look forward to using our experience and contacts to lead EAW’s sales initiatives in Germany.”
“EAW produces high-quality products, and with their manufacturing facilities and European warehouse, they are in a position to offer highly price-competitive speaker models with a short delivery time. For these reasons, EAW fits perfectly in our client portfolio, and will help TRIUS maintain our status as a go-to full line supplier, both for rental companies and installers.”
“TRIUS is one of Germany’s largest and most prestigious distributors for pro audio products, and we are excited to have them exercise their top-tier position in the region’s marketplace and act as a key member of our EAW team in Germany,” stated Sean Martin, “With several new and innovative EAW products hitting the market this year, we look forward to utilizing TRIUS’s expertise in Germany’s pro audio market to enhance and expand EAW’s presence in the region.”
EAW Website
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Soundcraft Introduces Vi1 Compact Digital Console At Prolight + Sound
The newest in the Vi series which has an input to mix capacity of 46 channels and is expandable through the addition of a stagebox.
As previously reported here on ProSoundWeb, Soundcraft has announced the Vi1 which was debuted at Prolight + Sound 2010. Read on for complete details, or take the PSW Photo Gallery Tour!
The Vi1 stand-alone console package includes 32 channels of analog input, 27 analog outputs, plus 6 digital inputs, 4 stereo FX returns and 6 digital outputs, all in one chassis.
As standard, input to mix capacity is 46 channels, but by adding a stagebox (compatible with the existing Vi racks), simultaneous channel count increases to 64. Channels are routable to 24 multifunction buses, plus LR and mono mix buses.
Up to 8 of the buses can be configured as matrix mixes, each with up to 16 sources.
The surface is just over 1 meter (3 feet) wide, and includes 16 motorized channel faders with fixed and user-definable layers, 8 output/VCA faders and 2 master faders.
The Vi1 also incorporates a widescreen Vistonics interface, which will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s worked with a Vi6 or Vi4.
This new development displays all parameters for 16 channels side by side, on a single 22-inch Vistonics touch screen. The upper half of the screen handles the output section control as well as cue list or menu displays.
Parameter control is via two rows of 16 rotary encoders. Exactly the same channel functionality as the Vi6 and Vi4 is available here, along with all the same core snapshot, talkback and monitoring facilities.
The Vi1 also inherits many of the facilities of its larger siblings, including Soundcraft FaderGlow, 4 stereo Lexicon effects engines, BSS Audio graphic EQ on all output buses, and integral dynamics on all channels.
Soundcraft Website
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Eminence Expands International Sales Capabilities
Eminence Speaker has added Miami-based Italo Trading, LLC to its Latin American Manufacturers Representative Team.
Eminence Speaker, LLC has announced the addition of Miami-based Italo Trading, LLC to its Latin American Manufacturers Representative Team.
Specializing in brand development and sales and marketing events for professional and consumer audio & lighting companies, Italo Trading will be representing Eminence products in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay and Columbia.
“I’m very excited about this partnership.” said Italo Trading LLC Managing Director Daniel Costa Salomao. “Having the opportunity to offer the legendary Eminence speakers to the South American customer will be a great deal for us. “
“Last week during a factory tour at Eminence headquarters I realized how great and modern the factory is and I’m sure my team will be able to deliver this message to our customers. “
“Eminence is the biggest speaker manufacturer in the Americas and it’s time now for the South American customers have access to their products.”
“We are very excited to have Daniel join our dynamic sales team.” said Eminence Distribution Sales Manager Gary Morrison. “His sales and marketing background, combined with his overall knowledge of the speaker industry, is a welcome addition to our International Sales Department.”
Eminence Speaker, LLC
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Nady Introduces Miniature Multi-Channel Wireless System At Prolight + Sound
A miniature, lightweight transmitter which plugs directly into a guitar, bass or portable keyboard output jack with no cable or bodypack transmitter required.
Nady Systems announced at Prolight + Sound 2010 the introduction of the new MGT-16, a UHF wireless system featuring 16 user selectable PLL frequencies.
The MGT-16 features infrared download of the selected frequency on the receiver to the transmitter.
The miniature, lightweight transmitter plugs directly into a guitar, bass or portable keyboard output jack with no cable or bodypack transmitter required; the stomp box size receiver can be placed anywhere—even on stage next to effects pedals.
The MGT-16 features modern technology along with Nady’s hard-wired sound, full dynamic range, instantaneous transient attack and wide frequency response.
The MGT-16’s selectable channels fall within the UHF 583-604MHz range for interference-free operation. ASC (Auto-Sync Channel) transfer of selected frequency from receiver to transmitter via infrared download makes set-up quick and easy.
The MGT-16 features rugged housing and is designed for maximum portability and ease of use. The system is offered with a choice of 2 miniature transmitters that plug into your instrument: The MT-16A with a 30 degree angled plug for use with recessed or surface-mounted jacks, or the MT-16R, with a right-angle plug for surface-mounted jacks only.
The compact receiver can be battery operated or used with the supplied AC adapter. The MGT-16 features dual antennas for maximum range and dropout protection and has a range of up to 300 ft operating range line-of-sight. The MGT-16 is now available.
Nady Systems Website
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Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack Now Shipping
Five virtual instruments now available for Pro Tools.
Avid has announced that the Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack, previously announced at the 2010 Winter NAMM, is now shipping.
The collection features five virtual instruments, including updated versions of the Structure professional sampler workstation, Strike virtual drummer, Velvet vintage electric pianos, Transfuser groove creator, and Hybrid high-definition synthesizer.
All the instruments have been updated with new features that offer much deeper integration with Pro Tools, supporting audio and MIDI region drag-and-drop functionality, enabling customers to more easily obtain creative results quickly.
Structure, a powerful professional sampler workstation, allows customers to create, sculpt, edit, and refine everything from acoustic instruments to complex soundscapes in real time.
This release now includes over 5 GB of new sounds, offering users more sonic possibilities than ever before.
Structure now also supports more sample formats natively, including both Giga-Sampler and Kontakt 3, providing customers an easy way to integrate existing sample libraries and begin using them in Pro Tools right away.
Strike, a virtual instrument that emulates the performance style of a real drummer, makes it easy to create, control and produce professional drum performances from within Pro Tools. It now offers new, high-definition acoustic and electronic drum kits, providing users with a more wide-range of percussion options.
Strike now also offers expanded options for customers to use their own samples. allowing for highly customized drum sounds and virtual performances that will put a human touch on any track.
Velvet delivers realistic emulations of a variety of classic electric pianos, and offers more sonic possibilities than previous versions, including classic “digital” e-piano sounds of the ‘80s and a new enhanced reverb effects module, which provides vintage sounds that provide a classic touch to recordings.
Transfuser is an innovative, real-time loop, phrase, and groove creation instrument, which now offers a new bass module inspired by the Roland TB-303, allowing customers to re-create these original vintage sounds as well as more modern synth bass.
Transfuser also includes 1.6 GB of new audio loops and content, including new electronic drum kits and a new 6-band parametric EQ, providing more options and more creative control within the instrument when creating beats and grooves.
Hybrid is a high-definition software synthesizer plug-in that combines the warmth of legendary analog synths with a full range of modern manipulation capabilities. It now delivers all-new tonal possibilities with more than 250 new patches, and includes multi-square waveforms and new Blue, White, Mod, and Crackle waveforms for the noise oscillator, enabling customers to create anything from fat, retro synth sounds to edgy modern leads and everything in between.
This release marks the first time these five virtual instruments have been offered for purchase as a bundle, and a single unified installer is featured, designed to make set-up and authorization simple and straightforward.
The Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack will ship in Q1 of 2010.
Avid Pro Tools website
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Lexicon Announces LXP Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle At Prolight + Sound
Bundles four Lexicon reverb plug-ins and over 200 studio presets in a native package.
Lexicon announced at Prolight + Sound 2010 the LXP Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle.
This reverb bundle is a collection of Lexicon’s four most popular reverbs that are now available as multi-platform native software plug-ins.
The LXP Native Reverb Bundle delivers four Lexicon reverb plug-ins including Chamber, Hall, Plate, and Room with over 200 studio presets from Lexicon’s library of sounds.
Each plug-in can be run in mono, stereo or mono in/stereo out and the Input and Output Meters makes it easy to quickly verify signal levels at a glance.
Presets can be saved in a DAW independent format which makes it straightforward for a user to take their personalized presets with them to any studio.
To help the user shape their individual sound, a multi-dimensional real-time display offers three different views to provide additional information into the reverb tail, frequency content, or impulse response.
It is a cross-platform plug-in which is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7 along with MAC OSX 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, Power PC and Intel based. The Bundle is Native only, requires iLok authorization, and will be available in May 2010.
Lexicon Website
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JBL Professional Introduces DrivePack Digital Audio Input Module At Prolight + Sound
Brings BSS Omnidrive HD signal processing and digital input to all JBL DrivePack-equipped powered speaker systems.
At Prolight + Sound 2010 JBL Professional introduced its new DPDA (DrivePack Digital Audio) input module with BSS Omnidrive HD signal processing onboard, for use with all JBL DrivePack-equipped powered speaker systems.
This full-featured product leverages the modular nature of JBL DrivePack technology, and can be easily installed as an upgrade to all DP Series fullsize, midsize and compact line array elements and subwoofers along with all of the premium powered system models in JBL’s Venue Performance Series.
The HiQnet-compatible DPDA input module, remotely controlled with Harman’s System Architect software, can function as an audio and networking technology upgrade to enhance the performance of any DrivePack-equipped speaker system, regardless of model or application.
BSS Omnidrive HD signal processing with F.I.R.filters and LevelMAX multi-stage limiting makes the advantages of BSS’ signal processing algorithms available to JBL powered speaker system owners.
Other key features include both XLR and Ethercon connectors plus a native Ethernet switch for simplified cabling and improved connectivity, AES/EBU digital audio for cleaner, clearer audio performance without the need for external converter products, and a unique loudspeaker box and array I.D. mechanism that makes the setup of complex touring systems go more smoothly.
“The DPDA module appears that it will finally give self-powered system users the missing link to a fully digital AES3 signal flow, all the way from the digital mixer to the powered speaker arrays,” observed Jim Risgin, Vice President, Onstage Audio.
“No longer does the user have to rely on a network transport protocol to get digital audio to the powered speaker. Combine this with its extensive feature set: redundant signal path, single-cable interconnect, BSS Processing as well as your choice of mechanical or software addressing, and JBL’s new DPDA module gives the system engineer both flexibility and ease of everyday use. “
Gone are the days that required a computer and lots of time just to reconfigure arrays in a networked system every time it left the shop. I believe that the ease of use and leading-edge DSP performance in a DPDA-equipped system will deliver everything a user needs.”
JBL Professional Website
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Thursday, March 25, 2010
Crown Announces XLS Series Amplifiers At Prolight + Sound
The new XLS brings new features and technology to the MI amplifier category.
Crown announced at Prolight +Sound 2010 the next generation line of XLS Series amplifiers.
The new line, consisting of four models, implement a flexible PureBand Crossover System. Users can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz, allowing for matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loud speakers.
PeakX limiters allow higher output levels than conventional analog limiting while providing assured driver protection, and deploy algorithms derived from the extensive research and development of the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker processing in Crown’s flagship I-Tech HD Series.
The XLS series amplifiers also feature Integrated DriveCore Technology, which provides fast recovery on peaks, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low-frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.
Further simplifying ease of use, an intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.
“We designed the XLS series amplifier from the ground-up to be a category-defining amplifier. We are bringing features and technology to a price point that no one else is close to offering. We set out to provide users with an amplifier that would reset the standard for power, performance, flexibility and value. Quite simply, this amplifier is a game changer,” said Flint
Crown Website
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Shure Unveils Beta 27 Side-Address Condenser Microphone At Prolight + Sound
The only side-address, supercardioid condenser microphone designed for sound reinforcement.
Shure Incorporated announced at Prolight + Sound 2010 the introduction of the side-address, supercardioid Beta 27.
The Beta 27 is unique in the industry as the only side-address, supercardioid condenser microphone designed for sound reinforcement.
It was developed in response to audio engineers’ desire for a condenser mic that offers better isolation of the sound source.
“Live acts have been using cardioid large diaphragm condenser mics for years, on drum overhead and guitar/bass cabinets,” says Chad Wiggins, Shure’s Category Manager for Wired Products.
“But for some big stages, engineers want more focus and better isolation of the sound source. That’s what the Beta 27 offers. Plus, it’s durable and it travels light—that’s a must for touring acts.”
The Beta 27’s supercardioid polar pattern targets the sound source like no other side-address microphone available for fine detail in demanding acoustic environments. With its large diaphragm and extremely low self-noise, the Beta 27 defines sound quality and high-caliber performance.
“Stage and studio are converging,” adds Wiggins. “While the Beta 27 can handle multiple uses for studio recording projects, many acts nowadays are recording their live shows, and they want to put studio condensers on their stage. But, other microphones that are currently available pick up more splash and stage wash than the engineer might want. The Beta 27 is the answer.”
“It is the perfect complement to the SM57 as a second guitar mic,” says Matt West, Front of House engineer for Phoenix, Motörhead, The Cure, Snoop Dogg, and many others.
“It is very full bodied and doesn’t really require a great deal of hacking in the top end region to get the warmth out of a guitar. It is there already. I would be happy to permanently place it in my channel list for any band that I work with.”
Shure Incorporated Website
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Lab.gruppen Introduces The PLM 20000Q At Prolight + Sound
The 20000Q includes four channels amplification with Lake control.
At Prolight + Sound 2010 Lab.gruppen introduced the PLM 20000Q. The PLM 20000Q Powered Loudspeaker Management combines the four-channel Lab.gruppen amplifier platform with Lake Processing.
When compared to conventional approaches using separate components, the PLM 20000Q affords significant advantages in sonic performance, user functionality, rental inventory utilization, and long-term cost savings.
The PLM 20000Q provides four discrete output channels, each rated at greater than 5000 W into 2.2 – 3.3 ohms (4400 W into 4 ohms).
To achieve this massive output power, Lab.gruppen engineers designed an all-new universal (100 to 265 V) Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS) with power factor correction to reduce peak current draw.
Output devices in the Class TD output stage allow 194 V peak voltage to the load. And the Power Average Limiter works in tandem with a software-controlled Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL) to avoid tripping of mains breakers, even with prolonged peak demands.
The PLM 20000Q complements two other systems – the four-channel PLM 10000Q and the two-channel PLM 14000 – in the expanded PLM Series. All three integrate Dante networked audio distribution, Lake drive processing, and load verification with real-time performance monitoring.
Each is housed in a 2U hardware frame and is supplied with a special version of the familiar Lake Controller software application for remote monitoring and control of all functions.
The same Lake Controller-equipped computer can control any combination of PLM Series units, new stand-alone LM 26 Lake Processors, Dolby Lake Processors, and legacy Lake units.
Lab.gruppen Website
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BSS Audio Introduces Telephone Option To Soundweb At Prolight + Sound
This new card complements the Soundweb London AEC Input Card as a an integrated solution for conferencing applications.
BSS Audio introduced the Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card at Prolight + Sound 2010.
The new Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card complements the Soundweb London AEC Input Card as the two cards represent a highly-integrated, solution for conferencing applications.
The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Cards are designed to populate any of the four card slots on Soundweb London BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160 and BLU-120 devices.
These cards enable Soundweb London devices to interface with a standard POTS (aka PSTN or Analog PBX) telephone network and feature line and parallel set connections.
The members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.
The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Cards also have two analog inputs which allow each Telephone Hybrid Card to receive two microphone or line level signals. These analog inputs offer Phantom Power, configurable per channel and software controlled analog gain in 6dB steps from 0dB to 48dB.
HiQnet London Architect v2.08, which provides support for the Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid, offers a fully-featured integrated dialer, speed dial presets and Auto Answer control.
All important buttons and feedback from the dialer are accessible from external control and third-party control systems, without the requirement of a PC on the network.
Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Music Group stated, “The Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card complements the superbly-performing and already highly-regarded Soundweb London AEC Input Card perfectly.”
“With the reach of Soundweb London extended into conferencing applications, contractors and system integrators are able to leverage existing infrastructure, reduce implementation time and provide a powerful and truly integrated audio solution, using a single platform.”
BSS Audio Website
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Dynaudio Acoustics Introduces BM5A MKII At Prolight + Sound
The BM5A MKII includes handmade drivers and high-resolution soft dome tweeters.
Dynaudio Acoustics has announced the BM5A MKII nearfield monitor at Prolight + Sound 2010 ultra-accurate handcrafted driver technology.
Re-enginered with handmade drivers, the new BM5A MKII includes high-resolution soft dome tweeters, extended excursion 7-inch woofers, 2 channel 90-Watt transient power (50W RMS), 117dB SPL peak power output, a frequency response of 48Hz to 21kHz, and HF, MF, LF analog room filters.
Video of the Dynaudio BM5A MKII is available below.
Additional Video: BM5A MKII Product Video
Dynaudio Acoustics Website
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Tannoy Announces Reveal Monitors - Video From Prolight + Sound
Video from Prolight +Sound of the new Reveal monitors.
As previously reported here on ProSoundWeb, Tannoy has released three new models of its Reveal monitors.
Video from Prolight + Sound is now available below.
Building on proven technology, the new Tannoy Reveal is the latest interation of Tannoy’s monitor technology.
This new range features three models: the 501a, 601a, and the 601p.
The new Reveal offers a small footprint in a sturdy, compact enclosure.
The 501a includes an Integrated 60W total power amp unit, a 5” Low/Mid Frequency driver and 1” soft dome tweeter which deliver a frequency response of 64Hz – 30kHz.
Meanwhile, the 610 series includes a 6.5” low / mid frequency driver and a 1” soft dome tweeter delivering a frequency response of 60Hz-30kHz.
The 610a includes 90W total power amp and the 610p has a 50-100W RMS power recondition.
All models within the new Tannoy Reveal line include a front firing reflex bass port, a HF trim switch for custom room adjustment, and balanced XLR and unbalanced jack connectors.
The new Tannoy Reveal will be available in retail channels in May 2010.
Tannoy Website
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JBL Professional Releases CBT Systems Design Software At Prolight + Sound
Will help systems designers determine proper vertical coverage and voicing settings for CBT speakers.
At Prolight + Sound 2010 JBL Professional introduced its Constant Beamwidth Technology (CBT) Calculator 1.00 software.
The CBT Calculator shows the vertical coverage of JBL CBT line array column loudspeakers by means of an on-screen, cross-sectional sound level coverage display at user-selectable frequencies.
The CBT Calculator allows the use of either one or two JBL Professional CBT loudspeakers, while virtually adjusting their various settings for vertical coverage (narrow or broad) and voicing (speech or music/flat) in a space with up to four independent listening planes.
The software also shows frequency response for up to six listener locations as well as an SPL summary of each location over user-defined frequency bands.
With this new software, system designers will be able to determine the best CBT model, the proper vertical coverage and voicing settings, mounting height and down angle, enabling accurate design of the CBT column line array speakers into virtually any application.
“We developed the CBT Series to bring a new level of pattern control and sonic fidelity to the passive line array column product category,” said Rick Kamlet, Senior Director, Commercial Installed Sound, JBL Professional.
“Now, with the CBT Calculator 1.00 software, systems integrators have even more tools at their disposal to ensure precision and superior sound when installing CBT Series loudspeakers.”
JBL Professional Website
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Crown Introduces VRACK AT Prolight + Sound
Designed to work in conjunction with JBL VerTec, VRX, and AE series loudspeakers,
Crown has introduced VRACK, an amplifier management rack system solution.
The VRACK features three built-in Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers, providing an easy-to-configure, plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need to build amplifier racks.
Designed to work in conjunction with JBL VerTec, VRX, and AE series loudspeakers, the system’s modular design is highly scalable and is designed to meet the needs of both small and large sound systems.
VRACK features a flexible input panel with AES, analog, and network inputs as well as rear rack lighting for multiple connection options.
A captive suspension system offers the capability for the rack to be flown in the same manner as a line array system.
The system also features a globally universal power distribution system that can be set to meet US and international power standards.
Advanced features of VRACK include built-in network and AES failover for protection of speakers in case of power loss.
Harman HiQnet System Architect provides control though monitoring and adjustment on a rack-by-rack basis and the ability to make changes to all three amplifiers through a single interface.
I-Tech HD amplifiers included with VRACK feature a user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled performance. Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology makes I-Tech HD robust and easy to configure and features an industry-leading choice of input options including CobraNet and LevelMax limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS).
“VRACK answers the question that tour sound professionals have consistently been asking: How can we optimize our JBL and Crown systems for the highest level of performance?”
“VRACK is a standard solution from Crown in partnership with JBL to set the standard for VerTec systems everywhere in the world. Given its versatility, it can be used on VerTec one day and then a monitor rack the next day,” stated Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing for Crown.
“V-Rack is an exciting step forward in the ongoing evolution of VerTec and the outcome of a close collaboration between Crown International and JBL Professional. V-Rack ensures an optimum power match for all VerTec models combined with uncompromised sound quality.”
“V-Rack establishes a VerTec system standard to ensure consistent performance on a world-wide basis. On the software side, V-Rack offers a future-proof platform capable of implementing upcoming VerTec V5 presets and we are also working closely with the Harman Professional System Development and Integration Group on V-Rack control software that is fully-optimized for tour sound applications,” stated Paul Bauman, Director, Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering for JBL Professional.
Crown Website
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