The Opportunity

At JPRO, we believe that the best way to understand premium audio is to experience it firsthand. That’s why we’ve created New Zealand’s first JBL Synthesis-Certified showroom—a purpose-built cinema space designed to demonstrate the full potential of high-performance home entertainment.

The concept for the room size was to put together an epic-sounding, small-format solution with minimal equipment that you can fit into a spare bedroom or smaller media room.

This isn’t just a demo room – it’s an acoustic showcase that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a residential cinema environment. Our purpose-built cinema room was crafted to deliver an emotionally captivating experience that rivals some of the best commercial cinemas in the world.

Challenge

Designing a cinematic experience of this calibre in a domestic-sized room presented a number of challenges. With limited space, careful acoustic treatment and speaker positioning were critical to achieving a wide and balanced soundstage. Left untreated, room nodes could have compromised bass response and created an inconsistent experience across the seating area.

To enhance the experience, we also needed a seamless control solution that would allow visitors to easily manage lighting, audio and video at the touch of a button – creating a truly immersive experience.

The Solution

To bring our vision to life, we integrated a full JBL Synthesis system, designed specifically for the room’s dimensions and acoustic profile. The ability to recess all the speakers was a major advantage, helping us maximise floor space without compromising performance.

We engaged with THX Advanced Integrator Andy Jurgens of Beyond Audio NZ, who was instrumental in shaping the project. Using detailed room measurements, he developed an Integrated Acoustic Treatment (IAT) strategy to manage reflections, dampen external noise and create a sense of being in a larger space.

After implementing the acoustic solution, we fine-tuned the system using Dirac Live and Smaart measurement tools, resulting in precise time alignment and frequency response calibration that deliver a cinematic experience that is both sonically accurate and emotionally immersive.

System Features

• LCR Speakers: 3x JBL Synthesis SCL-7 loudspeakers with 15-degree horn angles ensured impactful, consistent sound across the room. Seating was optimised for the selected Atmos sound field and bass integration.
• Surround Speakers: Two additional SCL-7s for surround and two SCL-8s for height creating a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
• Subwoofers: JBL SSW-3 (front) and SSW-4 (rear) subs were strategically positioned for the sound field and to produce smooth, high-impact bass.
• AV Processor: Processing and power come from a JBL Synthesis SDR-38 AV receiver, delivering pristine audio clarity and powerful sound.
• Additional Gear: AMX Muse Automation, AMX Varia touch panel, Crown CDi 4300N amplifier (subs), Netgear Pro AV switch, Apple 4K TV, Samsung 4K UHD Smart TV, Panasonic Blu-ray Player

The Impact

Since opening the doors, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors frequently comment on the realism of the experience, describing the system’s bass response as “felt as much as heard,” with some mistaking the power for physical seat shakers.

“We’ve had clients sit through a demo and look under their chairs, convinced there were tactile transducers installed,” said Mark Homan, JPRO’s Technical Sales Manager. “That’s the level of realism we’ve achieved.”

The system is seamlessly controlled using the AMX Muse automation control platform, paired with a Varia touch panel, providing effortless management of the cinema’s systems and allowing users to control the entire experience with ease.

Key Benefits

• Certified JBL Synthesis Showroom: Establishes a gold standard for JBL Synthesis and luxury home cinema performance in New Zealand.
• Immersive Audio Experience: Delivers lifelike, dynamic and deeply immersive audio.
• Smart Space Utilisation: Recessed speakers maximise floor space while without compromising aesthetics and performance.
• Seamless System Control: Unified audio, video and lighting management via AMX Muse and Varia.

A New Standard in Home Cinema

With this showroom, JPRO has set a new standard for high-performance home cinema in New Zealand. It’s a space where clients don’t just listen, they feel the difference. Every detail has been designed to experience the true capability of JBL Synthesis at its best in a real-world environment.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, clients leave with a completely new understanding of what’s possible in a home cinema setup,” says Mark Homan.

We invite you to experience it for yourself.

Interested in a demo? | Get in touch with the JPRO team →

The Opportunity

The Uniting Church in Levin had an outdated audio system that failed to provide clear sound coverage to the entire congregation. Church leadership needed a solution that would be easy to operate and ensure everyone could hear the service, regardless of where they were sitting. The goal was to create an audio experience that would enhance services and contribute to a more inclusive worship environment.

Audio Workshop was tasked with designing a new audio system that would meet these needs. Matt Chapman, an experienced audio consultant, was brought on board to review the existing setup and design an AV system that would not only meet the church’s requirements but also be easy to operate for church volunteers and staff.

The Solution

After evaluating the space and the acoustic challenges, Matt proposed a solution based on reliable, high-quality audio equipment. The core of the new system was a BSS BLU-100, a versatile networked audio processor that formed the backbone of the AV system.

JBL Professional CBT-50LA loudspeakers were selected for their even sound coverage across the church and sleek, unobtrusive design. Powered by reliable Crown CDi amplifiers, known for their performance and ease of installation, the amplifier and speaker combination ensure consistent audio quality.

The system was designed for simple and convenient operation. To ensure a seamless experience for the church staff, Matt set up a customised Sunday morning preset using Motion Control.  With the touch of a button, the system powers on, unmutes the microphones, turns on the projectors and lowers the screen – all in one smooth operation.

System Features

• BSS BLU-100 Networked Signal Processor: Flexible, centralised audio control for reliable performance.
• JBL CBT-50LA two-way line array column loudspeakers with beamforming technology, provide discreet, even full-range sound coverage for the entire church.
• Crown CDI Amplifiers: Easy installation and highly efficient for consistent sound delivery.
• Motion Control custom preset for ease of use: One-touch system activation, including audio, projectors and screen.

The Impact

The new system has had a transformative impact on the worship experience at Uniting Church. The clear and even sound coverage has made services more engaging for the congregation, and the ease of use has been a major benefit for church staff. One congregant expressed their satisfaction with the upgrade, saying, “I’ve heard you preach for the first time!”

The Pastor and the congregation are extremely pleased with the results, and the church is now equipped with a modern audio solution that ensures everyone can hear the message clearly, creating a more inclusive environment for worship.

“Having a high-quality audio system that is set up correctly plays a critical role in the overall experience for any venue,” said Matt Chapman. “The performance of the JBL CBT loudspeakers, delivering consistent, intelligible sound throughout the church, has positively impacted the congregation, including those with hearing impairments who had previously thought their hearing aids were failing.”

The Uniting Church in Levin now enjoys a modern, user-friendly audio system that enhances the worship experience for all who attend, meeting the diverse needs of its congregation.

This is the latest in a series of musicals on which Tony has specified JBL VTX A Series. Having first used it on Beautiful the Carole King Musical tour, followed by Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical in the West End, he has subsequently specified it on many productions including My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican, for which he won the Olivier award for best sound design, Gatsby at The American Repertory Theater Boston and Two Strangers (carry a Cake Across New York) which is currently playing at the Criterion Theatre.

“The JBL VTX A8 is exactly what a theatre system should sound like,” says Tony. “It’s incredibly transparent and natural on a whole range of playback or live instruments, its coverage is very consistent, it sounds equally impressive at any volume, and when needed it can go loud without any kind of distortion.”

Tony says music is in his DNA. He grew up in a world of Jamaican sound systems, and whilst he never learnt an instrument, it was the equipment that fascinated him. “I loved the power, the sound, the bass, playing with EQ.  I just loved the kit.”

Next To Normal is an emotional hard-hitting musical with a rock score written by Pulitzer, Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Brian Yorkey. The stellar cast of six all provide vocals and are accompanied by an on stage live band featuring drums and percussion, bass, guitar, real upright piano, violin and cello.

“The A Series is dealing with the variety of instruments without colouring any of them. There’s a fantastic detail and accuracy to the HF which helps keep the sound of every instrument intact in the mix,” he says. “JBL have built a loudspeaker that sounds amazing out of the box without the need for excessive DSP. The only tuning needed is just for a specific room, which I do on the desk.”

This system itself comprises two main hangs of eight VTX A8 line-array elements which cover all but the first five rows of the stalls. Two ground-mounted B18 subwoofers and two flown B18 subwoofers reinforce the bottom end.

“I could have extended the array but the sightlines would have been compromised in this theatre, especially given the height of the band’s position on set,” Tony explains. “The arrays are angled slightly inwards to centre the energy a little and keep sound off of the audience boxes.”

Again, sightlines prevented additional flown subs, but the A8 arrays themselves are operating in their full-range mode with extension down to 50Hz to create plenty of low-end energy.

The balconies are extremely well targeted by the arrays, with only the rear of the upper tier requiring delays due to the physical design of the theatre.

Tony is using JBL’s new Venue Synthesis application to model the space and whilst he says coverage is pretty simple to determine in the confined space of a theatre, the weight loading calculations provided are a very useful tool.

Justin Teasdale, one of the production sound team has also used the JBL VTX A Series in an entirely different content: installed onboard the Norwegian Colorline cruise ship ‘Color Fantasy’. He says whilst the use of JBL does still sometimes raise an eyebrow in the theatre world, this is getting less so as people are hearing it more and more.

Tony agrees. “This applies to the composers and musical directors too,” he says. “They want to hear their music transfer accurately to the theatre and I’m increasingly noticing the appreciation for the sound of this JBL system.”

Tony acted as sound designer on 16 shows last year and eight already this year. Next up is Becoming Nancy at Birmingham Rep which he says will also feature JBL VTX A8, followed by a much-anticipated transfer of My Neighbour Totoro to the West End in 2025.

“I don’t think there’s a show I wouldn’t spec the JBL VTX A-Series on,” he concludes.

JBL Professional is exclusively distributed in New Zealand by JPRO.

Fitness Cartel, a vibrant luxury health club brand, has officially opened its first branch in New Zealand, located in Auckland’s Manukau City.

This wellness franchise is redefining the standard for full-service health clubs by offering the ultimate workout experience. From high-energy workouts to rejuvenating recovery sessions, every aspect of the member journey is designed to inspire and motivate. Gym owner Leo Kane combines exceptional customer service, top-tier facilities and an energising atmosphere, all complemented by cutting-edge audio-visual and lighting systems.

To help bring this vision to life, Fitness Cartel Manukau partnered with trusted audio-visual specialists Safe N Sound. They were tasked to create a luxurious fitness experience with high-quality AV equipment, captivating visuals and powerful audio systems for an unrivalled workout atmosphere.

“We prioritise using high-fidelity AV equipment and reputable brands for our projects,” says Lee Dewerson, Managing Director at Safe N Sound. “In this way we are guaranteed exceptional performance, durability and professional support from local suppliers. It was crucial for the audio systems to be tailored to the unique needs of each zone.”

After careful consideration, JBL Professional Control28-1 Loudspeakers were selected for their sleek design, versatile mounting options and rich even sound, ensuring a high-performance experience in every zone. In areas requiring deeper bass, JBL ControlSB2210 subwoofers were added to enhance the experience.

JBL PRX912 powered 12” loudspeakers and PRX915XLF compact 15” subwoofers deliver powerful audio to the Spin Studio, while JBL 8128 8” ceiling speakers provide high-fidelity sound for the reception, recovery room and changing areas.

A networked BSS BLU digital signal processor was chosen as the central hub for audio management, with BSS Contrio EC wall controllers providing flexible, reliable control.

“BSS BLU signal processors are known for their robustness and reliability,” adds Lee Dewerson. “Their open architecture platform provides limitless possibilities for audio and control designs. This setup provides independent control of the seven zones, allowing instructors to easily switch music sources and adjust both music and microphone levels.”

To ensure crystal-clear sound across the gym, Crown CDi4300 four-channel installation amplifiers and JBL CSA240Z and CSA2120Z commercial zone amplifiers drive impactful and consistent audio to all JBL Professional loudspeakers.

“This project has transformed the gym into a state-of-the-art environment that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its members,” remarks Lee Dewerson. “By prioritising excellence in every detail, Fitness Cartel Manukau now delivers an inspiring and luxurious fitness experience. We would like to thank our audio product partner JPRO for their support in bringing this vision to life.”

“The equipment has performed exactly how we envisioned it would – reliably and consistently. It is a fantastic sounding system that fills our space with high quality sound, complementing our high-end fitout,” says gym owner Leo Kane. “The bass in the system carries well and compliments the speakers perfectly. Features we really like are that the sound levels can be managed from the back end and are reset each day, a microphone system that can work throughout the gym during events and the ability for our instructors to control their music and microphones with ease.”

In the fast-paced world of event management, success often hinges on the ability to adapt, evolve and invest in cutting-edge technology. For VIVID Event Production, one of Tauranga’s fastest growing events and hire companies, this philosophy has been the driving force behind their journey, particularly with their recent investment of the JBL SRX900 powered line array series.

VIVID’s story goes back to the entrepreneurial spirit of owner Jaymz MacKenzie-Hooper. At just 17, while still in school, Jaymz started selling tickets to U18 alcohol-free dance parties. What started as a passion project soon transformed into a hire and events business and Jaymz slowly started purchasing equipment to support his growing venture.

Fast-forward ten years, and VIVID is now a full-service event production company with offices in four locations, offering professional DJ services, equipment hire and comprehensive event solutions. However, the sound system inventory had become a mismatched collection of various makes and models—many of them outdated.

Recognising the limitations of their existing equipment, VIVID made a strategic decision to invest in a versatile sound system capable of supporting everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals.

“We needed a solution that was scalable, durable, and easy to deploy – plus it had to deliver exceptional sound quality from a reputable brand with reliable local support,” explains Jaymz.

“We wanted one system that could handle our 100-capacity shows and have the flexibility to provide full sound reinforcement to the 2500-capacity shows we were already doing – and future proof ourselves with the support of a supplier to keep growing and add more boxes as we need them.”

The Team at VIVID selected a full complement of JBL SRX900 series loudspeakers, opting for both the SRX906 6-inch and SRX910 10-inch line array elements, combined with the SRX918 single 18-inch and SRX928 dual 18-inch subwoofers. To maximise flexibility, they added the pole mount accessories and array frames, which could be flown or ground-stacked. This setup gave VIVID the versatility they needed, allowing the systems to be used for multiple smaller gigs or combined for larger deployments.

Jaymz adds, “With the pole mount adapters we have run the SRX906s on stands for events of 100 people and by simply adding SRX918 subwoofers, we have catered to 400 people in smaller live music and corporate event venues. Having the ability to then use all the systems together with the help of the JBL VENUE Synthesis 3D acoustic simulation software has been a game changer for us.”

The decision to invest in the JBL SRX900 line array system marked a pivotal moment for VIVID – one which has seen the company grow and take on a wider range of events. From intimate gatherings to sprawling festivals, the SRX900 seamlessly adapts to a myriad of venues and event types, delivering exceptional sound quality and coverage. Whether it’s the pulsating beats of The George FM Summer Tour or the high-energy vibe of Audiology’s Sunbelievable, the SRX900 consistently exceeds expectations, leaving audiences enthralled and event organisers delighted.

Since upgrading to the JBL SRX900 system, VIVID has enhanced its dry hire inventory with JBL Professional products, including the EON700 Series, PRX900 Series (widely used as DJ monitors), and the versatile EON ONE MK2 battery-powered column PA.

“VIVID now only supplies 100% JBL Professional audio across our range,” says Jaymz proudly. “We would like to thank JPRO and the wider team at JBL for their help and collaboration. The support, training and dedication to the brand has helped us achieve so much more. They have been amazing,” he acknowledged.

VIVID’s journey highlights the transformative power of innovation and strategic partnerships. With their investment in the JBL SRX900 line array system, they’ve not only enhanced their own capabilities but also reinforced their dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for clients and audiences alike.

The upgrade emphasises the company’s continued commitment to excellence in audio, providing the best professional audio solutions to their customers.

Strawberry Sound provide full production services to top performers and promoters in the entertainment industry and celebrate 40 years in business this year. From concerts and festivals to award shows and gala dinners, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering outstanding audio visual experiences.

A proud JBL user since day one, Strawberry Sound continue to invest in cutting-edge technology to enhance its services. The addition of the JBL VTX A8 Series brings greater scalability and high-performance sound, ensuring every event—no matter the size—sounds its best.

One of the first events for their new system was the Miharo Central Lakes Polyfest in Queenstown, where the A8’s versatility was on full display. A ground-stacked system featuring six brand-new VTX A8 mid-highs and three B18 subwoofers per side was deployed, delivering outstanding results.

General Manager Mark O’Neill emphasised the importance of this upgrade, saying, “Adding the JBL VTX A8 Series to Strawberry Sound represents a significant step forward in our capabilities as a production company. The scalability of the system gives us the scope to deliver high-quality audio for a wide range of events and venues. The system can be split into several smaller systems for intimate gatherings or combined into a bigger system for large-scale productions, all while maintaining the versatility and reliability our clients have come to expect.”

The VTX A Series is designed to meet the demands of any event, providing well-engineered rigging, exceptional sound transparency and intuitive 3D acoustic simulation software using JBL Venue Synthesis.

“One of the standout features is its excellent sound clarity. The top end is incredibly smooth, with remarkable detail, ensuring that every note, word and sound is heard exactly as intended—without the harshness that some other systems may produce. Whether it’s a live performance, corporate event or outdoor festival, we’re proud to offer our clients the very best in professional audio solutions,” Mark O’Neill added.

Soon after the addition of their new A8 system, the Strawberry Team received JBL VTX training with Tim Robertson, JPRO’s JBL accredited VTX Trainer. The training equips users with the knowledge to maximise the capabilities of the VTX system safely, covering system design principles, hands-on rigging, configuration and software optimisation.

“We’re proud to be a part of Strawberry’s journey as they expand their inventory with the world-class JBL VTX A8 line array,” says Tim Robertson. “We’re committed to providing the best solutions and support to help our customers succeed.”

The system is powered by two Crown VRACK touring amplifier racks, each equipped with three of the most advanced professional touring amplifiers: the 4-channel Crown i-Tech HD 4×3500. Each amplifier channel features comprehensive OMNIDRIVE HD™ processing, including the acclaimed LevelMAX™ Limiter Suite and support for linear phase FIR filters, as utilised in the latest JBL V5 loudspeaker tunings.

Configuration and control of the entire system is managed by the latest JBL Performance Manager and Line Array Calculator software, with the Array Link mobile companion app helping technicians deploy systems on-site.

While the upgrade was not only about acquiring new equipment but also enhancing the overall experience for both clients and audiences, Strawberry Sound recognised the importance of collaboration. “We also want to take a moment to thank JPRO for being a fantastic partner and distributor,” says Mark O’Neill. “Their support and expertise have been invaluable throughout this process and we deeply value our long-standing relationship with the JPRO team. Collaborating with such a trusted partner has made this addition to our inventory seamless and rewarding, and we’re excited about the possibilities it opens up for the future.”

Established in 1959, Onehunga High School has long been a cornerstone of its community. Nestled in Onehunga overlooking the picturesque Manukau Harbour in Auckland, the school’s deep roots are reflected in its strong sense of tradition and continuity, with many second and third-generation students passing through its halls. A legacy highlighting Onehunga High School’s commitment to providing lifelong learning opportunities for the local community.

Recognising the need to modernise its facilities to better equip students for the future, the school recently completed a major redevelopment, introducing several advanced facilities. Two new teaching blocks were built – one with a dual-basketball-court gymnasium, exercise room, locker rooms and teaching spaces, and the other dedicated to science and technology.

The school develops culture, character and interpersonal skills through encouragement, commitment, discipline and personal responsibility. This is done by actively engaging students in a diverse range of activities, including sports and performing arts. It was decided that the new gymnasium would be used as a multipurpose venue to cater for its various events and a key requirement to achieve its objectives would be a flexible, high-quality audio system that ensures clear, powerful sound and excellent coverage throughout the space.

The Solution

Trusted technology partner Connect NZ was called upon to design and install a high-definition LED wall and a high-performance audio system capable of meeting the multipurpose audio requirements for the school.

With the range of activities including sports, cultural events, music and performing arts, system designers selected JBL Professional CBT 1000 high-powered line array column loudspeakers with CBT 1000E low frequency extensions for the gymnasium.

JBL CBT 1000 is a high performance adjustable coverage line array column that is engineered to distribute more sound to the far area of a room allowing for optimal sound distribution and delivering consistent powerful audio throughout the space, ensuring even coverage from front to back.

With limited room for traditional subwoofers, system designers specified JBL CBT 1000E low-frequency extensions for their extended bass response down to 38Hz, providing enhanced sound control and increased output levels that allow the school to achieve a full, dynamic audio experience without compromising on space or performance.

The loudspeakers are powered by a Crown DriveCore CDi21200 amplifier. Designed to make installations easier, Crown CDi DriveCore amplifiers are equipped with speaker presets to fully maximise the capabilities of the CBT 1000 speakers. CDi amplifiers streamline ongoing maintenance and control with robust network management, advanced digital signal processing and a user-friendly front-panel interface with colour display. Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the CDi range, thanks to GreenEdge Technology, which incorporates power-saving features and an auto-standby mode to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Because the multipurpose gymnasium would also be used for school assemblies and live music performances, reliable AKG wireless microphones were chosen along with an external RF Venue DFIN ‘diversity fin’ antenna for reliable RF reception throughout the space. The Diversity Series of antennas eliminate dropouts compared to traditional whip or paddle antennas by combining two antenna paddles into one (with two RF inputs), simplifying RF setup and reducing coax cable clutter.

System Features

• CBT-1000 High Performance Adjustable Coverage Line Array Column that sends more sound toward the far area of a room to make front-to-back sound levels more consistent.
• CBT-1000E Extension for CBT1000 provides extended bass response and pattern control and increased sound output levels for superior audio performance.
• RF Venue Diversity Fin Distro4 Package includes Diversity Fin Antenna (DFIN) for Wireless Microphones, DISTRO4 Antenna Distribution System and relevant coaxial cables
• AKG C555L wireless condenser headset mic
• AKG DMS800 Dante enabled wireless microphone system
• Bluetooth wallplate with Dante
• Crown CDI21200 best performance-for-value amplifier with pre-loaded JBL speaker tunings to help make installations quicker and easier.

The Impact

“We needed a high-performance audio solution that is reliable and could cover long distances. The JPRO design along with the JBL CBT1000 line array column loudspeakers have enhanced the Onehunga High School gymnasium,” says Rakesh Choudhary, Business Development Manager at Connect NZ.

“What truly stands out is the speaker’s consistent tone quality, whether at soft or loud levels and its ability to deliver clear audio in various performance settings in a large open space. Its IP55 marine-rated capabilities provide added peace of mind against humidity and dust, keeping the system reliable for all occasions. It’s been the perfect solution for the multipurpose requirements of the venue and we’re delighted with the results.”

The Opportunity

In 2023, the Springboro branch undertook a major renovation project to overhaul its technological infrastructure. The initiative included the addition of a medium-sized conference room and large meeting room, enhancing the branch’s capacity for collaboration in the community.

The in-house technology team led by Chad Morris opted to install a complete HARMAN Professional AV system, consisting of JBL Professional COL Column and ceiling speakers designed around the AMX Jetpack, which was developed for small-to-medium meeting spaces.

The Solution

The AMX Jetpack provides simple-to-operate room controls, while offering multiple video inputs and enabling voice lift for clear communication with everyone in the space.

The JPK-1300 combines 4K60 4:2:0 HDMI and USB-C video switching and distance transport, room control, wallplate accessibility and audio amplification in a kit that requires zero programming.

It includes a three-input switching wallplate transmitter, a six-button keypad with volume control, and a multi-function receiver with built-in amplifier, USB signal pass-through, RS232 control, Relay, IR, mic/line input, line out, remote mute, audio de-embedding, USB-AUDIO, ARC function and CEC control.

Jetpack supports a wide range of classroom and meeting space applications and can be controlled through panel buttons, RS-232, Telnet, SSH, a Web GUI, and the Jetpack Manager application.

The Impact

“The biggest wow factor with this project was how trouble free it was,” says Morris. “I’ve been an IT professional for 16 years and some projects present obstacles along the way. This one, for the most part was straightforward.

“During the installation, I had to contact the AMX engineer a few times with some basic questions, but they gave me all the information I needed. Overall, it went smoothly for a larger project. I am not an AV expert. I figure if I can do it, pretty much anybody can do it.”

Morris adds: “With Jetpack, you can get a high-end product with cost-effective solutions. Libraries don’t have the budgets big companies do. We need to deliver to the public good, top-of-the-line, cutting-edge technology – but without breaking the bank. Jetpack is the perfect solution for that.”

“The response to the Jetpack has been awesome. What staff and patrons like about it is that you just plug it in and it works. Its simplicity is what makes it great.”

SITE REFERENCES | BROCHURE | REQUEST INFO/DEMO | VIDEO RESOURCES

Intellivox References New Zealand

Here is a reference list of some of the venues in New Zealand where JBL Intellivox beam shaping loudspeakers are used to enhance the audio experience for the listener. (updated December 2023)

The Opportunity

Auckland International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand—and it has become bigger with several expansion projects over the last decade including baggage claim areas, passenger lounge, international terminal departure processing zone and retail hub areas. The massive transformational project has more than doubled the size of the international zone.

Bartons Sound Systems are a preferred contractor for the installation of PA equipment and maintenance of public address systems at the Airport and have utilised JBL Professional Intellivox adjustable self-powered column speakers in many of the expansion projects. Intellivox delivers highly intelligible announcements to large passenger numbers in difficult acoustic spaces.

Bartons originally deployed JBL Intellivox DC280 columns during the first phase of the new baggage claim area upgrades, the DC280 proven to deliver excellent speech intelligibility with constant sound pressure level up to 35 metres. Subsequent newer Intellivox models such as the DSX280HD and DSX180 have been deployed in various phases of the expansion.

“Until the expansion project began, nearly all of the PA loudspeakers used at Auckland International Airport were ceiling speakers or old-style PA horns for exterior areas,” said Rob Waddell of Bartons Sound Systems. “Aside from the fact that we wanted to install something much better, the open-ceiling arrangement of the baggage area precluded the use of ceiling speakers. Further to this, installing a distributed system of conventional, cabinet-type loudspeakers and the cable to wire all of them up would not be cost effective.”

Additionally, before construction even started it was predicted, based on the architectural plans, that the space would be highly reverberant. A further complication: the degree of absorbency (alpha) of the horizontally mounted ceiling baffles that would be installed for reverberation control was unknown.

Waddell realised that a beam shaping loudspeaker would provide the solution and determined the JBL Intellivox was the ideal choice for delivering intelligible sound at the volumes required to handle the ambient noise level of a baggage claim area. The loudspeakers also needed to overcome the high reverberation times created by the space’s open architecture, ceiling beams, walls and uncarpeted floors.

The JBL Intellivox digital beam steering enables its vertical dispersion to be precisely focused and shaped by controlling the relative phase and amplitude of its column of custom-designed drivers and optimising its volume, parametric EQ and delay using proprietary DSP techniques.

Waddell used EASE AURA acoustic modelling software to determine that only two JBL Intellivox DC280 loudspeakers would be needed to provide clear, intelligible coverage of the baggage claim area. The loudspeakers were installed vertically along the wall where the baggage belt is located. “Because it is only 5.3 inches wide, you really have to look hard to realise the speakers are even there,” Waddell noted.

The loudspeakers had to deliver a STIPA (Speech Transmission Index Public Address) of at least 0.5 because the installation serves both as PA and as an EWIS Emergency Warning and Information System. “Management wanted the PA to deliver at least 0.6 minimum STIPA and JBL Intellivox easily achieves this,” Waddell pointed out. “The speaker’s ability to provide highly focused coverage, yet over a large distance, is key in achieving this level of power and intelligibility while overcoming such highly reverberant acoustics.”

Along with superior performance, JBL Intellivox beam shaping speakers have provided significant cost savings because they are self-powered, which eliminated the need for external amplifiers and reduced the amount and expense of cable and labour needed. In addition, the Intellivox built-in Ambient Noise Sensing System further reduced the need for external microphones and cabling that would otherwise be required.

The successful use of the original JBL DC280 has led Waddell to specify installing more JBL Intellivox beam-steerable array loudspeakers including DSX280HD and DSX180 for various stages of the remodelling and extension work. “On paper they’re a clever solution – but when you actually hear the speaker performing so brilliantly in this type of environment you really appreciate just how well-suited they are to this type of application.”

The Opportunity

The All Blacks Experience allows visitors a unique opportunity to be immersed in the world of the All Blacks and Teams in Black and to discover more about their culture, legacy of success and connections with New Zealand.

A priority was to create a highly engaging experience for visitors. The visitor is immersed in this latest experience that steps through the process of what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black. Five interactive zones provide the opportunity for a visitor to face the full force of the haka, to prove their rugby knowledge, as well as getting hands-on in the skills area by testing their kicking, lineout and agility skills against some of the greatest All Blacks and Black Ferns – and each other.

Wellington-based company Toulouse were engaged to work alongside the project team at Workshop E to design, specify and install immersive AV, lighting and audio technology into this new experience.

Toulouse specialise in providing creative design and technical solutions for the visitor experience and arts presentation sectors. The company collaborates with key players in this space to provide some of the best experience-based storytelling, both within the country and internationally.

The Solution

The end-to-end audio architecture for the All Blacks Experience is delivered on a variety of hardware – Crown CDI Drivecore installation amplifiers, AVoIP audio decoders, a mixture of PC’s and Brightsign media players for source. There are three sets of 5.1 audio spaces within the experience.

Due to the unique audio requirements of each zone, Crown CDI4300BL, CDI4600BL and CDI41200BL amplifiers were selected. Crown CDi installation amplifiers feature Crown DriveCore technology, ensuring consistent power output and a range of input options. Designed for energy efficiency, these amplifiers also provide versatile networked audio capabilities and the inclusion of a BLU link digital audio bus to facilitate high-speed, high-bandwidth integration with BSS networks.

In each zone across the experience, the multi-channel (5.1) audio is delivered via an HDMI cable from a Brightsign media player to the AVoIP audio decoder. The six discrete channels of audio are then delivered into the BSS BLU-806 digital network for distribution to each of the Crown CDI amplifier channels.

The BSS BLU806 digital signal processor made this complex system possible with its BLU link and Dante connectivity. With configurable architecture and intuitive drag-and-drop design, it features a low-latency 256-channel audio bus, combining high bandwidth and power with user-friendly design for efficient and reliable audio distribution.

All other audio is again delivered by the Brightsign media players in a mix of mono and stereo sources, outputted into the BSS BLU network. The BSS BLU network then delivers the audio to a range of spaces within the site via a series of Crown CDI BLU enabled amplifiers.

The key challenge was the complexity of the experience and the range of requirements – from a bone rattling haka performance to an intimate ‘locker room’ conversation. Toulouse installed 160 loudspeakers and 138 channels of audio amplification across this experience. Some amplification was located in the field, whilst other zones of the experience were rack mounted and integrated into the audio network.

Each zone within the experience had uniquely different audio and architectural requirements – to address this the amplifiers and loudspeakers were matched to the composers and designer’s wishes. Extensive testing was undertaken in the Toulouse Wellington workshop with sample source audio provided ahead of the installation in order to achieve this. Creative leads were engaged with the tweaking process to ensure the clarity and depth of the audio experience matched the vision.

Some design elements added complexity to the functionality of the audio design. The ‘Haka Room’ – where the audience are face to face with larger-than-life All Blacks projected on a four-metre-high screen performing the haka Ka Mate Ka Mate – called for a subsonic boom, amplifying and replicating the power of being in front of the All Blacks as they perform the haka on the pitch.

Loudspeakers were carefully selected and deployed to achieve this truly immersive and powerful effect. Amplification within the Haka zone is through a series of Crown CDI41200BL amplifiers delivering 1200 Watts to the centre, left, right and surround speakers, with bridged 2x 1200W to each of the subwoofer enclosures.  For the loudest portions of the soundtrack, the amplifiers are maxed out on the fronts and subs – there is considerable audio being delivered into the small space, allowing the visitor to be fully surrounded in this audio experience.

The Impact

“The Crown CDI range of amplifiers offered the project the best value for the integrated audio network features and the most versatility utilising both the BSS BLU network and Dante audio together within one architecture,” says Marc Simpson of Toulouse. “The audio power and reproduction from Crown enhanced the loudspeaker performance which were also ultimately selected with value and audio performance as key drivers.

“The networking capabilities of these products afforded the Toulouse team a high degree of flexibility and responsiveness during the installation process – creative decisions were made in-situ and Toulouse needed to match the client requirements with the technical capacity within a short time frame.”

The effectiveness of the specific product and the overall impact was noted by the client:

Phil McGowan, General Manager All Blacks Experience said: “Toulouse are a trusted critical partner for us at the All Blacks Experience and their work on the delivery of audio content within the experience has been exceptional.  The finished product creates an immersive and highly emotive soundscape, delivered with crystal clear sound and high fidelity, which allows our visitors to not only hear the amazing soundtrack, but to feel it too!”

“The mighty Ka Mate haka from the All Blacks literally shakes our visitors to the bone – this kind of sound isn’t possible without reliable, professional audio equipment and a highly engaged, experienced technology partner like Toulouse who can bring their years of experience to bear to ensure the technology used is specified, installed and cared for correctly.”

The Opportunity

Founded as an audio visual installation company in 2015 by former touring musician and sound engineer Matt Chapman, the company has since expanded into a full-service equipment supplier for the event industry, contributing to some high-profile events and installation projects throughout New Zealand.

The first real run of the new line array was a solemn occasion, yet the ideal opportunity to utilise all of Audio Workshop’s JBL VTX arsenal, from its VTX F-Series through to the newly acquired VTX A8. Shortly after Matt and the Audio Workshop Team had received their JBL VTX system training by JBL distributor JPRO, the production company was contracted to be the audio visual service provider for the Queen’s Memorial Service held in New Zealand’s capital city.

Audio Workshop was tasked to provide audio visual services in three areas – the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul located opposite Parliament for the State Memorial Service and live screenings in the Parliament Grounds with a main arena and overflow for the public.

The Solution

The State Memorial Service in the Cathedral was attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Due to the sensitive acoustics of the historic church, Audio Workshop deployed their portable JBL CBT1000 high output line array column as main PA with JBL CBT100 line array columns as fills.

Members of the public were invited to gather in the grounds of Parliament where the new A8 system was put to the test for the first time. 6x JBL VTX A8 line array elements were flown on each side of the large screen with video and audio from the memorial service being broadcast to those in attendance. 4x JBL VTX B18 subwoofers for low frequency extension were included.

“We simply had to include the subs so that we could enjoy the pipe organ that can produce bass frequencies down to 20Hz,” quips Matt Chapman. “The detailed audio reproduction by the VTX A8 and B18 is remarkable!”

The Audio Workshop Team clearly appreciated the accuracy and fidelity of the JBL VTX A8 as well as the simplified patented rigging system which makes system set up and pack down quicker and easier.

The delay stack in the Parliament Gardens consisted of JBL VTX F35 loudspeakers being flown on the truss alongside the screen. The F35’s integrated mounting points allowed the system to be set up at the required angles while its high output three-way enclosure provided pristine audio coverage over the area.

The Impact

“We are very excited to expand our range of JBL VTX speakers to include the A8 line array, B18 subs and M20 monitors. For us it has been a natural progression to expand our inventory with a high-end tour grade line array from JBL Professional. The demand to provide audio for larger events necessitated this,” says Matt Chapman. “We were satisfied with the performance from the F35’s and the level of support by JBL distributors JPRO, and as we already had Crown iTech HD amplifiers and many JBL loudspeakers, it made financial sense to keep it in the family as these systems can work together.”

“The VTX A Series really sounds amazing, providing smooth accurate sound reproduction and versatility. The Queen’s Memorial service was our first time flying our expanded VTX A8 Line Array along with our other systems. The set up of all the gear was simple and fast thanks to the rigging system that works exceptionally well.”

The Opportunity

Opened in 2021, UBS Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Long Island, New York. Home to the NHL’s New York Islanders, UBS Arena has a capacity of 19,000 and hosts basketball games, concerts, corporate events and professional wrestling broadcasts in addition to Islanders’ home games. To provide world-class audio experiences for fans and attendees of a wide range of events, the newly constructed facility required a state-of-the-art arena audio solution.

The Solution

Designed by consultant group Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc. and installed by integrators Diversified—consists of over 950 JBL loudspeakers, including eight main bowl arrays of JBL VTX A12 speakers and S28 subwoofers, and a variety of PD Series, AWC Series, VRX Series, Series loudspeakers in balcony, concourse, back-of-house and delay positions. The entire system is powered by Crown I-Tech Series and DCi Series amplifiers, with network control and signal processing provided by BSS Soundweb London devices.

System Features

• 96 JBL VTX A12 loudspeakers
• 32 JBL VTX S28 subwoofers
• 8 JBL PD764i loudspeakers
• 270 JBL Control 47C/T loudspeakers
• 138 JBL Control 24CT loudspeakers
• 43 JBL Control 25-1 loudspeakers
• 75 JBL Control 65P/T loudspeakers
• 18 JBL Control 328CT loudspeakers
• 17 JBL Control 16 C/T loudspeakers
• 2 JBL Control 26CT loudspeakers
• 12 JBL Control 47HC loudspeakers
• 9 JBL PD566 loudspeakers
• 24 JBL AWC82 loudspeakers
• 10 JBL CBT1000 loudspeakers
• 24 JBL Control126WT loudspeakers
• 31 JBL PD595 loudspeakers
• 72 JBL Control 226C/T loudspeakers
• 18 JBL AM7212/64 loudspeakers
• 8 JBL VRX932LA-1 loudspeakers
• 9 JBL Control 47LP loudspeakers
• 6 JBL Control 328C loudspeakers
• 2 JBL Control 128WT loudspeakers
• 4 JBL Control SB2210 loudspeakers
• 11 JBL Control 28-1 loudspeakers
• 8 JBL PRX818XLFW subwoofers
• 6 JBL PRX812W loudspeakers
• 2 JBL 306P MKII loudspeakers

• 56 Crown I-Tech 4X3500HD amplifiers
• 12 Crown DCi 8|600N amplifiers
• 41 Crown DCi 4|600N amplifiers
• 10 Crown DCi 4|1250N amplifiers

• 13 BSS BLU-806 signal processors
• 15 BSS BLU-BIB break-in boxes
• 5 BSS BLU-120 I/O expanders
• 33 BSS BLUCARD-IN mic/line cards
• 10 BSS BLUCARD-OUT output cards
• 20 BSS EC-8BV-BLK-US ethernet controllers

The Impact

“We are the multifunction arena here on Long Island, New York—hosting everything from hockey to basketball, large concerts, corporate events, meetings,” said Brian Jones, AV Systems Engineer In Charge, UBS Arena. “We’re trying to provide the top level experience for all those, whether its thousands of fans here for a concert, making a memorable night, or a small group of people having a meeting here in one of our great spaces. In the bowl, we have our line arrays filled out with VTX Series speakers which is filling the arena with amazing sound for sporting events, pumping up the crowd, and delivering crisp and clear PA announcements.”

“One great thing about this system is its all in one family of products,” said Jones. “Everything talks to each other well and integrates well. We have all our JBL speakers powered by Crown amplifiers with signals driven by BSS products. They all work together really well—using the HARMAN Audio Architect system, we’re able to orchestrate all of that.”

“When good sound hits you it’s a physical experience,” said Jones. “The JBL system here can really drive that sound to our fans, and give them that experience. It’s not just loud. Loud can be painful and uncomfortable. This system delivers volume along with clarity. You can still hear it and understand it, and you can still feel it.”

“We specified the A12s for a variety of reasons,” said Scott Bray, Consultant, Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc. “It met a size mark, because scoreboards are getting bigger all the time. They’re getting taller and wider. We had a limited amount of space we had to fit into the rigging grid. The versatility of the JBL system met the requirements in terms of budget, SPL, performance and fitting into the grid.”

“The ownership group wanted the sound quality to be as good as Madison Square Garden,” said Bray. “We went above and beyond that. The main array system is in stereo. We have eight clusters so we can do left-right configuration all the around the scoreboard. Delays are individually powered so that concert crews can come in and tie into those delays and have a completely time-aligned system all the way back to their main stage arrays.”

The Opportunity

The redeveloped O’Connells Pavilion Shopping Mall was recently opened in the resort city of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island after five years of planning and construction.

The developer has leased two floors of the four-level building to global luxury travel retailer DFS Group for its “Resort Galleria” concept. The area includes a food hall named Eatspace that can accommodate 230 people.

AV systems integrator Strawberry Sound was tasked to outfit the audio and visual requirements of the venue which included a wireless microphone system. “We experienced a challenge in relation to where the customer mostly wanted to use their wireless microphone system,” says Reuben Pearce, Director at Strawberry Sound Queenstown. “The electronics cabinet is located in the opposite corner of the building, behind a concrete wall, and that could result in significant RF dropouts.”

The Solution

Reuben explained that with Queenstown being one of New Zealand’s top travel destinations and the renovated mall a major shopping destination, all of the technology had to fit the facility’s visual aesthetic. “We needed an architecturally appropriate product to use on an exposed ceiling,” he adds. “We had recently been introduced to the new Diversity Architectural Antenna by RF Venue distributor JPRO and it became clear that this would become an essential part of providing reliable wireless audio in an aesthetically pleasing format.”

System Features

RF Venue is a leading global manufacturer of wireless audio essential accessories. The Diversity Architectural Antenna is a high-performance antenna system for wireless microphones that features a slim profile enclosure, can be installed in any position on a wall or ceiling and can be painted to match any interior. Using a unique patent-pending dual-feed antenna design, both A and B diversity connections are provided, so there’s no need to install two separately spaced antennas, resulting in a more professional look that room designers and architects appreciate.

The Diversity Architectural Antenna was supplied through New Zealand distributor JPRO, one of New Zealand’s leading and most experienced professional audio and AV distribution companies.

“At JPRO, we understand that RF dropouts can ruin the most perfect production,” observes Andrew Sorrill, Marketing Specialist at JPRO. “We recommend the use of RF Venue products to our customers for any small, medium or large-scale wireless project because they perform reliably with all wireless audio brands, ensuring no dropouts.”

The Impact

Reuben Pearce says the result was what was expected: “Reliable wireless coverage from day one,” he says, with exceptional RF connectivity with zero dropouts throughout the space. “Our technicians were able to get in and out efficiently and deliver exactly what the client needed.” Expected, he says, because “we’ve used RF Venue products in prior projects, so we know we can rely on a good result. They simply do as they say they do on the box. RF Venue have a direct and reliable solution to what could have been a very real wireless problem.”

The Opportunity

Aucklanders were among the first to view the vibrant astro-turf colours of the football Unity Pitch at Te Komititanga Square in the Commercial Bay precinct.

The colourful futsal-sized mobile pop-up pitch was commissioned for the Women’s World Cup. Vibrant and unique, it represents a patchwork of the tournament brand colours symbolising unity in diversity and the progressiveness of the game. The Unity Pitch will tour New Zealand and be used in all host cities for various fun activities and events building up to the World Cup shared by New Zealand and Australia.

The Solution

Specialist event agency Spur, who are experts at connecting fans to brands by bringing them closer to the sport, required a robust, dependable portable battery powered sound system that could run for at least 10 hours a day on battery power. After testing numerous systems, JBL EON ONE Compacts were chosen for their reliable battery powered operation and exceptional audio performance.

The Eon One Compact is a self-powered two-way loudspeaker with built-in digital mixer, audio processing, Bluetooth streaming and app control, capable of producing an impressive 112dB SPL. Importantly for the organisers, the EON ONE Compact includes a rechargeable, reliable battery with the ability to provide external power to a diversity wireless microphone system providing up to 12 hours of run time.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the weather in New Zealand, the EON ONE Compacts were set up in weatherproof bags, just in case of the odd downpour.

With a full battery charge lasting throughout the days activities, the speakers were easily taken from their stands without the need of removing countless cables and recharged for the following day.

The Impact

“We reached out to colleagues in the industry who immediately recommended the JBL EON ONE range of battery powered portable PA systems,” says event organiser Kristen Tingley. “After careful consideration, it became clear that JBL and the EON ONE Compact was the sound system of choice in terms of battery reliability, portability and feature set – not to mention that the audio quality was exceptional, easily covering the futsal pitch with clear audio.”

“We were able to link two loudspeakers together for greater audio coverage, with our AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system being powered by the battery on the EON ONE Compact via the USB charge port. The MC’s music and the audio quality helped to create an awesome atmosphere heard by all – we especially appreciated the music ducking feature that automatically lowered the music whenever the MC used the microphone. A very big thank you to the team at JPRO for training and helping to make the FIFA Unity Pitch the success that it was.”

The Opportunity

Wellington based integrator Audio Workshop recently installed a networked audio system and turnkey HARMAN Professional solution at the Australian High Commission facility in Wellington, New Zealand.

The Australian High Commission (AHC) acts as the Australian government’s official agency in New Zealand. In addition to providing a range of diplomatic services to the public, including passport, immigration, citizenship and cultural relations. In addition, the AHC represents Australia’s interests to government and business organisations in New Zealand.

A dedicated event space in the facility allows the AHC to host numerous events and meetings throughout the year. The AHC event space consists of four individual rooms that can accommodate multiple events simultaneously or be combined for large events.

The Solution

To ensure maximum intelligibility, versatility and ease-of-use during a wide range of events, the AHC hired Audio Workshop to upgrade their aging sound system with a complete HARMAN Professional Solutions networked audio system consisting of JBL, BSS and AKG solutions.

Audio Workshop relied on a selection of JBL speakers to ensure optimum coverage and clarity in the AHC event space. JBL CBT 70J-1 column speakers provide consistent coverage while minimising room reflections and reverberation from the atrium’s high ceilings. JBL Control 16CT in-ceiling loudspeakers deliver premium speech intelligibility and high quality music playback in four meeting rooms, while Control 29AV-1 speakers offer additional power and directivity for film and video presentations.

The venue required wireless microphones to cover all areas to ensure maximum coverage with speech intelligibility. Audio Workshop specified a multi-channel AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system with distributed antennas to ensure no signal dropout during events.

The entire system is controlled by a BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 signal processor, which can be configured to function independently in each room, or as a single time-aligned system when the rooms are combined. Finally, BSS Contrio EC-8BV wall controllers enable intuitive source selection and volume control in each room, while HARMAN’s HiQnet protocol allows the entire system to be controlled with any WiFi-equipped device.

System Features

• BSS SOUNDWEB BLU-100
• BSS CONTRIO EC-8BV wall controllers
• JBL CBT-70J loudspeakers
• JBL CONTROL 16CT ceiling speakers
• JBL CONTROL29AV speakers
• AKG WMS470 Wireless Microphones and antenna distribution system

The Impact

“We asked Matt Chapman of Audio Workshop to provide a full analysis of our previous system and recommend solutions to optimise the audio quality with a true world-class system,” said Jonathan Pawley, AV & IT Manager, Australian High Commission. “We’re very happy with the new HARMAN system, expertly installed to Matt’s specifications – it certainly exceeded all of our expectations.”

“We’re pleased to be involved with the audio installation in Australian High Commission’s event space,” said Matt Chapman, Managing Director, Audio Workshop. “We strive to understand our clients’ needs and provide them with robust solutions that satisfy their current requirements and leave plenty of room for future expansion. We’re thrilled to see the HARMAN system has accomplished the AHC’s goals and surpassed their expectations.”

Thanks to Bartons Sound Systems, the venue now has a networked digital signal processing and distribution system with 80 output channels (or zones), providing superior audio quality just about everywhere in the stadium.  State-of-the-art IP-based technology includes NETGEAR AV Line switches supplied by local audio, video and control specialists and NETGEAR partner JPRO.

Eden Park has been the home for the country’s national rugby and cricket games and has hosted some magnificent moments in sporting history over the last hundred years. Located in central Auckland, the country’s largest city, it has a capacity of just under 50,000 seats and is also used for conferences, live events, and other functions.

In 1992, Auckland-based Bartons Sound Systems installed Eden Park’s first site-wide PA system to coincide with the inaugural Cricket World Cup and continues to service the venue’s audio needs with various upgrades over the years. Bartons has experience designing, supplying, installing, and supporting audio for over fifty years, with an impressive array of completed projects and clients.

The Opportunity

In 2021, it became clear that Eden Park’s existing sound system was reaching the end of its useful life. Says Tony Wehner, managing director of Bartons Sound Systems, “This presented an ideal opportunity for us to help our customer improve the sound quality and system resilience. Having everything network-based — which is the way of the future — enables us to get the channel count up really high. With so many extra sound channels to work with, we could offer some innovations, such as immersive multichannel surround-sound, to provide superior quality audio almost anywhere in the stadium.”

There were a few additional factors to address. For instance, Eden Park is subject to a strict noise level requirement of 60dB LA10 (10 minutes) at the nearest residential boundary. So sound volume had to be managed, but without impacting on quality. Second, ‘bring your own device’ needed to be provided, enabling anyone hiring the venue to connect to the PA system easily. Finally, replacing the old sound system with the new one had to take place without impacting the stadium’s availability.

The Solution

Bartons recommended and designed an 80-channel sound system based on hardware using the QSYS ecosystem, with components including: redundant QSYS Core for control and audio processing, Junger AES67 Limiter with web-based monitoring for mobile devices, and Touch OSC for 2D sound panning from mobile devices. The new hardware improves the signal-to-noise ratio and fidelity by providing a digital audio path all the way from the sound source to the amplifiers.

Critical to efficient audio distribution was finding the right network switches. Says Tony Wehner, “We carried out some research, and the word was spreading about the NETGEAR switches designed for AV, so we decided to find out more. We like that there is a wide choice of models in the range, from small to huge high-density switches, and professional build quality supported by a lifetime guarantee. It’s also important to use a reputable brand, and NETGEAR seems to be more agile in this marketplace than other players. We value that they have put some effort into creating network switches specifically for AV.”

Tony continues, “It is so easy to set up multiple VLANs with the NETGEAR switches. We have one for the primary event audio, another for control, and the third for external third parties, who can walk up to any AV switch and patch in their equipment.”

The Impact

The selected switches are NETGEAR GSM4212PXs, designed for 1Gb AV-over-IP applications and preconfigured out of the box with a variety of settings and compatibility with leading audio and visual products. The switches were sourced and delivered fast and efficiently by local NETGEAR distributor JPRO, one of the country’s leading professional audio and AVC distribution companies, with a track record spanning more than 30 years.

Due to the need to minimise any downtime, the speed of installation was of the essence. Fortunately, as Tony explains, “We were able to get the NETGEAR switches up and running fast because everything was preconfigured. Instead of our engineers having to do all that work, they just used the easy-to-use graphic user interface, and NETGEAR presets, meaning they could spend more time on other tasks.”

Installation occurred in early January 2022, with Bartons providing on-site support through on-site staff and a remote management solution. As a result, the stadium now enjoys high-quality audio throughout the entire space, across gameday commentary, background music, public announcements, and hirers’ own third-party systems. Plus, sound operators can monitor audio levels and limits throughout the venue, whether from a PC or smartphone. Consequently, if there are any issues, muting or gaining control of individual zones is possible from anywhere in the stadium.

Concludes Tony, “There have been full-capacity sold-out events, and the network has been rock solid. In addition, Eden Park now has a future-facing audio system throughout the site, delivering flexible and high-quality audio.” So, Eden Park can be safe in the knowledge that the sound system is working hard and reliably in the background, enhancing the experience for sports fans and other visitors to this world-renowned venue.

To experience Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium is to experience a lifetime of musical legacy. It’s the birthplace of bluegrass, the home of country, the embodiment of the history and spirit of Music City.

You can practically feel the ghosts of the titans who have passed through these hallowed halls: Johnny Cash. Patsy Cline. Enrico Caruso. Theodore Roosevelt. Houdini. Elvis. Not to mention thousands of up-and-coming musicians hoping to walk in the footsteps of their heroes and claim their own place in the venue’s storied history.

Today, artists of every genre, from Taylor Swift to the Foo Fighters, are honoured to stand on the Ryman stage. A National Historic Landmark and multiple Pollstar Award winning venue as Theatre of the Year, the facility operates as both a performance venue and a living museum, holding more than 260 shows each year while hosting 1,500 visitors daily for guided tours.

“We look to create the most modern experience that we can while still holding on to the heritage that people expect,” says Sally Williams, senior VP of programming and artist relations at Ryman parent company Opry Entertainment Group. “We have to continue to add new technology. We have to continue to welcome new types of artists. We always try to make sure that what we’re doing right now will resonate in the same way in 100 years.”

The Ryman is revered as much for its acoustics as its heritage. The 2,300-seat auditorium, born as a revival hall in 1892, was designed to project the booming voices of evangelists, with curved, reflective walls and rows of century-old hardwood pews wrapping the low stage. But those same live qualities of the hall present significant challenges for amplified events, from managing stage volume to ensuring that mixes worked out in a reverberant, empty hall at soundcheck translate well to a full house. Compounding matters is a long, low under-balcony area prone to inconsistent coverage.

“Some people throw their hands up after soundcheck and say, ‘I don’t know. It’s going to be terrible,’ and they freak out,” says Grand Ole Opry audio services supervisor Mark Thomas. “They’re sitting at their consoles really carving inputs and changing the EQ. We usually tell them, ‘No, just stick with what you know works. When the room fills up with people, a lot of the energy will be tamed right away.’”

Sound reinforcement at the Ryman has been handled by JBL since 1994, with a system optimized for acoustic country, bluegrass and light theatre; that was replaced by a VerTec system in 2005. As the venue began booking more genres and louder acts, system headroom was pushed to the limit. “We couldn’t keep up with some of the louder stage volumes,” says Thomas. “We realized if we were going to keep trying to do those kinds of shows, it was time to update our system.”

After assessing system needs, the next step was defining priorities on and offstage. Ensuring a familiar artist experience was paramount: “We took it really seriously that we might be messing with that magic,’” says Thomas, who took extensive measurements to model what performers were used to hearing onstage. From the audience perspective, the goal was to provide a consistent experience in every seat, especially in under-balcony sections that suffered from limited sight lines and uneven coverage.

Then the team set about reviewing P.A. specifications from every artist who performed at the Ryman over the past five years. “Everybody has to use our P.A., so we wanted to be in 90 percent of the riders that people are asking for,” Thomas explains. “We chose the top three that people were asking for, and JBL was one of them.”

The Ryman team narrowed the field to three manufacturers, represented by three systems integrators, and invited them, along with 20 local live sound engineers, to participate in a full system shootout. “I always welcome shootouts because I think it’s so telling,” says Dan Heins, vice president of Nashville’s Clair Solutions, which facilitated the demos. “I wish it was done more often. We feel better with completely satisfied customers. You don’t want to buy a sound system of this magnitude and put it in and not be happy with it.”

“We ended up with three mono clusters hanging right off the downstage edge and the sub arrays just below,” Thomas explains. “We all walked the room and listened to all three of them over and over and over. That evening we had a bunch of members from the Opry house band come in. We got to feel it with a real band, a real drum kit and some vocalists.”

The shootout’s timing was serendipitous, as unbeknownst to the Ryman audio staff, integrators or participating engineers, JBL was getting ready to introduce the VTX A12, a compact, lightweight new double-12 loudspeaker aimed at mid- to large-scale touring applications and high-end installs.

“We got a phone call that said, ‘We have something new we want to show you. We couldn’t show you there in front of everybody else. We want to take a couple of you guys out to Northridge and show you the new product,’” says Thomas, who flew to Harman’s Los Angeles-area headquarters with Ryman production manager and audio supervisor Les Banks and Opry front-of-house engineer Kevin McGinty to audition the new JBL technology.

The audio team was won over by the A12’s clarity, cohesiveness and lack of coloration: “With a lot of our acoustic problems here, it’s all about vocal clarity and trying to get speech intelligibility up as high as possible,” says Thomas. “I feel like JBL has found that smoothness in that high midrange. We were also really impressed with the subs.”

In January 2018, teams from Harman, Clair and the Ryman took advantage of a rare break in the venue’s performance schedule to install the new system. “There was a lot of preparation with electricians coming in running conduit,” says Banks. “On that Sunday morning at 8 o’ clock, an army of people from the Clair Brothers install team and electricians came in. We had five days to get it going, and then we had a show; the first show was The Grand Ole Opry.”

The Ryman’s A12 system comprises the main P.A., subwoofers, new under-balcony P.A., front-fills and networked amplification. Stage stacks were replaced with hung arrays to clear sight lines and improve time alignment, while minimizing energy onstage.

“The under-balcony was the biggest challenge,” says Heins. “It’s a cavernous space, and it’s very steep. The geometry is unique, from what I can tell, only to the Ryman. It took several tries at it before we really developed the right solution.”

The new system takes the under-balcony from eight passive speakers with eight zones to eight micro-line arrays utilizing JBL VT4886s with time-aligned VT4883 subwoofers in an alternating left-right-left deployment. These zoned arrays have quadrupled the coverage energy for seamless sound in every seat.

“We greatly improved the under-balcony experience for clarity,” says Banks, who has mixed shows at the Ryman for nearly a quarter-century. “It’s not so much volume; it’s definitely coverage. You want everyone who bought a seat to have the same experience. That was the goal.”

The Ryman’s “new sound” is getting glowing reviews from artists, crews, staff and patrons, says Banks. And, he adds, audience compliments take on a special dimension in a town full of music professionals: “You’ve got producers, managers, agents—all critical listeners. You can’t fool them.”

Video: See how JBL VTX A12 Brings Modern Sound to Historic Ryman

Video: Hear from JBL and FOH Engineers Using VTX at the Ryman

And you don’t get much more outdoorsy than doing a gig an hour north of Newcastle, near the historic town of Stroud, in a valley called Gunns Gully, where around 500 dirt bike enthusiasts have converged to ride the Transmoto Enduro.

The Transmoto Enduros are a calendar of eight- and 12-hour endurance races for amateur riders taking place on dedicated tracks in rural areas all over Australia. Pitched as events where you can ‘Race Your Mates’, competitors descend on the sites on Saturday to pitch their tents and prep before challenging each other on the Sunday. As a gig, it’s big, it’s loud, and comes with all the logistical challenges of being remote at the same time.

“We are no strangers to outdoor events like the Transmoto Enduros,” says Marc McAvoy, Director of Be Productions. “For production on these kinds of events, if a piece of gear can have a battery or run wirelessly, it’s a plus. That’s why we carry 60 different models of battery powered lights!”

With every event on the calendar a sell-out, covering the huge sites with audio for communications, announcements, and the race call is a challenge. “We have the audio coverage in the central operations hub sorted,” elaborates Marc. “That’s all run with cabled passive speakers, and the Enduros tour a small 25kVA generator to power it all. That area includes management, sponsor tents, a stage, and the finish line. The trickier issue we had was to get audio to the camping area 300 metres away, where they’ve decided they don’t want the constant hum of generators.”

As part of their continuing research into a reliable battery powered sound system solution, Be Productions had their attention caught by the JBL EON ONE Compact. It’s a self-powered two-way, kicking out 112dB SPL, with onboard four channel mixer and processing, Bluetooth capability, app control, and an all-important rechargeable and hot swappable battery with up to 12 hours run time. Additionally, the Eon One Compact can be set to automatically lower background music levels during announcements.

“We thought the Enduros would be a great test of the JBL EON ONE Compact as a battery-powered audio solution,” relates Marc. “So, we bought six units and an extra six batteries so we could recharge and hot swap without interruption. We put in an FM transmitter at ops that broadcasts to the whole site, then ran a rechargeable FM radio receiver on three of the EON ONE Compacts at the campsite that charges off the EON’s USB port – a very handy capability, that. We then hardwire signal to the other EON ONE Compact in each pair using the analogue pass through.”

With the EON ONE Compacts rigged on site in weatherproof bags, the Enduro was up and running. “The charge on the battery was very reliable,” observes Marc. “The first day, we were running full whack and didn’t have to swap batteries until that evening. We had a tech looking at the on-board battery indicator every hour, and they were fine. The hot swapping was really the key to success for us, as we could do it quickly and easily without having to de-rig the units. In terms of sound, the speech intelligibility is very good, and they absolutely cut through. For full range programme, the output is very impressive for a battery powered unit. I’m very happy with their coverage, and I’d say the EON ONE Compact is the way forward for us in these applications.”

Weighing in at just 8kg and measuring 291 x 255 x 399 mm, the EON ONE Compact’s portability and flexibility will likely see it end up running in some unusual applications. Literally.

“I’ve just been designing and quoting for a running festival with a requirement for runners to be kitted out with a backpack and a speaker,” chuckles Marc. “The idea is that they look like the other competitors, but they’ll be blasting audio synced via phones, connected to the speakers via Bluetooth, with the JBL EON ONE Compact sitting in the backpack. We’ve pitched that to the event, and we just hope they don’t expect us audio techs to run the half marathon with them!”

First published on the CMI website.

Old St Paul’s is a historic Anglican church on Mulgrave Street, Wellington built between 1865 and 1866. Considered one of New Zealand’s greatest heritage places, it is no longer a parish church but a popular venue for weddings, funerals, concerts and services. The church is an example of Gothic Revival architecture and is now managed by Heritage New Zealand.

The church was closed between May 2019 and July 2020 for seismic strengthening work. Heritage New Zealand wanted to take the opportunity to revisit the in-house AV system while the strengthening work was taking place.

The AV system was old and unreliable and the loudspeakers did not provide the quality the customer required in terms of fidelity and coverage. AV integration company Audio Workshop was commissioned to provide a sound and video solution for the church. The objective was to provide a sound system that provided consistent coverage for background music and speech with high intelligibility. The video system needed to be easy to use and easy for the venue staff to set up.

An additional design challenge was to meet the historical architectural requirements of the space, working alongside the architect and within their vision.  The design needed to consider where the AV equipment could be attached while also factoring in the look of the design in an historical space.  While working on the design considerations, Audio Workshop ensured they were not compromising on functionality and quality while also working within the constraints of an overall architectural design.

Audio Workshop selected a BSS BLU-100 configurable networked signal processor for audio processing and control, using Audio Architect Motion Control on an iPad, fixed at the tech desk area in a Heckler wall plate. The iPad can run on a LAN connection powered via POE which keeps the iPad charged.

JBL CBT50 column speakers and Control 28-1 loudspeakers, custom-painted to blend in with the native timber interior, were selected due to their reliability and performance. The JBL CBT50s were specifically chosen for their appearance, audio properties and design, as at 500mm long and slim, they could be mounted between the timber work and not be noticeable. Due to JBL’s Constant Beamwidth Technology in the column-shaped speaker, the CBT-50s are able to provide high speech intelligibility and consistent coverage in challenging acoustic environments.

Due to its open-architecture platform, the BSS BLU-100 processor not only provided exceptional audio processing but was used to control the Kramer Matrix switcher for video.

The design by Audio Workshop for Old St Paul’s has resulted in a sound system that provides excellent audio coverage throughout the church with loudspeakers providing exceptional quality sound for speech.  The design is discreet, with the loudspeakers placed in such a way that they met the architect’s goal of a non-visible sound system.  The video system provides a reliable, easy to use platform for venue staff that is also physically manageable. The overall system design provides all the functionality required while also working within the limits of the historical building.