The VTX A8 is a compact line array system available in installed and tour formats for small to medium sized venues. VTX A8 and its bigger brother VTX A12 have impressed this year during NZ’s Summer Festivals – being used extensively with touring artists and music festivals such as Toto, UB40, Slayer, KORA, Sound Splash and The Hollies.

The demo took place at the newly rebuilt Christchurch Town Hall in the exquisite James Hay Theatre.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to use venues such as the James Hay Theatre to allow audiences to get a first-hand impression of the JBL VTX A8,” comments JPRO’s Tour Sound Manager Tim Robertson. “This is a new sound from JBL and it is important for people to experience the transparent, smooth sound for themselves. I enjoyed watching everyone’s response when the system is run in full range – we had jaws dropping when we told our guests that we were not running the subs.”

“The response at James Hay from the industry has truly been overwhelming and we would like to thank everyone for attending,” says Andrew Sorrill, Customer Support and Marketing at JPRO. “We would like to get as many industry professionals in New Zealand as possible to experience the system for themselves. If you have not recently heard the new JBL VTX A Series, I encourage you to get in front of a system – please contact us and we will arrange for you to hear one.”

The Old Elephant House was once home to Auckland Zoo’s elephants, today it is an iconic multi-purpose restaurant in a relaxed environment. The historical house, built in 1922, features new interiors with the restaurant suited to host a variety of events including seated dinners, wedding receptions and cocktail parties – inside as well as outside in a courtyard bar.

AV and ICT integration company Skopik was commissioned to design and install an easy-to-use multi-zone audio system to cater for the needs of the venue.

“The brief was simple,” says Jeff Sundrum, AV Service & Installations Manager at Skopik. “Our client required a high-fidelity audio solution for a number of areas at the Old Elephant House, which could be used by any staff member. We selected the JBL Control Contractor series and all-weather outdoor speakers as JBL have a broad range of products to choose from and the audio quality and coverage is pristine. This ensured that the best type of speaker was utilised in each location.”

Several JBL Control 25-1 two-way 5-inch compact wall-mount speakers were selected for their sonic characteristic and contemporary design that complemented the new interiors of the Old Elephant House. JBL Control 14CT two-way 4-inch ceiling speakers allowed for seamless coverage in more difficult to reach spaces, while JBL AWC 62 compact all-weather loudspeakers were installed in the outdoor sections of the venue.

With specification assistance by JPRO, Skopik was able to design and install a system where staff could utilise an iPad to control sources and audio levels in all 4 zones.

“We simplified the installation process with a 4-channel Crown Drivecore CDi4300 amplifier, which gave us sufficient zones to work with,” adds Jeff Sundrum, “The CDi4300 speaker presets and internal DSP for JBL loudspeakers meant that we did not have to rely on any external DSP. Some basic programming on the Motion Control app allowed us to provide staff with a clean and simple-to-use interface to manage audio sources and volume in all four zones. Our client is enormously happy with the outcome.”

“JBL Control Contractor series has a profound heritage and is the industry leader for commercial speakers offering a massive variety of loudspeakers for any application,” says Eli Murray, AVC Sales at JPRO. “We are proud to be part of this project – Skopik has provided an amazing solution in this tranquil space.”

Established in the 1920’s, The Lido started as a single screen arthouse cinema. Patrons travel from across Auckland to enjoy a true cinematic outing with various recent art house releases and films aligned toward an older audience, all while taking in the venues Art Deco design, a lounge featuring a fireplace and wine bar for before-and-after-drinks.

A second screen, known as The Lounge, with 44-seat capacity, was added in 2005, shortly after managing director Richard Dalton took ownership of the facility. “It’s always been a bit of a troublesome venue for speaker placement due to the rear projection screen,” he says, “you can’t really place large speakers behind the screen, so you’re stuck with little speakers all around it.”

“The Lounge initially required a centre-channel replacement,” continues Richard Dalton. “However, after being given the opportunity to hear a L-C-R comparison with the JBL’s, the difference was literally night and day. We have had about 3 sound systems in there since it opened and none of them have been particularly good. The idea of working with the AV Integrator and JBL to create a dream soundscape was rather exciting.”

The high technology requirement meant partnering with experts in audio and visual system integration.

AV Integration company Avid Automation and JBL distributor JPRO were called upon to assist with the installation, audio design and commissioning of the system.

“The Lido is an institution for dedicated movie-goers, and we were excited to be associated with this project,” says Darian Sundar from Avid Automation. “JBL has a rich history of innovation in professional and cinematic audio and we were keen to provide a solution that would befit the venue.”

After the initial consultation and a dramatic improvement to the front soundscape, it was then decided to upgrade the facility from 5.1 to 7.1

“Due to the layout requirement of the venue and the rear projection screen, I quickly realised that the image control waveguide of the JBL 7 Series Master Reference Monitor would be a perfect solution for the cinema,” says JPRO AVC designer and Sales Director Paul Edlin. “The waveguide allows for a much wider sweet spot and greater accuracy in the audio spectrum for room-to-room consistency, especially in the critical dialogue range. It would also allow us to provide a unique solution within budget.”

JBL’s installation version of the 7 Series Master Reference Monitors were chosen, with the JBL 708i selected for the left, centre and right channels and run in bi-amplified configuration, maximising on the superb audio capability of the 7 Series. The smaller JBL 705i Master Reference Monitors were selected for an all-encompassing surround and rear audio experience. Custom JBL subwoofers deliver a smooth, solid low-end for sound effects and dramatic soundscapes.

“The JBL 7 Series were easy to install as they are equipped with rear, top and bottom mounting points,” adds Darian Sundar from Avid Automation. “We made use of Crown DriveCore amplifiers to power the loudspeakers and thanks to the onboard DSP and speaker presets, the install process was simplified. We were able to really unleash the full potential of the 708i’s in bi-amped mode. The audio quality, detailed imaging and expansive dynamic range from the entire system is pristine. I am happy to be part of this innovative solution.”

Audio amplification is achieved with three of Crown’s newest DriveCore series amplifiers, the CDi4300 4-channel installed audio amplifier, with the L-C-R channels run in bi-amplified mode. Loudspeaker management and signal processing is simplified with the on-board Digital Signal Processor of the CDi4300. The cinema re-deployed a Datasat AP20 digital audio processor for content management and playback.

An enthusiastic Richard Dalton concludes, “The amazing work in the little cinema has exceeded my expectations with a premium audio result – I love it. The team at Avid Automation and JPRO have done a great job – I look forward to doing more screens with them.”

Vodafone has officially opened its workplace of the future in Smales Farm – a fully enabled smart building at the heart of a world-leading innovative, sustainable and interactive precinct designed to foster business and community growth.  The building has 6 levels with over 70 meeting rooms and can accommodate up to 2000 people in any one day.

And Vodafone, with its love of all things tech, has installed the best tech available to achieve these goals.  JPRO is extremely proud to have products from our portfolio of professional AVC range included in this stat-of-the-art building.

Craig Hill the consultant for this impressive install comments “The solution is entirely network based, all video, audio and control, is routed and distributed, using the Vodafone’s Cisco switch infrastructure and Cat.6 structured cabling. This is currently the largest AV over IP solution of its type in the southern hemisphere, which includes, meeting rooms, IPTV, digital signage, 3 x operations centres, a multi-room events space and public cafe area with the largest OLED video wall in NZ.”

AV Products Installed at Vodafone Innov8 Auckland

Speakers:

• JBL Intellivox DSX280
• JBL SRX818SP
• JBL Control 47LP

Networked Video:

• AMX N1000 Encoders and Decoders
• AMX NX-2200 Netlinx Control
• AMX N1510 Windowing Processor
• AMX N2400 Encoders and Decoders
• AMX RMS Room Scheduling

Video Control:

• AMX MD-702 Modero Wall Mount Touch Panel
• AMX MD-1002 Modero Wall Mount Touch Panel
• AMX MT-702 Modero Tabletop Touch Panel
• AMX MT-1002 Modero Tabletop Touch Panel

Production company NZ Sound provided the audio for the event that featured Pendulum and Home Brew as some of the headline acts. The main PA system consisted of JBL Professional’s latest line array system, the VTX A12.

“It was my first time mixing on the VTX A12 system by JBL. As soon as we turned the system on, I was blown away. Detailed and crisp high end, beautiful mid-range and deep, defined lows,” says Pendulum’s FOH Engineer Owen Charles. “The system threw an extremely long way back and I was more than happy with the coverage.”

The main PA system featured a total of 24 JBL VTX A12 line array elements, with a ground shaking 18 JBL VTX G28 subwoofers. 4 Vertec 4888 were used as front fills and a number of JBL VTX M22 and M20 tour wedges were used for stage monitoring.

“Definitely my PA of the Day,” quips Tim Robertson, Tour Sound Manager for JPRO the NZ distributor for JBL Professional. “We are proud to have supported an event such as Ohakune with JBL VTX A12. “The system continues to impress locally and our aim is to have it added to more technical riders in the NZ market.”

All loudspeakers were powered by Crown V-Racks, which included I-Tech 12000HD and I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers, while system management and control were handled with JBL HiQnet Performance Manager software.

Featuring BSS OMNIDRIVEHD processing with linear phase FIR filters and the acclaimed LevelMAX Limiter Suite, both models provide crystal-clear amplification with ample headroom. Network connectivity via HiQnet and Ethernet protocols provides a high degree of control and real-time diagnostics.

The Impact

Owen Charles who currently mixes for Yungblud & Pendulum, has previously mixed audio for international artists such as Macy Gray, D’angelo, MF DOOM and Jay Electronica, adds: “When I was mixing on the Waves LV1 console, the JBL VTX A12 translated perfectly – what the artist and I were hearing in the studio during pre-production came out better than we could have hoped for on the day. Let’s just say the JBL VTX A12 line array and A-Series line array systems are now going straight on my rider.”

The Opportunity

Designed exclusively with esports in mind, LPL Studios is a state-of-the-art broadcast studio that includes an ultra-modern control room, dedicated console and PC booths as well as commentary and analysis desks and game pods. The facility allows for 4K or HD recording and live broadcast of esports events at most major New Zealand and Australian venues.

The studios are close to the SKYCITY Theatre, where live events with a 700-strong audience are possible. Up to 3000 fans are being projected due to the opening of the International Convention Centre in 2019.

The Solution

As a result of their experience and knowledge integrating systems in a wide range of applications, leading broadcast integrator Digital Video Technologies (DVT) was tasked to implement a broadcast service solution based around the unique requirements of esports.

“The layout of the venue is rather unique as it is cylindrical in shape, following the natural floor layout of the Sky Tower” comments Stuart Barnaby of DVT. “We needed to ensure that the acoustics of the various studios was efficient. Further to this we required a flexible, out-of-the-box audio solution.”

To ensure a unique world-class audio solution for the esports studio facility, DVT approached New Zealand Studer and HARMAN Professional Solutions distributor JPRO (formerly known as Jands NZ).

“When I heard the details of the audio requirement, I knew that the best broadcast solution for the studio would be Studer Micro, AKG Professional and JBL” says JPRO Broadcast Specialist Tim Robertson.

The Studer Micro fader control surface was included in the TV Control Room with Studer MicroCore set up as the audio hub and controller. JBL’s compact 305P studio monitors were added into the control room, with volume managed by a JBL MSC1 monitor system controller.

DVT specified AKG HM1000 and CK31 hanging microphones that are used as ambient mics and installed in the game pods. The commentary and analysis desks make use of AKG HSD271 professional studio headsets for the commentators while AKG DMS800 wireless microphones are distributed via Dante.

“With the opening of the first esports broadcast studio in Australasia, we are excited that JPRO and HARMAN Professional are able to provide a solution for an exceptional integrator such as DVT, for the enjoyment of gamers and fans alike,” adds Tim Robertson.

Designed from the ground up, the JBL VTX A12 is a dual 12″ three-way line array element that has been purpose built for mid to large size touring applications and high-end fixed installations.

Guests were introduced to the theory behind the technologies of the A12 before being allowed hands-on demonstrations of the system.

“We wanted our guests to understand the philosophy behind the technology of the VTX A12 and then to experience first-hand the innovative new features such as the ease of set up due to the redesigned rigging system,” says JPRO Tour Sound Manager Tim Robertson. “We then gave each person the opportunity to conduct their own listening tests on the system.”

“There has been fantastic interest with the VTX A12 locally and our aim is to have it added to technical riders in the New Zealand market,” concludes JPRO’ Tim Robertson. “The VTX A12 has appeared at numerous festivals in the US, while JBL VTX line array systems have been used by a number of International artists such as Pitbull, Demi Lovato, Enrique Iglesius, Neil Diamond, Linkin Park, Kesha, DJ Zedd and Lenny Kravitz. VTX-A12 will be added to technical riders when the system becomes fully available after the promotional tours.”

Auckland Transport’s recently opened Ōtāhuhu station is more than a piece of infrastructure: it is a public sculpture. The new $28m interchange features stunning floor to ceiling glass and it aims to give a sense of history and culture, in addition to its primary objective of assisting commuters to take the train or bus.

With long hallways, large echo-ridden rooms and many reflective surfaces, it takes a good understanding of acoustics, as well as an understanding of architecture, design and construction to deploy an effective and intelligible sound system. Systems integrator Bartons Sound Systems knows this all too well having designed and installed many transportation sound systems over the years.

The design called for effective audio coverage within the main commuter infrastructure. The room was split into two zones, the lower atrium and the main mezzanine commuter platforms that stretches over 25 metres. Integration with an existing railway platform was also required.

Two JBL Intellivox DSX280 Active Beam Shaping Column speakers were selected due to their self-sufficient design of being powered, on-board DSP that could adjust to the acoustic requirements of the venue and ability to maintain an even sound pressure over long distances. This reduced the total equipment requirement considerably which in turn reduced the cost to the client.

Rob Waddell, Bartons Lead Systems Engineer specified the JBL Intellivox column speakers. Rob comments “Apart from the need to have an intelligent speaker that could automatically adjust volume and actively manage the acoustically challenging space, we selected the DSX Range as the application required high measurable speech intelligibility.”

The Digital Directivity Synthesis (DDS) concept is used in the beam shaping JBL Intellivox column speakers. This concept is well-suited in areas that have acoustically challenging spaces as minimum energy projection can be achieved at a room’s boundary.

FIR output filters are calculated by ‘reverse-mapping’ the desired audio coverage of a hall or space back to the column array. On-board DSP takes care of the real-time signal processing, surveillance routines and networked logging to achieve the best match between the desired and actual array response.

Rob concludes, “With the many reflective surfaces and complex panelised ceilings, the Intellivox column array system with its beam shaping ability covered the zones perfectly, with minimal reflection off of the hard surfaces.”

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is New Zealand’s oldest established and largest public art gallery. Opened in February 1888, the gallery has increasingly become a focal point of Auckland’s art scene, and now lies at the heart of the New Zealand art experience for both the local community and visitors alike. Major restoration and expansion work completed in 2011, totalling $121 million, has transformed the building into a world-class cultural facility.

JPRO and Provision worked together to provide a networked audio system as part of the AV upgrade. The original specification was for an all in one AV & Fire/EVAC networked system. After much consultation it was deemed prudent to install a standalone AV system to provide better redundancy.

“This project was unique, in that two of the buildings we were cabling were Heritage Buildings over 100 years old, and not linked, while demolition and construction continued around us,” comments Stephen Ward, project manager and lead designer. “I was able to draw from my knowledge and experience from working and maintaining similar heritage sites in the UK, such as the Royal Society of Art and Tait Britain to assist with the planning and implementation of this project. It allowed me the insight and understanding as to how the client would ideally use the spaces.”

With the project being completed in stages the ability to link areas could only be completed once all construction was done.

One of the design challenges was to provide an audio network with up to 25 discrete zones and over 100 patchable inputs (4 per zone), as well as a separate BGM and Paging level control per zone. Each of the 25 Zones then needed the flexibility to be virtually patched to any combination of other zones. And then just to make life interesting, the main control for these zones was to be placed on a wireless touchscreen so that the venue technician could roam the gallery and make patching and level alterations as required.

The BSS London BLU-100 range of signal processors with built in 48 Channel Digital Bus allowed the flexibility they required to make this work within their tight budget.

Stephen continues “The audio was of high importance due to the changing nature of the open spaces in the art gallery and varying exhibitions and the use of the London Soundweb DSP in conjunction with a third party control system allowed us complete flexibility in its design and linking. This provides the ability to expand the AV systems in a modular way and meet the users ever changing needs.”

Provision went about installing 10 Soundweb BLU-100’s between the five AV plant rooms. An audio network was setup between the plant rooms using fibre optic cable which linked the forty eight channel digital audio network and Ethernet control. Every room also had Crestron wireless access points, which enabled compete network coverage of the Crestron tablet. Crestron and Soundweb London integrate extremely well together with BSS being an integrated partner.

The mammoth task of mapping the level controls from 10 different Soundweb DSP began. Logan Bent programmer for Provision with 15 years’ experience and dozens of existing projects involving BSS Audio and Crestron went about the task of integrating the two systems. Logan comments “The actual programming was relatively straight forward once a clear scope of works and client discussions in developing the interface were conducted. The most time consuming component during implementation and commissioning was the grand scale of the project. The greatest challenge with the interface was coming up with a way to overflow any of the inputs to any of the output zones. Along with that a simple way to disable a certain link was needed.”

After the cabling was complete the hardware installation commenced with JBL Speakers being a focal point of the design and a prominent yet discrete feature of the building. In keeping with the Architects vision within the context of an iconic Art Gallery, very low profile discrete speakers were required. In total over 250 JBL speakers were installed throughout this complex including Control 26CT, Control 24C, AC28-95, Control SB-210, Control50ST, Control 25AV, Control42C speakers.

The Great Hall is its centrepiece, seating up to 1,529 people in theatre-style on three levels. Designed for live performances, it includes a 17 metre stud and permanent concert platform. To ensure an exceptional audio experience for patrons with consistent, reliable sound coverage, the Great Hall received an audio upgrade to a JBL Professional high performance audio system. Auckland Live contracted Liquid Automation for the supply, programming and installation of the system.

Liquid Automation’s Commercial Sales Team noted that there were several important considerations when contemplating the design for this audio system, which were re-enforced by their customer Auckland Live who had very high expectations for its performance.

Firstly the heritage status – any system would need to be approved by the heritage panel so that it could not be any more obtrusive than the existing system and the Loudspeakers had to blend in with the existing colour scheme and overall look of the reflector panels.

Secondly the system must be easy to use for day to day operation as the Town Hall is a multi-use venue and the operators needed to be able to reconfigure the system to allow any combination of speaker zones to be activated, and it should be configurable as delay support for temporary PA systems when required.

The technical considerations included the redesigning and installation of new speaker brackets within the permitted loading limits, providing consistent sound coverage across the three vertical levels of seating, achieving good speech intelligibility from the audio system within a reverberant venue, fixing historical issues with noise in the audio chain caused by the mains power supply in the venue, the long cable runs between amplifiers and speakers and, the long analogue cable runs between the operating positions and amplifiers.

With a building of this heritage, three design approaches were considered: firstly a Line Array solution (JBL VTX), secondly a Steerable Array Column solution (JBL Intellivox) and thirdly a Point Source Cluster solution (JBL PD – Precision Directivity).

Careful consideration was given to each approach including in-depth modelling and system design. After a detailed review of all options the JBL Precision Directivity Point Source Cluster was considered to be a highly effective approach.

The PD6322 Full Range Three-Way Loudspeakers and the PD6212 Full Range Two-Way Loudspeakers allowed excellent vertical and horizontal pattern control and, good bandwidth response down to 40hz (PD6322) as well as the ability to precisely aim the cluster and in keeping with the aesthetic of the previous system.

Liquid Automation’s Commercial Project Manager and Shore Engineering Ltd co-designed the main central cluster array bracket to allow fine adjustment “pan/tilt” of every speaker in the cluster. The speaker angles were set in precise alignment in accordance with the computer modelling.

To complement the PD central cluster, JBL Application Engineered Series AC16 two way compact loudspeakers were installed under the balcony areas and were also used for stage fills and delays. The AC16 speakers offered high output and high fidelity which was required for the system brief of a multi-use sound system.

JBL CBT70J Constant Beamwidth Technology™ Two Way Line Array Column speakers were used for Circle delays. “The asymmetrical vertical coverage of these speakers sends more sound towards the far area of room to make front-to-back sound levels more consistent,” says Paul Edlin, Audio Designer at JPRO. “This made these speakers the perfect choice for the circle delays.”

Dante Audio was enabled using BSS BLU Processors allowing for a noise free digital backbone of up to 128 channels between the three critical locations – the control booth, the lower plant room below stage floor and the upper amplifier rack in the town hall roof.

All three were connected via fibre optic cable. The BSS Soundweb network provides complete routing options between all three locations as well as automated scenes to enable any combination of speakers to be turned on or off which allows for maximum flexibility.

Using Harman’s own HiQnet Audio Architect control software, Liquid Automation provided an elegant user interface using a touch screen PC to help the operator quickly and easily switch between the required modes to fine tune the setup. Audio Architect gives the system administrator one software platform to help manage and control the critical components in the system in real time including BSS Soundweb (routing), Crown ITech amplifiers (main cluster) and Crown DCI Amplifiers (all delay speakers).

Continuing on with a need to make the system fully digital, the Digital Mixing Console chosen was the Soundcraft Si Performer as it allowed direct connection to Soundweb (via Dante) while also allowing a fibre optic stage box to be run to the stage for additional patching (via Madi).

Auckland Live Technical Operations staff and clients have commented on the excellent audio in the Great Hall. “The versatility of the system has reduced the need to install temporary sound reinforcement systems for events. Back-up and support from JPRO through initial teething issues has been excellent.”

In September, 2010, Mother Nature dealt a cruel blow to the southern region. The roof of Southland Stadium collapsed under the heaviest snowfall seen in decades, causing extensive damage to the main arena and seven community courts. From adversity has sprung a new stunning multi purpose venue, capable of conducting a wide range of event modes from large scale concerts to sporting events and exhibitions.

The main SBS Sports Arena in the stadium has a capacity of 4,500, with retractable seating. The stadium also has eleven other community basketball, netball and volleyball courts, four rebound Ace tennis courts, four squash courts and several business / function rooms.

The audio equipment is installed in two racks. The first, in the main plant room, consists of three BSS BLU series processors – a BLU-800 for processing, two BLU-120’s for input and output expansion, and two Crown CTS8200CN multi-channel, Cobranet amplifiers.

Minimizing cable run lengths was an important aspect of the stadium system design, so the second equipment rack was located on the gantry level above the stadium floor. This rack houses a second BLU-800 processor, a BLU-BOB and eleven Crown MacroTech HD amplifiers. Audio transport between the two rack locations is via Cobranet digital networked audio.

Twenty two JBL Precision Directivity PD5322 speakers cover the main arena seating. These are switchable in pairs for maximum flexibility and level matching through the stands, and to allow areas to be turned off when not in use.

The Community Courts and foyer are covered by JBL CBT-70J speakers, and other areas supplemented by JBL Control 47C/T in-ceiling speakers and Control 67HC-T high ceiling pendant speakers.

Click on the logo’s below to purchase from these participating New Zealand resellers. Use our to demo button if you wish to request a demo of a JBL product before you buy. JBL Professional is distributed in NZ through JPRO. Providing on-the-ground, NZ based local support, with an unmatched 7 Year Warranty.

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Click on the logo’s to purchase from these participating New Zealand resellers. JBL Professional is distributed in NZ through JPRO. Providing on-the-ground, NZ based support.

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