LONDON, U.K. – DECEMBER 9, 2002 – Ministry of Sound, top club culturists and the first UK dance venue to pioneer outstanding audio as part of their ‘experience’, have had a new JBL VERTECTM line array audio system installed into its busy bar space. As the first area of the venue entered by clubbers, it’s absolutely crucial to create the right audio impression. Ministry of Sound has always recognized that offering audio of the highest quality makes the difference between a good and a bad night out!

VERTEC was supplied by JBL’s UK distributors, Arbiter Pro Audio, to Liverpool-based Over Audio, who co-ordinated the supply. The system consists of eight VERTEC VT4889 elements and was specified by David Bradshaw, the Ministry’s Head of Production. Bradshaw was looking for a system with large amounts of energy and directionability that would adequately cover all areas of the unorthodox shaped room. In addition, the system had to fit the look and work in the context of the club’s aesthetics.

Bradshaw had realized the true potential and versatility of VERTEC firsthand during the Ministry of Sound’s University tour earlier in the year, where they “used it in all conceivable venues, rooms and configurations, getting a great result every time”. VERTEC was also used at Ministry of Sound’s massive summer event staged at Knebworth Park last year.

Bradshaw’s decision to use VERTEC in the permanent installation was taken after careful consideration of other options. Although designed as a concert system, he was totally confident it would work as an installed club system, easily offering the required power, coverage and requisite “in the face” characteristics needed for Ministry of Sound.

Arbiter’s acoustic engineer, Dan Eades, surveyed the Bar using JBL’s Line Array Calculator software, and worked out the optimum configuration for the VERTEC and the required between-element angles. The advantages of line array became immediately evident in the focusability of the sound.

The VERTEC is flown in two arrays, using standard JBL array frames. Eight ground-stacked JBL SP128s and VS125s subs complete the system. At 159 lbs per box, the VERTEC’s light weight meant it could be hung from the existing roof without needing any structural reinforcements.

The entire system is powered by six Crown Macro Tech MA-5002VZ amplifiers and processed by BSS Soundweb, on a CAT 5 network which links the whole venue together digitally, allowing real time control from a central source.

Eades comments, “The project was a great collaboration between Dave Bradshaw and Ministry of Sound, Arbiter and Over Audio.”

The resulting sound in the room is awesome. Bradshaw has had only positive feedback from the Club’s resident and guest DJs as well as their audiences.

In addition to the main system, Arbiter also supplied a dbx Drive Rack 480 speaker management processor, plus two JBL Array Series 4892 loudspeakers and one JBL Array Series 4893 subwoofer for the DJ booth – quenching the familiar DJ demand for extreme SPLs and total clarity.

JBL and The Ministry of Sound go back a decade as technical partners. The famous flagship venue in south London has used a JBL sound system since it’s inception. Indeed an original customized Sound Power system still resides in the Baby Box room at the club. There’s a 24-element JBL VERTEC system at the Ministry of Sound venue in Bangkok, and JBL is utilized for their hectic touring and event schedule as well as supplying the audio needs Ministry of Sound offices in the daylight hours.

Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Pro website at www.jblpro.com.