Canada’s Axe Productions Puts New JBL VERTEC® Line Array System To The Test At K-97 Classic Rock Riot
 
 
NORTHRIDGE, California – Canadian-based A/V service provider Axe Productions recently deployed a complete JBL VERTEC® line array system in the Edmonton, Canada Shaw Conference Center to support the 2nd Annual K-97 Classic Rock Riot. The production, which featured a performance by former Bad Company front man Paul Rodgers, marked the first implementation of the company’s new VERTEC system.

Axe Owner, Jon Beckett, supplied 16 VERTEC VT4889-1 fullsize line array loudspeakers (eight per side) powered by 16 Crown I-Tech 8000 amplifiers, which were configured with Harman’s HiQnet™ System Architect™ software for remote control and monitoring of the system. “Our company’s business is rider-driven, so adding VERTEC to our inventory was an easy choice,” stated Beckett. “These are the first large-format line array loudspeakers we have ever purchased, and after getting the system put together and into use, I would say that the quality of the sound is outstanding.”

To ensure that the brand-new line array system was perfectly configured for the show Beckett utilized the vocal talents of one of his company’s own sound engineers to test the system. “It’s one thing to set up a rig and play a CD through the system, but it’s another to plug in and hear that same clarity with a familiar live voice,” continued Beckett. “When our engineer, who is actually quite a talented vocalist in his own right, started to sing, the sound filled the entire hall with absolutely no feedback. The VERTEC system sounded great right out of the box, using JBL’s factory-supplied V4 DSP settings.”

As a full turnkey entertainment services company, Axe Productions offers total production for all events from concerts to theatrical events to speaking opportunities. The company provides lighting, sound and cameras, allowing for a one-stop-shop opportunity for live productions. As such, Axe Productions has enjoyed considerable growth in recent years, even through challenging economic times. “I think a key to our success has been our ability to provide all production for any event, from staging to lighting to sound to projectors and cameras,” Beckett said. “The growth of our company was a big reason why we needed a large-format line array system.”

"Professional, regional event companies like Axe Productions are a strong part of JBL's worldwide VERTEC owners' network," noted David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional. "Having a top-tier line array system in-house and ready to serve the rider requirements for major touring acts is a significant asset for any qualified regional production company."

For more information on Axe Productions, visit http://www.axeproductions.com.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.