CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL MOVES TO SELF-POWERED LOUDSPEAKERS WITH NEW JBL PROFESSIONAL VERTEC DP SERIES SYSTEM

Audio systems consultant Acoustic Dimensions and integrator Electrosonic utilize versatility of VERTEC DP Series to provide sound solution for an acoustically challenging structure.

NORTHRIDGE, CALIFORNIA, August 25, 2005 — In the first-ever installation of new VERTEC® DP Series with JBL DrivePackTM power modules, the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA recently upgraded its sound system with the help of design firm Acoustic Dimensions and systems integrator Electrosonic.

Built in 1980, the Crystal Cathedral is home to Crystal Cathedral Ministries, and its services are televised internationally on the “Hour of Power.” The Cathedral is built predominantly of glass and its sanctuary seats 2,890 people. More than 1,000 singers and musicians can perform in the 185-foot long chancel area.

The Crystal Cathedral is currently hosting “Creation,” a multimedia production on par with those of Broadway, featuring special effects, acrobatic dancers, and an 86-speaker sound system supporting an original score. “Creation” is running at least through September, and plays at the Crystal Cathedral several times a week. The production required a comprehensive new sound reinforcement system, which has now been done as an upgrade to the facility’s existing inhouse resources.

Systems integrator Electrosonic, based in Burbank, CA, handled installation of the equipment, which included 29 JBL VERTEC VT4888DP and 4 VT-4882DP line array elements. The custom-engineered products for the Crystal Cathedral venue feature cosmetic modifications including the substitution of white grilles for black and the deletion of handles. Additionally, 5 JBL PD5322/95 models specially equipped with JBL DrivePackTM units round out the system, along with BSS Soundweb signal processing technology.

Co-developed with Harman Pro Group sister companies, Crown International and dbx Professional, the JBL DrivePackTM power modules couple seamlessly with VERTEC® loudspeakers. JBL’s self-powered VERTEC DP Series systems are designed to deliver superb audio quality with robust reserve power,
incorporating onboard digital
electronics perfectly matched to the enclosures.

“The challenge of the Crystal Cathedral project was to achieve an optimal combination of power, versatility and control,” said Andrew Rutkin, Director of Custom Product Engineering for JBL. “The capabilities of VERTEC, now enhanced with JBL DrivePack technology, perfectly support the many different requirements of the Cathedral, bringing sophisticated, flexible loudspeaker technology to a sophisticated, multi-use worship space.”

For systems design, Electrosonic turned to Craig Janssen of Addison, TX-based Acoustic Dimensions. A long-time specialist in the house of worship field, Janssen met the needs of the Cathedral, providing support for a variety of different services in an acoustically challenging space. “As with any house of worship, we put a huge priority on clarity and speech articulation, particularly in a large glass room” Janssen said. “The church also needed a versatile sound system for its musical programs—they primarily feature traditional music, but there is also a lot of contemporary music being played.”

For more information on Acoustic Dimensions, please visit www.acousticdimensions.com or call 972.239.1505.

For more information on Electrosonic, please visit www.electrosonic.com or call 952.931.7500.

About JBL Professional:
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 Professional website at www.jblpro.com.

About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

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