NORTHRIDGE, CALIFORNIA, March 18, 2005 — In a shining example of the reliability and unmatched sound quality of JBL Professional VERTEC® line arrays, sound company ATK Audiotek Corporation handled live sound duties for the 47th Annual Grammy Awards, held February 13, 2005 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. This year’s awards featured performances by numerous major artists in popular music, including Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Green Day.

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“This was definitely our most successful Grammy Awards ever,” said Scott Harmala, VP of Engineering for ATK, which has been doing the Grammy Awards since 1999. “The combination of adequate pre-planning and the predictability of JBL’s VERTEC line array system made for a seamless, flawless production.”

The live sound reinforcement system comprised four main front-stage clusters, each containing 12 VERTEC VT4889 full-size line array enclosures. An intermediate delay zone arranged in a left-center-right configuration contained three clusters of eight VT4889 speakers, while eight compact VT4887 speakers were used as supplemental front-fills. Additionally, since the Grammy Awards now include audience members behind the stage, two clusters (left and right) each containing four VT4887 speakers were hung just off stage.

As Harmala noted, recent advances in technology have given way to more reliable sound. Not only do wireless PC’s allow him to roam throughout the performance space while tuning the system during rehearsals, but JBL’s Line Array Calculator software provided for system users has given Harmala an increased level of confidence during the planning process.

“The calculating software that we use to optimize shape and amount of elements was a huge help, because it made the sound so predictable,” Harmala said. “We’ve proven this system design format to be successful on this scale for televised awards shows. It’s a difficult situation providing ample sound for people speaking on different types of microphones, not to mention the musical components of the show. But our design is tried and true, and we know before going into the show that once we’ve coordinated airspace conflicts with things like trusses and screens, the rest will be relatively straightforward.”

ATK Audiotek Corp. was an early adopter of JBL’s VERTEC technology in 1999, and has since deployed these premium line array systems in a wide range of applications. “Companies like ATK, with their demanding requirements and high-profile event work, are one of the toughest kinds of customer an audio equipment manufacturer can have,” noted David Scheirman, Director of Tour Sound for JBL Professional. “They provide JBL with real-world knowledge of how sound reinforcement loudspeaker systems must work in order to be accepted at the highest levels of the rental sound industry. We’re pleased and honored that ATK has chosen VERTEC for use with their most discriminating clients.”

ATK can be reached at (818) 845-8484. The company’s website contact is www.atkcorp.com.

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, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

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