WESTBURY NATIONAL AND ENGINEERING HARMONICS OPTIMIZES SOUND IN MADISON’S OVERTURE HALL WITH JBL PROFESSIONAL VERTEC® LINE ARRAYS

NORTHRIDGE, CA, September 16, 2004 — In an example of JBL Professional’s unique ability to provide systems integrators and their customers with high performance sound systems that deliver exceptional value, Westbury National and Engineering Harmonics of Toronto designed and installed a system for Madison, Wisconsin’s new Overture Hall. Featuring JBL’s VERTEC® line arrays, the new venue features symphony orchestra performances, but is also designed as a multi-use venue, requiring both power and versatility in the sound system.

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“It’s very rewarding when our professional partners, like Westbury and Engineering Harmonics, specify JBL for a demanding sound system,” said Ted Leamy, Director of Engineered Sound Marketing, JBL Professional. “The versatility and cost effectiveness of VERTEC provides the appropriate solution for a multi-use facility like Overture Hall.”

Indeed, the new 3,000-seat performing arts center will be home to the Madison Symphony and Opera schedule, while also hosting everything from rock concerts to Broadway shows. The venue boasts the largest pipe organ in the world, weighing 150 tons.

JBL VERTEC line arrays have to support whatever takes the stage. Engineering Harmonics, electro-acoustical consultants for the project, specified eight VT4888 midsize 3-way, high-directivity cabinets per side, with a center cluster comprising six VT4887 compact line array elements. Low frequency reproduction is handled by eight VT4880 subwoofers located at stage level. Amplifiers in the system are all Crown MA 3600 and 5002. Signal processing needs are configured and managed within BSS Soundweb.

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Engineering Harmonics is an engineering and design firm specializing in audio, A/V, multimedia, and communication systems. Since the inception of the company in 1988, it has been a premier provider of quality solutions to the broadcasting, recording, and entertainment industries, as well as corporations and governments around the world.

Dave Clark, Director of Engineering at Engineering Harmonics said the challenge in specifying equipment for Overture Hall was to make it flexible. “With different shows, flexibility is important,” said Clark. “Different shows need to move in and out with no surprises, plus the system has to support in-house programming. We’ve used VERTEC line arrays before and were pleased with their performance and their value. In addition, support from the manufacturer was very good.”

Andrew Foord, Director of Engineering at Westbury National was responsible for the installation. In business since 1971 as a touring company, Westbury has since developed a large full-time sales, engineering design and project management department, which rigorously pre-tests audio equipment. Speed and efficiency was important for his firm to finish the job in time for opening events. “The VERTEC line arrays are very nice to work with,” allowed Foord. “The rigging of the cabinets went quite smoothly and allowed the project to stay on schedule.”

This new performing-arts center installation shows how the compact design, light weight and high-quality sound of JBL’s VERTEC line arrays combine to provide performance venues with flexible sound solutions that will meet any demand.

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.

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