JBL VERTEC® GAINS WIDESPREAD ACCEPTANCE IN EASTERN EUROPEAN REGION

Recent purchases underscore overseas success
of the most versatile line array for concert sound.

NORTHRIDGE, CALIFORNIA, June 20, 2005 — Further demonstrating the worldwide recognition of JBL’s VERTEC series as the most versatile and powerful line array in the rental sound market, new large-scale concert systems have been purchased by several leading firms in eastern European countries including Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Serbia/Montenegro.

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“The recent VERTEC sales in eastern Europe are indicative of the thriving tour business in this part of the world,” said Martin Seidl, European Director of Sales for JBL Professional. “In addition to sound companies choosing VERTEC because of its flexibility, power and easy setup, it’s becoming more and more of a straightforward business decision for rental companies, as VERTEC is often specified in many technical riders for touring artists.”

In a high-profile example of a recent VERTEC success, Studio Berar, a full-service audio and concert production company in Serbia, recently purchased a system of 24 VT4889 full-size line array elements, powered by Crown I-Tech amplifiers. “Our company has always been oriented toward quality,” noted Slobodan “Bob” Veckalov, responsible for customer outreach in Studio Berar. “Now, with a JBL VERTEC line array on hand, we are able to meet the most demanding contract riders for the professional touring artists. The recent concert in Belgrade with Luciano Pavarotti, staged on May 21st, is a good example of the type of work we are doing.”

The Pavarotti concert relied on two Crown-powered arrays each comprising 10 VT4889 full-size enclosures. Additionally, four VT4887 compact line array elements were arrayed on each side for “extreme side” coverage. The system was controlled by a dbx DriveRack 480, and also featured BSS active microphone splitters.

Other companies in the region now equipped with JBL VERTEC VT4889 systems include Joker Media in Bulgaria, Amex Ltd. in Slovakia and Sfinx Experience CDA in Bucharest, Romania. “As international artists reach into areas with growing economies like eastern Europe, there is a tremendous demand for contemporary, professional-grade concert systems,” advised David Scheirman, director of tour sound for JBL Professional. “Touring artists expect sophisticated concert audio systems. Rental companies in emerging markets cannot skimp on equipment if they expect to be taken seriously. This enables them to meet growing audience expectations for a professional show. With VERTEC well-established in this region, event production values are now dramatically improved.”

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, Crown International, dbx, Digitech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.

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