PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, January 17, 2005 — Extending the proven superiority of its VERTEC® Series line array family to the powered loudspeaker market, JBL Professional today introduced the JBL VERTEC® DP Series, integrated audio systems featuring the new JBL DrivePack™. Co-developed with Harman Pro Group sister companies, Crown International and dbx Professional, these high-performance power modules with integral digital signal processing couple seamlessly with VERTEC loudspeakers. The JBL VERTEC DP Series delivers superb audio quality with robust reserve power, and digital electronics perfectly matched to the enclosures.

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Powered Midsize Line Array with Matching Subwoofer: First Available Products

First products available in the VERTEC DP Series, the VT4888DP 3-way midsize line array element and VT4882DP midsize subwoofer are available with the DP3 DrivePack unit pre-configured from the JBL factory. JBL DrivePack amplifiers from Crown Audio feature Crown’s exclusive BCA (Balanced Current Amplification) technology, incorporating Class I circuitry with temperature-compensated modulation. State-of-the-art feedback circuits enable the JBL DrivePack to set a new standard for performance in digital amplification, with lower noise and distortion specifications than any other high-power switching amplifier on the market. The units include an auto-sensing Universal Power Supply and a fan-free, passive, cooling design. JBL DrivePacks in a three-channel format offer offers a full rated output power of 6,000 watts peak, 3,000 watts continuous. The standard input module from dbx features analog audio inputs and sophisticated onboard DSP technology. Precision bandpass limiting, pre-equalization filters and automatic self-test functions ensure optimized performance. The modular input bay design allows for insertion of optional networked modules, and will accommodate future developments in audio distribution and networking topologies.

Optional Network Modules: HiQnet™ Compatible

The optional networked DPCN (Cobranet™-compatible) input modules from Crown allow JBL VERTEC DP Series systems to link seamlessly into Harman Professional’s revolutionary new HiQnet™ system. With optional network modules installed, users have remote access to system functionality and digital speaker presets, using the distributed-intelligence architecture of the HiQnet protocol and System Architect software. HiQnet compliance ensures that VERTEC DP Series systems offer a variety of configuration and monitoring functions, through software control panels that address not only JBL DrivePack-equipped loudspeakers, but also other HiQnet-compliant audio products from Harman Professional companies that may be integrated into a sound system.

JBL VERTEC Product Line Compatibility: User Advantages

“JBL’s new VERTEC DP Series Systems provide the professional audio community with a new, cost-effective alternative in powered loudspeaker performance,” said David Scheirman, Director of Tour Sound, JBL Professional. “Now, in addition to the premium-quality sound available with VERTEC Series line array systems, we’re providing a greatly enhanced power-to-performance ratio, with improved consistency, flexibility and control. Our customers in the tour sound and fixed-installation performing arts markets have asked for this level of integration and design — and the Harman Pro Group, through the collective expertise and experience of our brands, is uniquely qualified to meet this need.”

In addition, most system models in the VERTEC Series are pre-engineered to be JBL DrivePack-compatible. This allows existing VERTEC system owners, as well as new customers, to leverage the distinct performance and business advantages the JBL VerTec DrivePack technology platform can provide, as JBL DrivePack retrofit kits become available. These advantages include reduced system configuration costs, less concern over cooling needs in low-noise environments like performing arts centers due to the JBL DrivePack’s fan-free design, and transportation and installation savings due to lower space requirements when compared to traditional amplifier racks.

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), (NYSE: HAR), 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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