| NORTHRIDGE,
CALIFORNIA, July 7, 2004--Demonstrating the dual advantages
of superior sound and discreet appearance, Baltimore,
MD-based Maryland Sound brought its many years of experience
to the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington,
D.C. The ceremony, held on May 29, 2004 for a crowd of 150,000
people, included speeches by President George W. Bush, Senator
Bob Dole, actor Tom Hanks, and news anchor Tom Brokaw. With JBL
VERTEC line arrays positioned throughout the site on MSI¹s
custom extendable pole supports, those who could barely see the
procession from the fringes of the crowd were still able to hear
every word.
The dedication took place in front of the newly-built Memorial,
located on the National Mall at the east end of the Reflecting
Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
Three stages facing the Washington Monument were arranged side
by side for the festivities. Because of the large number of
veterans at the ceremony, extra space was made to accommodate
elderly and disabled individuals.
The expansive seating area for the ceremony required sound
coverage for an extremely large space with minimal obstructions
for the guests. Moreover, because of the large number of
World War II veterans (most at least 70 years old), clear
sound was
of utmost importance. This posed little problem to Bob
Goldstein, president of Maryland Sound. "The event producers needed
a sound system that was pretty much invisible," Goldstein
said. "They were aware of our proprietary pole-mount
system, and thought it would be ideal for this event."
Maryland Sound dispersed 16 poles throughout the mall.
Each one 60 feet high and weighing 10,000 pounds, these
were used
to suspend a total of 140 JBL VERTEC VT4889 line array
elements. In addition, 60 JBL model 4892 Array Series speaker
systems
were deployed for area fill. 150 Control 25AV speakers
were also placed underneath the seats in front of the main
stage
to serve the VIP seating area. Microwave towers distributed
the audio signal, while Maryland Sound communicated via
intercom. "The
poles allowed us to hang a large number of VERTEC enclosures
in multiple areas, without the visual obstructions found with
scaffolding towers that are typically used," Goldstein
said. "The arrays are only noticeable if you¹re
really focusing on them."
For Maryland Sound¹s pole system, the lightweight VERTEC
product line is a perfect fit. "Not only are VERTEC arrays
small and light, but the system is also very natural sounding," Goldstein
added. "It has very predictable dispersion characteristics,
so it can be laid out for even coverage without any dead
spots."
All in all, the dedication was an overwhelming success,
standing out in a list of numerous high-profile events
in which Maryland
Sound has taken part since Bob Goldstein founded the company
35 years ago. "We as a company are intensely proud to
be involved in this long-overdue tribute to the men and women
who served in World War II," Goldstein said. "Because
of the age of the veterans, it¹s really our last chance
to show our appreciation, and I¹m glad we were able
to do so."
Maryland Sound can be contacted at 800.76.SOUND or www.marylandsound.com <http://www.marylandsound.com/>
Photo credit: Don Ripper (Latoff Inc.) / American Battle Monuments
Commission.
ABOUT JBL PROFESSIONAL
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is
the world¹s 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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