FIRST INTERNATIONAL INSTALLATION OF
JBL PD SERIES
IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 31, 2002 – JBL Professional is excited to announce the first international installation of Precision Directivity™ Series loudspeakers. Vodafone Arena, a premiere sports and entertainment venue in Melbourne, was recently renovated with PD speakers, receiving a very positive response.

The 10,800-seat Vodafone Arena features retractable and removable seats to accommodate various events including tennis, basketball, live music concerts and a velodrome for bicycle races. A retractable roof, which takes ten minutes to fully open or close, allows the venue to be transformed from an indoor arena to an outdoor venue. The roof presented an understandable challenge when designing the sound system. Since the system could not be mounted in the center of the arena, the catwalk running around the perimeter of the open roof was utilized.

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The original sound system, consisting of a six-element circular array of 15” two-way loudspeakers, delivered sound to a projection distance of 30 to 65 feet. The system was unable to reach the other three sides of the stadium. Local A/V contractor Warehouse Sound Systems was asked to upgrade the system, using the existing loudspeakers, amplifiers and processing equipment wherever possible.

Sven Langebeck, owner and chief engineer at Warehouse Sound Systems, joined forces with audio consultant Douglas Growcott from Watson Moss Growcott to determine the best audio solution for Vodafone Arena. The chosen system included three PD764 mid/high loudspeakers and three VS125HS low frequency loudspeakers. “We chose the PD speaker system based on the specifications published by JBL, along with information provided in a white paper describing the technology used,” stated Langebeck. “My confidence in the accuracy of JBL specifications has been built up over many years. Again, they did not let me down – the commissioned system, when fired up, exceeded all the expectations of the design team.”

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JBL Professional’s PD Series uses a full-range, full-bandwidth total system approach that allows contractors and consultants to design a fully integrated sound system solving the audio challenges inherent to large installations, including arenas, stadiums, houses of worship and other performance spaces. The JBL PD mid/high frequency loudspeakers utilize a new co-axial design, with specific coverage angles that allow the sound to be aimed precisely at individual sections of the audience arena for high intelligibility and maximum fidelity. In addition, JBL engineering developed the new Precision Directivity technology that effectively allows the low frequencies to be “steered” at specific areas of the arena to assure even bass coverage throughout.

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 Pro website at www.jblpro.com.