JBL VerTec DP Series Powered Full-Size Line Arrays

JBL has debuted the VerTec VT4889ADP Full Range High Directivity Line Array Element and the companion VT4880ADP Ultra Long Excursion Arrayable Subwoofer. Both models are integrated audio systems featuring field-proven JBL DrivePack technology. Co-developed with Harman Pro Group sister companies Crown International and dbx Professional, the JBL DrivePack electronics modules with integral digital signal processing are designed to couple with VerTec loudspeaker enclosures.

CLEVELAND — Hughie’s Audio Visual Services, Inc. recently provided the NEXO GEO T rig, Yamaha PM5D and T5n amps in support of The Fest 2008, Northeast Ohio's largest free Christian festival, which ushered in 27,000-plus people to Wickliffe, Ohio. Performers included Willy Cleary, North Davenport, Brooke Barrettsmith, Nevertheless, Stellar Kart, Matt Maher, Lee Roessler Band and Jeremy Camp. 

LAS VEGAS — San Diego-based Meeting Services, Inc. provided a JBL VerTec live sound reinforcement system for the recent AARP Life@50+ National Event and Expo held in Washington, D.C., the event drew more than 25,000 members to the Walter E. Washington Convention and Exhibition Center. 

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warfield has been a San Francisco institution since Al Jolson graced its vaudeville stage in the 1920s. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it was home to concert promoter Bill Graham’s shows, including week-long residencies by the Grateful Dead, and has continued to be a Bay Area favorite. This year, Goldenvoice/AEG Live took over management of the Warfield, and embarked on a renovation that included the installation of a Meyer Sound system by Pro Media/UltraSound (PMUS). 

ST. LOUIS — Ironman Sound Industries delivered sound, lighting and backline for the annual Rock 'n CholesteRoll show at Jefferson Barracks Park. This year's historical retrospective of great Midwestern rock ‘n’ roll featured Kansas, The Michael Stanley Band, Pat and Danny Liston (of local legend Mama's Pride) and Klose'nuf.

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Ransdell Chapel, the heart of Campbellsville University in Kentucky, has installed an iLive-144 at the FOH position. A 900-seat facility, the Ransdell Chapel provides the Christ-centered educational focus for the University and is used for various types of events, including student orientation, bi-weekly student body worship sessions, annual Pastor’s conference, worship arts conference, theatrical performances, symphonies and full band concerts. 

ENGLAND — These days, archiving nightly shows on tour is standard fare, with many A-list bands spending upwards of $50,000 at the drop of a hat to build a touring recording rig. But as Jim Ebdon found on the current world tour with Maroon 5, he was able to turn his DiGiCo D5 and Apple Mac PowerBook into a flexible mobile workstation with RME’s HDSPe MADIface 128-Channel 192 kHz MADI PCI ExpressCard.

LAS VEGAS – The 8th Annual Parnelli Awards brought together the legends and up-and-coming talent of the live event industry to honor the companies and people nominated for their outstanding work this year. Held at the Rio All Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the show featured state-of-the-art audio, lighting and video, master of ceremonies Alice Cooper, and keeping with the Vegas theme, showgirls decked out in flashy costumes to greet the attendees. The night paid tribute to audio innovators Roy and Gene Clair, founders of the Clair Bros. (now known as CLAIR) of Lititz, Pa., one of the most successful sound companies in the world; and Dennis Sheehan, longtime tour manager for U2 who has worked with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, Patti Smith and many others.  

AKG Acoustics has released the wireless WMS 4500 microphone system, which offers improved audio capabilities to handle multiple users and multi-channel applications simultaneously. Like its predecessor, the WMS 4000, the WMS 4500 offers an array of available components for operational adaptability and has been modified forflexibility with accompanying wireless applications.

NEW YORK — Janet Jackson’s ‘Rock Witchu’ tour features over three-dozen songs showcased throughout the course of the 2.5-hour evening — replete with singers, dancers and a live band against a spectacular video backdrop. Front and center at the audio helm of ‘Rock Witchu’ is long-time live sound wrangler, Jon Lemon on a DiGiCo D5.