CSA Indonesia selects JBL, Crown, AKG, Soundcraft, BSS and dbx solutions to deliver high-quality audio across multiple hotels and clubs

BALI, Indonesia—CSA Indonesia recently equipped several ARTOTEL Group properties across Indonesia with complete audio solutions from HARMAN Professional Solutions.

Founded in 2010, ARTOTEL Group operates a brand of art-inspired hotels and beach clubs in many Indonesian cities, including Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya and more. To create unique and immersive atmospheres for its guests, each ARTOTEL features a specially-curated collection of artwork by local artists. In order to provide guests with premium audio quality for a wide range of areas, activities and events, ARTOTEL Group hired CSA Indonesia to outfit all of their properties with state-of-the-art sound systems. To ensure consistently superb audio experiences across all ARTOTEL Group properties, CSA Indonesia selected end-to-end HARMAN networked audio systems consisting of solutions by JBL, Crown, AKG, dbx, Soundcraft and BSS.

“We asked CSA Indonesia to supply our hotels and beach clubs with robust state-of-the-art audio solutions,” said Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, COO, ARTOTEL Group. “We love the HARMAN systems, which provide exceptional sound quality, coverage and versatility for a wide range of events and functions. With many new hotels under construction now, we look forward to continuing to work with CSA Indonesia and HARMAN, which is critical to ensuring consistently top-tier audio experiences across all properties.”  

CSA Indonesia installed an array of JBL Professional loudspeakers to deliver optimized clarity and coverage in the wide range of environments throughout ARTOTEL Group’s properties. To ensure powerful and intelligible sound for musical performances and events, CSA Indonesia outfitted the convention spaces with JBL EON Series speakers and SRX Series subwoofers, while JRX 212 speakers provide accurate stage monitoring. Versatile JBL AWC All-Weather Series speakers and subwoofers provide high quality audio for indoor and outdoor events. CSA Indonesia installed JBL Control 25AV compact indoor/outdoor speakers, Control SB2210 compact subwoofers and JBL 8128 in-ceiling speakers to provide elegant ambience in the hotel’s lobby, restaurant, bar and exterior areas.

All speakers are powered by Crown CDi Series and XTi 2 Series amplifiers, with multi-zone control supplied by dbx ZonePro 1260 digital zone processors. For networking of the convention and meeting spaces, CSA Indonesia installed BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 audio processors and EC-8BV wall controllers to enable easy volume control and source selection locally in each space.

“Hotels and beach clubs require reliable and versatile audio solutions to ensure excellent sound quality for many kinds of events, moods and spaces,” said Setiawan Winarto, CEO, CSA Indonesia. “ARTOTEL is very satisfied with the quality provided by the HARMAN systems, and their seamless integration allowed us to better serve each unique space. We chose to use HARMAN systems because they consistently deliver the best complete audio solutions for any environment, and for a complex multi-property project like this, you can’t beat HARMAN’s reliability.”   

Events at ARTOTEL hotels and beach clubs benefit from the excellent wireless performance and sound quality of AKG WMS420 wireless microphone sets. For high-energy music performances, CSA Indonesia included AKG D5 dynamic vocal microphones, which delivers incredible gain before feedback to make vocals cut through any band mix. Finally, to ensure top-notch mixes at a wide range of large events and small functions, CSA Indonesia installed Soundcraft Expression Series digital consoles and EPM Series analog mixers.

“We feel honored to be associated with ARTOTEL Group properties, and appreciate the amount of confidence they have placed in our solutions,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “An installation project of this scale requires meticulous planning, technical knowledge and attention to detail. We commend CSA Indonesia for their innovative support and customer-first approach, and we thank them for their continued faith in HARMAN solutions.”

Integrator David Kendall and JPRO (Formerly JANDS NZ) deploy JBL, Crown, Soundcraft and BSS solutions to provide balanced coverage and exceptional intelligibility

WELLINGTON, New Zealand— David Kendall Audio Visual recently installed an end-to-end networked audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at the Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul.

Located in the historic district of Thorndon, the Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, attracting a vibrant community of worshippers each week. In addition to serving an important role in the Anglican Church, the ornate architecture and refined acoustics of Wellington Cathedral also make it a popular venue for choral and orchestral concerts.

With sound reinforcement playing a critical role at Wellington Cathedral, management wanted to ensure optimum audio quality and balanced coverage during church services and concerts. To achieve these goals, management hired David Kendall Audio Visual to upgrade its aging sound system with a complete HARMAN networked sound reinforcement system. Due to their professional audio expertise and ability to provide unique custom designs, David Kendall chose supplier JPRO (formerly JANDS NZ) to partner on the project.

“I knew this was going to be a challenging job—many people have tried over the years,” said David Kendall, Integrator. “Thanks to the technology provided by HARMAN solutions, we were able to make big improvements while staying within the church’s budget. I am very proud of what we achieved with the HARMAN system in the cathedral’s challenging acoustic environment.”

The front nave, the Cathedral’s main area, is covered using JBL Intellivox DS280 array speakers, which offer excellent speech intelligibility throughout the coverage area while maintaining a constant sound pressure level up to 110 feet. The Intellivox DS280’s unobtrusive design and active vertical beam shaping helped the JPRO design to achieve seamless integration and optimum performance in the cathedral.  To cover the rear nave of the cathedral, Intellivox DC280 speakers that were part of the previous sound system were redeployed, while JBL CBT-50LA and CBT-100LA column speakers were deployed for chancel-, choir- and front-fills. The CBT Series speakers are powered by Crown DCi Series amplifiers.

“The main objective when designing the system was to ensure that the loudspeakers distributed the sound evenly in the desired areas, while minimizing unwanted reflections,” said Nicholas van Dyk, JPRO. “The JBL Intellivox and CBT line array column speakers delivered the coverage and clarity needed to produce properly balanced speech and music reinforcement in the acoustically sensitive cathedral.”

For mixing and audio processing, David Kendall included two BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 audio processors and a Soundcraft Si Impact digital mixing console. The system’s ease of use and intelligent design allows simple operation for everyone at the church, while offering great flexibility for skilled operators.

During liturgy, the microphone levels are controlled with the Soundcraft ViSi iPad app, and can be automatically mixed via a BLU-100 stage box and the Soundweb London automix function. When the venue hosts guest artists and large concerts, a Soundcraft Si Impact digital mixer provides intuitive professional control over the mix. 

 “We try to update our sound system every ten years or so,” said Reverend Digby Wilkinson, Dean of Wellington. “I am very happy with the latest upgrade—the sound quality, coverage and control provided by the HARMAN system is a huge improvement and it sounds fantastic! We thank David Kendall and the JPRO team for the expertise and hard work they displayed during the installation.”

“It is a privilege to see our solutions being used in the beautiful Wellington Cathedral,” said Ramesh Jayaramn, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “The new HARMAN system ensures that sermons can be preached with clarity, and the beauty of the choral music can be delivered with perfect balance in the cathedral. Thanks to JPRO for their confidence in HARMAN solutions, and for their relationship-driven approach.” 

Ba Sao Audio deploys JBL, Crown, BSS, Soundcraft and Martin solutions to create an end-to-end HARMAN AV system with premium sound quality and versatility

PHU QUOC, VIETNAM—Ba Sao Audio recently deployed complete HARMAN Professional Solutions audio and lighting systems at the Rock Island Club at the Nam Nghi Resort.

Located on a small private island offshore from Phu Quoc island, the Rock Island Club is an outdoor eating, drinking and dancing venue that offers a 360-degree panorama of Phu Quoc’s beautiful coastline and a mesmerizing ocean view. The club is renowned for its team of mixologists and chefs, who craft innovative cocktails and provide a contemporary culinary experience. Management recently decided to upgrade the sound and lighting with the intention of turning the Rock Island Club into an international party destination. To achieve this goal, management hired Ba Sao Audio to design and install a complete HARMAN audio and lighting system made up of JBL, Crown, BSS, Soundcraft and Martin solutions.  

“Club and DJ events require a comprehensive range of high-quality audio products that provide exquisite sound quality,” said Nguyen Khac Anh, CEO, Ba Sao Audio. “The HARMAN solutions work perfectly for the venue, and the system allows the guests to enjoy crystal-clear music, not only onstage, but in the entire building. HARMAN’s wide range of brands provided us with a great deal of flexibility, which has helped turn the Rock Island Club into an incredible party venue.”

The HARMAN system includes JBL Control 31 two-way loudspeakers, which are paired with JBL PRX418S subwoofers to reinforce the bottom end. The system is powered by Crown DriveCore Install and CTs 2000 amplifiers. Audio processing is provided by BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 and BLU-50 signal processors, and a BSS Ethernet controller is used for signal routing. Audio is mixed on Soundcraft Signature 16 consoles. The lighting solution features numerous Martin by HARMAN fixtures, including the RUSH Aqua compact LED, the RUSH Wizard "full-house" effect light, and the RUSH Multibeam 2 LED effect light.

“We chose iconic brands by HARMAN Professional Solutions because we wanted premium AV solutions that would provide a unique experience to our guests," said a spokesperson for Nam Nghi Resort. “No other venue in the city is so well-equipped to provide a scintillating party experience. We hope to make Rock Island Club a party destination so famous that people will mention it in the same breath as Rock Bar in Bali, or Café Del Mar on the Spanish party isle of Ibiza.”

“We are privileged to offer the highest quality audio experience at the Rock Island Club," said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP and GM of HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. "The sound system perfectly complements the high-end atmosphere of the venue, and sets it apart from the other entertainment resorts. We thank our partner Ba Sao Audio for coordinating with Nam Nghi Resort and delivering and excellent customer experience.”

Alchemy Sound & Vision selects JBL, Crown, BSS and Martin solutions to create a versatile audio and lighting system with intuitive operation

MINNEAPOLIS—Systems integrator Alchemy Sound & Vision recently outfitted popular Minneapolis bar and venue Pourhouse Uptown with a complete networked audio and lighting system by HARMAN Professional Solutions.

First opened in downtown Minneapolis in 2012, Pourhouse offers a unique atmosphere that combines live bands, DJ dance parties and screenings of major sports games. With its recent opening of Pourhouse Uptown, there are now three Pourhouse locations thriving in the Minneapolis area. In order to facilitate a range of entertainment and ensure consistent performance across all locations, Pourhouse hired local systems integrator Alchemy Sound & Vision to install a networked audio and lighting system in their recently-opened uptown facility. Alchemy selected a range of JBL speakers, Crown amplification, BSS audio processing and Martin lighting solutions to provide Pourhouse Uptown with exceptional audio, immersive lighting and intuitive system control.

“The owners loved the HARMAN Professional systems we installed at the first two Pourhouse locations, and they specifically asked us to use the same JBL speakers and Martin fixtures at Pourhouse Uptown,” said Andrew Stewart, Project Lead and Sound System Designer, Alchemy Sound & Vision. “The house bands and DJ rotate performances between all three locations, so it’s critical that each system operates the same from venue to venue. As a company, we strive to provide well-thought-out systems with a focus on the user control experience. There’s no way we could provide a system with this level of quality and control without HARMAN products.”

One of the biggest challenges the Alchemy team faced was distributing powerful sound throughout the venue without disturbing residents in condos above the venue. The HARMAN system at Pourhouse Uptown features two JBL PD6322/95 precision three-way speakers and two JBL STX828S dual 18-inch subwoofers. Alchemy also included six JBL AC299 and four AC895 compact two-way loudspeakers to deliver uniform clarity and coverage to the far side of the room and balcony level.

Crown CDi DriveCore Series, DCi DriveCore Install Series and MacroTech I Series amplifiers supply transparent and reliable power to the entire system. Stewart utilized the built-in all-pass filters on the CDi Series amps to match the phase response of the AC299 and AC895 fill speakers to the mains, delivering consistent balance and tonality throughout the venue. This combination of speaker selection, placement and tuning provides a powerful and focused audio experience for the audience, without bothering the upstairs neighbors.

“The owners wanted big, bold and powerful audio coverage, but not so loud it upsets the residents above the venue,” continued Stewart. “The JBL PD6322/95 speakers allowed us to find a perfect compromise and deliver adequate coverage in a controlled manner—it’s a really great sounding box. We used JBL AC299 speakers as balcony fills, which are rock-solid and provide excellent 90 by 90-degree coverage. I used the Crown CDi DriveCore amplifiers built-in processing to delay and augment the phase reponse of the speakers. I’m really proud of the sound quality we were able to produce with this HARMAN system.”

For stage lighting, Alchemy installed a range of Martin lighting fixtures, including the new RUSH MH 10 Beam FX, to deliver high-intensity lighting on the stage. The team also included a Martin Magnum 2500 Hazer, THRILL Mini Profile and Compact PAR 64 fixtures.

“We were excited to finally get our hands on the new Martin RUSH MH 10 Beam FX fixtures,” commented Stewart. “They’re really unique looking fixtures, so we put them right up front for everyone to see. I love that they can spin a full 360 degrees without stopping. The THRILL Mini Profile and Compact PAR 64 are both ten times better than any other fixtures in their price range.”

Alchemy’s goal was to supply Pourhouse with a completely integrated and networked system that would deliver an optimized audio experience in a wide range of scenarios without requiring a trained technician to operate during all open hours. To achieve this, Alchemy designed the system around the BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 signal processor to provide simple network control over all audio inputs and system volume. This allows Pourhouse staff to easily switch between audio signals from satellite radio, the DJ booth or live band stage. Alchemy also included a BSS BLU-BOB1 break-out box to provide additional analog outputs to the JBL speakers.

Ba Sao Investment outfits new theater on campus with JBL, Crown, BSS, AKG, Martin and AMX solutions to deliver premium AV and lighting experiences

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam—Ba Sao Investment recently equipped International School Ho Chi Minh City with a complete networked AV and lighting solution by HARMAN Professional Solutions.

Founded in 1993, International School Hi Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is Ho Chi Minh City’s most established international school. Offering excellent learning opportunities to students representing over 50 nationalities, ISHCMC is the first school in Ho Chi Minh City to provide all three International Baccalaureate curriculums. In addition to the campus’s modern classrooms, collaborative learning spaces and dedicated study areas, ISHCMC recently constructed a brand new 350-seat theater. In order to ensure exceptional audio quality and intuitive control for musical productions on the theater stage, ISHCMC hired Ba Sao Investment to outfit the new facility with premium audio, lighting and control solutions. Ba Sao Investment installed a complete HARMAN networked AV system made up of solutions by JBL, Crown, AKG, BSS, Martin and AMX.

“As a committed International Baccalaureate school, ISHCMC encourages a balance between academic achievement and holistic development,” said the spokesperson for ISHCMC. “There are several opportunities for students to develop skills in many areas, including leadership, arts, sports, culture and outdoor recreation. As part of that commitment, we wanted to make sure our students had access to the best equipment, while learning the technical and artistic aspects of theater production. The HARMAN system installed by Ba Sao meets our strict requirements, delivering a stunning AV experience worthy of our school’s high standards.”

To ensure premium sound reinforcement for productions in ISHCMC’s new theater, Ba Sao installed a range of JBL AE Series loudspeakers. Compact AC25 and AC18/95 speakers combine high output with high fidelity, while AM5212/00 two-way speakers provide excellent coverage, adjustable waveguide and low distortion. ASB6112 18-inch subwoofers offer the extended low-frequency bandwidth needed to produce an impactful theater audio experience. For critical listening and mixing tasks in the theater, the team included JBL LSR305 studio monitors and AKG K240 MkII headphones.

“ISHCMC’s administrators wanted high-quality audio and lighting solutions with seamless control for their new theater building,” said Nguyen Khac Anh, CEO, Ba Sao Investment. “The new HARMAN Professional system ensures state-of-the-art quality and intuitive control for productions at ISHCMC, and the staff couldn’t be happier with the results. We consistently rely on HARMAN products for all of our audio installations because they represent the gold standard in AV solutions in terms of quality, versatility, reliability and performance.”

The entire system is powered by Crown XLi amplifiers and networked via BSS Soundweb London BLU-100, BLU-BOB2 and BLU-DA signal processors for unmatched sound quality, reliability and user control. Ba Sao included a Martin M2GO HD integrated PC-based lighting controller and a range of AMX encoders, decoders and transceivers to give ISHCMC’s staff intuitive control over the sophisticated AV and lighting system.

“We take pride in delivering an exceptional audio experience in any space, and it’s honor to provide such an experience at Ho Chi Minh City’s prestigious ISHCMC,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank Ba Sao Investment for trusting HARMAN products to consistently deliver custom systems that suit every client’s needs.”

New visitor foyer features complete HARMAN audio and lighting solution, debuting at IIHF World Championship

HERNING, Denmark – MCH Group recently installed a complete audio and lighting solution from HARMAN Professional Solutions in the newly built visitor’s foyer at Jyske Bank Boxen Arena in Herning, Denmark.

The Jyske Bank Boxen is a 15,000-seat indoor arena that hosts sporting events such as ice hockey and basketball, as well as concert events with international artists. Jyske Bank Boxen is part of the MCH Messecenter Herning exhibition center in Herning, Denmark. In preparation for the 2018 International Ice Hockey Foundation (IIHF) World Championships, the MCH Messecenter Herning opened a new visitor foyer, featuring a dynamic façade designed to direct visitors to the arena, exhibition halls and other areas of the complex. In order to deliver a memorable experience for guests at the area, MCH installed a complete audio and lighting solution from HARMAN Professional Solutions, made up of Martin, JBL, BSS and Crown.

A main highlight of the new visitor foyer is the unique façade on the outside of the building. The façade features triangles of multilayer, semitransparent material lit up by Martin Exterior Linear QUAD lighting fixtures, controlled by a Pharos touch panel station . “We started with a shoot-out with a number of linear lights from various brands,” explains Martin Gehling, Head of Operations, Messecenter Herning. “We ended up selecting the Martin Exterior Linear QUAD Graze due to its uniform color mixing, high output and the beautiful saturated colors. On top of this, the support from the Martin team has been outstanding.”

The Martin fixtures provide a smooth and consistent color for each triangle, leveraging the superior premixed color of the Martin Exterior QUAD fixtures. Each fixture is controllable, designed to allow the look of the façade to be adjusted to match the event going on in the arena. “We are very pleased with the overall result and how the Martin lighting transforms the building into an exciting environment, perfect to build up the right atmosphere for our customers coming to a new arena concert or large sports event,” explains Gehling. “Already, when people arrive from the highway, our façade is highly visible and people start looking forward to a great night.”

Inside the new foyer, a complete HARMAN audio solution provides flexible control of the high-quality, high SPL sound system. The solution features JBL Control Series ceiling speakers along with CBT and Intellivox column speakers, providing consistent coverage throughout the facility. The installation in the new foyer connects to JBL speakers located throughout the existing facility. The entire system is connected by a BSS Soundweb audio network for audio processing capabilities, and is powered by Crown CDi Series amplifiers.

Karsten Ørkild, Project Manager at system integrator Lydrommet explains, “The end customer wanted a system that was able to deliver high quality, entertainment-ready sound at a high sound pressure. Thanks to BSS Soundweb, which connects the entire facility, local technicians can configure the system to fit any type of event. We are happy to have worked with HARMAN to deliver a system design and software programming that provides a flexible, reliable and future proof audio system.”