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.”

Mahajak Development knocks its first stadium sound system installation out of the park with JBL, Crown, BSS and Soundcraft solutions

RATCHABURI, Thailand—Mahajak Development recently installed a complete audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at Mitr Phol Stadium.

The dedicated 10,000-seat soccer stadium in Huai Phai, Thailand is the official home field of Thai Premier League team Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC. Completed in 2016 and constructed to FIFA standards at the cost of over 9 million dollars, Mitr Phol Stadium is a world-class soccer facility, equipped with sufficient parking lots, pressrooms, locker rooms and souvenir shops.

In order to ensure an exceptional audio experiences for fans with clear intelligibility at every seat in stadium, Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC hired Mahajak Development to perform its first stadium audio installation. Mahajak rose to the challenge, selecting a complete HARMAN system for its unmatched audio quality, reliability and powerful performance.

“We required a customized audio solution for the new stadium that would deliver consistent coverage and vocal clarity for announcements and music performances,” said Tanawat Nitikarnchana, Vice President, Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC. “Mahajak supplied us with great customer service and a state-of-the-art HARMAN system. We’re highly satisfied with the HARMAN system, which provides exceptional audio quality and perfect coverage, no matter where you are in the stadium.“

The HARMAN system installed by Mahajak at Mitr Phol includes JBL speakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS audio processors and a Soundcraft audio mixer.

For the stadium’s main PA, Mahajak deployed the JBL PD500 Series, a line of horn-loaded loudspeaker systems with patented WRC weather protection and WRX extreme weather finish for outdoor stadium use. The respective 60° x 40°, 60° x 60° and 90° x 50° horn coverage patterns of the PD564-WRC, PD566-WRC and PD595-WRC speakers enabled Mahajak to optimize system performance in each area of the stadium, delivering clear and balanced coverage in the grandstands, on the field and behind the goals. Highly weather-resistant JBL AWC129 compact loudspeakers provide additional support for fans sitting beneath the roof of the upper deck.

Every component in the system is centrally controlled via BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 and BLU-50 audio processors, and HiQnet-integrated Crown CTs 1200 power amplifiers. For mixing, Mahajak equipped the stadium’s control room with a Soundcraft M-Series analog console, which offers intuitive audio control over live microphones and music playback sources during matches. 

“HARMAN Professional Solutions is honored to have partnered with Mahajak Development to provide its first stadium sound system at Mitr Phol Stadium,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “Our long-standing partner Mahajak Development has once again performed an exceptional job, and we look forward to growing our relationship with them.”

TechData and Winmeditech deploy JBL, Crown, AKG, Soundcraft, BSS, and AMX solutions to create an end-to-end HARMAN AV solution in the newly-opened hotel complex

SEOUL, South Korea—Systems integrators Winmeditech and TechData, recently deployed a range of complete HARMAN Professional Solutions AV systems in the Seoul Dragon City hotel complex.

Opened in October of 2017 by AccorHotels, Seoul Dragon City contains 1,700 guest rooms spread over four hotels, all within an interconnected series of skyscrapers. Billed as a “lifestyle hotel-plex,” the massive facility features 11 restaurants and bars, 17 meeting rooms, two multi-function grand ballrooms, and four full floors of entertainment in a Sky Bridge—the first of its kind in the world—suspended between two of the towers.

In order to deliver exceptional audio, visual, lighting and control throughout the massive complex, TechData and Winmeditech deployed a cutting-edge, end-to-end HARMAN solution made up of 428 JBL Professional speakers, 31 Crown amplifiers, eight Soundcraft mixers, 35 BSS signal processors, 147 AKG microphones and accessories and 212 AMX control systems.

“2017 has been a record-breaking year for AccorHotels in South Korea, highlighted by the launch of this largest project we have signed in the country featuring four hotel brands in the same complex, including the introduction of Grand Mercure and Novotel Suites in this market,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels, Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia. “The HARMAN Professional AV solution provided by TechData and Winmeditech enables us to deliver world-class audio, video and lighting throughout the entire Seoul Dragon City complex, all with exceptional control. It is an impressive system, and we are extremely pleased with the results.”

TechData was hired to design audio systems for many of the critical areas in the complex, while Winmeditech was hired to provide smart environments for the AV and control systems. The HARMAN system is divided into 13 main zones that cover the two grand ballrooms, three dining rooms, four meeting rooms, a fitness center, two gyms and the building-safety center. JBL VerTec VT4887 and VT4886 line-array loudspeakers and VT4882 subwoofers deliver audio in the ballrooms, and a variety of Control Contractor Series speakers and EON Series speakers handle the smaller spaces. Power is provided by Crown DriveCore Install series amplifiers.

“With the grand ballrooms serving as multi-purpose venues, we were hired to design a highly-customizable audio system with superb clarity for any event,” said Jonathan Choi, Technical Engineer, TechData. “To meet these requirements, we selected JBL Professional Vertec line arrays as the main speaker system. When the ballrooms are partitioned into smaller spaces, the output system will switch automatically via the integrated control system to utilize the ceiling speakers as the main speaker.”

Audio is mixed on Soundcraft VI-3000 72MO and GB4-32 consoles, and processed via BSS BLU-806, BLU-326 and BLU-100 signal processors. The system includes a wide range of AKG microphones to accommodate any type of event, including D5S and D7S vocal mics. The control infrastructure includes a range of AMX products, including AMX NX‑3200 NetLinx controllers, MMC-1000-NC tabletop touch panels and MKP‑108L keypads. The HARMAN systems are configured to allow for centralized monitoring in the building-safety center, requiring fewer operators and reducing costs.

“Seoul Dragon City is positioned locally, regionally and internationally to be a global landmark, and it was important for us to have world-class audio, video, lighting and control solutions in our state-of-the-art facility,” said Jerome Stubert, Cluster General Manager of Seoul Dragon City. “The complex features the widest range of convention spaces in Seoul, and the HARMAN AV solution enables us to accommodate a wide range of events—from corporate meetings to private events.”

“HARMAN Professional Solutions is a one-stop solution for audio, visual, lighting and control systems,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. "We are extremely privileged to be associated with the first ever grand lifestyle-hotel complex in South Korea, providing effective and efficient audio, visual, lighting, and controls solutions powered by our iconic brands. We thank our partner, TechData, for their deep technical expertise, relationship and customer-first approach.”