Mahajak Development installs an advanced multi-room conference audio system with solutions by JBL, Crown, BSS and AMX

BANGKOK—Mahajak Development recently installed a complete networked audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at Kasikornbank’s new headquarters in Bangkok.

Founded in 1945, Kasikornbank is one of the largest commercial banks in Thailand, operating more than 1,100 branch locations throughout the nation. To accommodate its rapid growth, Kasikornbank recently relocated its headquarters to a new 11-story office building in downtown Bangkok.

Kasikornbank hired AV integrator Mahajak Development to design and install a state-of-the-art networked audio system that would provide more than 100 meeting rooms with high-quality audio and intuitive control. In order to ensure professional audio during meetings and conferences at the new facility, Mahajak Development selected a comprehensive HARMAN networked audio solution consisting of JBL speakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS audio processors and AMX control systems.

“In order to support our tremendous growth and provide our customers with modern services and amenities, we recently completed construction on our new state-of-the-art office building,” said a spokesperson for the bank. “The new facility required a large-scale AV system that would be sophisticated and user-friendly, with a modern and clean design that matches the aesthetics of our new space. The HARMAN system installed by Mahajak is powerful enough to cater to our large number of meeting spaces, and simple enough for our staff to operate confidently.”

The audio system installed by Mahajak Development includes JBL Control Series speakers, which provide superior intelligibility and optimum audio coverage in Kasikornbank’s conference rooms. The Control Series leverages JBL’s exclusive Radiation Boundary Integration technology to provides consistent and wide coverage sound throughout the listening area. The system is powered by Crown CDi Series and ComTech DriveCore amplifiers.

For mixing of sources and zones, Mahajak Development installed eight-channel Crown 28M pre-amplifier/mixers and JBL CSMA1120 four-channel mixer/amplifiers, which feature a sleek and industrial design for commercial sound applications. Throughout the facility, the audio is networked and configured via BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 and BLU-50 signal processors. The BLU-50 offers a fixed configuration options of four inputs and four outputs, configurable signal processing, logic processing and BLU link. The BSS BLU100 offers a fixed configuration of 12 inputs and 8 outputs of configurable signal processing and a high bandwidth, fault tolerant digital audio bus. The BLU-100 also features open architecture that is fully configurable through HiQnet™ London Architect, offering a rich palette of processing and logic objects and a drag and drop method of configuration.

Mahajak built the entire system around the AMX NX-2200 NetLinx® NX Integrated Controller, which provides intuitive operation of the sophisticated AV system, while also providing a scalable platform for the future by combining high performance, backward compatible and extensive network security features. Finally, AMX Novara CP-3006 and CP-3008 ControlPads enable local control of the volume levels in each room via a built-in Ethernet port, which can be configured to control volume, input selection, and power for a wide range of A/V devices.

“HARMAN Professional Solutions is proud to be associated with one of the top banks in Thailand,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We’re thrilled to see our brands providing world-class audio technology for meetings and conferences held in Kasikornbank’s new headquarters. We thank our partners Mahajak Development for their strong relationship, technical expertize and customer first approach.”

New location expands HARMAN Professional’s global network of experience centers; Multi-functional facility will serve as new headquarters for EMEA region and showcase cutting-edge technology offerings

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif. & LONDON) —HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced the grand opening of the HARMAN Experience Center – London. The new facility expands the growing global network of HARMAN Professional Solutions Experience Centers, including locations in Los Angeles, Singapore and Shanghai, and will serve as the new headquarters for the EMEA region.

Designed to showcase how HARMAN solutions uniquely address customer needs across a variety of entertainment and enterprise market applications, the 25,800-square-foot (2,400-square-meter), multi-functional facility including EMEA headquarter offices, demonstrates the integration of brands including JBL Professional®, AKG Acoustics®, AMX®, BSS Audio®, Crown International®, dbx Professional®, DigiTech®, Lexicon Pro®, Martin®, Soundcraft® and Studer®.

“The opening of the experience center in London represents a major investment in the EMEA region, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers and greatly expand our presence across critical markets,” said Chris Smith, Vice President, EMEA, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Not only will the facility offer customers the opportunity to experience HARMAN innovation firsthand, it provides our staff with a state-of-the-art headquarters that will allow us to pursue new opportunities with greater speed and efficiency.”

The HARMAN Experience Center—London is comprised of several dedicated spaces along with the EMEA office space and meeting rooms.The Product Showroom is filled with HARMAN solutions including HARMAN’s Connected Retail Experience, Huddle Space, Connected Hotel Room, Home Recording, Networked AVoIP, and much more. The Foyer, Boardroom and Auditorium are not only practical-use spaces, but also areas that demonstrate HARMAN solutions for restaurant, corporate, education, corporate, and theatre environments.

“By opening this HARMAN Experience Center in London, we expanding our robust global network of experience centers and enabling our customers around the world to experience the One HARMAN Solution proposition firsthand,” said Mohit Parasher, Executive Vice President and President, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “From JBL Professional sound and Martin lighting to AMX controllers and Samsung displays, the entire facility is a brilliant demonstration of what HARMAN products can do when deployed seamlessly together in enterprise and entertainment environments.”

The HARMAN Experience Center—London is open by appointment only to HARMAN and Samsung customers, employees, distributors, sales representatives, dealers, artists and other industry professionals for meetings, performances, productions, hospitality events, and more.

The HARMAN offices and Experience Center is located at Westside, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD. For more information, contact European.Marketing@Harman.com.

Liquid Automation chooses HARMAN solutions from BSS and Crown to control a complex 46-zone, 126-channel system at the high-end coastal resort

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Jands  NZ  recently  supplied a multifaceted HARMAN AV system for the Helena Bay Luxury Lodge on North Island, featuring solutions from BSS and Crown Amplification.

Situated in the stunning Bay of Islands, Helena Bay Lodge is an 800-acre luxury resort that features four private beaches, a gym, a sauna, a massage room, a 25-meter heated swimming pool, a library, lounge areas, informal and formal dining areas and an outdoor fire pit. Management tasked Liquid Automation New Zealand with creating a centrally controlled AV system that could comprehensively cover the residences and common areas of the resort.

Working in conjunction with Liquid Automation and ABL Group, JANDS NZ designed a cutting-edge HARMAN AV solution featuring Crown amplifiers and BSS processing. The new HARMAN solution offers complete control of the resort’s audio, lighting and video distribution systems, and integrates seamlessly with the existing building management system.

“All the sources and outputs were run in stereo which created a complex audio matrix," explained Liquid Automation's Darian Sundar. "To handle such a large number of channels, we had to turn to a high-end professional audio solution, and BSS Soundweb was the obvious and only choice as it is known for sound quality, reliability and flexibility."

A BSS Soundweb BLU-800 networked signal processor and Crown DCi amplifiers provide networked control of 46 audio zones spread out over the property, with 126 channels of audio inputs. The system distributes audio over the network to multiple locations, and then via BLU-link from Soundweb to the Crown DCi multi-channel network amplifiers. The audio distribution system is monitored remotely, which was a requirement due to the isolated location of the lodge.

Liquid Automation and ABL Group subsequently won the “Best Special Project” and “Best Design and Documentation” awards at both CEDIA Asia/Pacific and CEDIA Americas for this state-of-the-art installation.

“HARMAN Professional Solutions brands are known for their best-in-class performance and reliability, and we are pleased to be part of this award-winning luxury lodge,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP and GM, APAC, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “The strong relationship between JANDS NZ and their partners Liquid Automation and ABL Group showcases our collaboration and partnership in bringing the latest technology and seamless experiences to our customers in New Zealand. We Congratulate Liquid Automation and ABL Group for their award-winning design and project execution.”

Allied Esports deploys a wide range of JBL Professional, Crown, BSS, AMX and Martin solutions to deliver an immersive gaming experience at its flagship arena

LAS VEGAS—HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced Allied Esports is leveraging cutting-edge HARMAN Professional audio, lighting and control solutions at Esports Arena Las Vegas, which celebrated its grand-opening on March 22, 2018 at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.

The new Esports Arena Las Vegas is a 30,000-square-foot multi-level arena with a competition stage, telescopic seating, daily gaming stations, VIP room, two bars, and state-of-the-art streaming and production studios. The facility also features an interactive area known as “The Dome” that includes retro games, and a front lobby equipped with gaming stations, a streaming booth and a virtual reality station.

In order to provide a world-class audiovisual experience at the new arena, Allied Esports formed an exclusive partnership with HARMAN Professional Solutions to provide a custom audio, lighting, and control solution made up of JBL Professional loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS audio processors, AMX control systems and Martin lighting fixtures.

“Esports Arena Las Vegas is the flagship location of our growing global network of Esports properties, and Allied Esports is proud to partner with HARMAN Professional to deliver an incredibly immersive experience for gamers and fans alike,” said Jud Hannigan, CEO of Allied Esports. “Audio is a huge part of the gaming experience, and the HARMAN solution delivers premium sound quality and control. We’re excited to continue to work with HARMAN as we set a new benchmark for competitive gaming and interactive entertainment, and open new arenas around the world.”

The opening ceremony at Luxor Hotel and Casino featured a series of events designed to showcase the arena's impressive production quality and interactive entertainment, with more than 20 professional esports players and 500 local gaming influencers in attendance. Highlights included an opening night of show matches between SonicFox vs. GO1 and Rogue vs. Ghost Gaming in Rocket League®, and eUnited vs. Spacestation in SMITE as well as the weekend launch of fighting game tournament Smash Masters League featuring Super Smash Bros for Wii U. World-renowned chef José Andrés also held a discussion about the custom gaming-inspired menu that the ThinkFoodEntertainment team created for Esports Arena Las Vegas.

“With the opening of Esports Arena Las Vegas, HARMAN Professional is setting the standard for professional audio performance in competitive gaming arenas,” said Nicholas Cohen, Esports Business Development Lead, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Esports is the future of live competition, and HARMAN Professional is uniquely positioned to deliver powerful audio, visual, lighting and control solutions that immerse gamers and fans in the action like never before. Esports Arena Las Vegas is the first facility of its kind in North America, and its success paves the way for future collaboration between HARMAN Professional and Allied Esports as they expand into new markets worldwide.” 

Mahajak Development selects solutions by JBL, Crown and BSS to create a fiber optic multi-zone audio system with simple localized control

BANGKOK—Mahajak Development recently installed a building-wide multi-zone audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Bangkok.

Opened in April 2017, 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Bangkok is a luxurious hotel and apartment building located in the popular Thonglor district of Bangkok. In addition to 179 residences and 34 suites, the building features a wide selection of modern restaurants, bistros and pubs. In order to provide an elegant audio experience for residents and guests alike, 137 Pillars hired Mahajak Development to install a building-wide fiber optic multi-zone sound system that could be easily controlled from one central facility. After careful consideration, Mahajak selected an end-to-end HARMAN networked audio solution for its premium sound quality, intuitive operation and unmatched reliability.

“We’re very proud of the system we installed at 137 Pillars Suites and Residences,” said Pongsakorn Kanchanachayphoom, Project Director, Mahajak Development. “The client asked us to provide a reliable multi-zone audio system with simple localized control. We worked closely with HARMAN to deliver a professional solution that would satisfy their technical requirements. The integrated compatibility of HARMAN products ensured an efficient installation with optimum results.”

A BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 signal processor serves as the centerpiece of the system, seamlessly handling the complex routing over fiber optic connections throughout the building. A Soundweb London BLU-BOB1 break-out box offers eight additional analog outputs. HARMAN HiQnet London Architect software enables intuitive control over the source selection and volume level in each zone from any WiFi-enabled device.

Mahajak deployed a wide range of JBL speakers to ensure premium sound quality and coverage throughout the building. JBL 8100 Series, Control 40 Series and Control Contractor Series speakers are installed in the ceilings, delivering high fidelity and discrete coverage. The entire system is powered by Crown DriveCore Install Series amplifiers, and mixing functions are handled by JBL CSMA Series mixer/amplifiers.

“We are thrilled to see our solutions providing a world-class audio experience for residents and guests at 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Bangkok,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank Mahajak Development for using HARMAN products to supply 137 Pillars with a high-quality multi-zone networked audio system. We appreciate their loyalty, expertise and customer-focused service.”

STC Audio Video deploys JBL, Crown and BSS solutions to create a powerful and versatile audio system for the 3,000-seat house of worship

DECATUR, Ga.—Systems integrator STC Audio Video recently deployed a complete Harman Professional Solutions audio system at the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, Georgia.

Established in 1896, Beulah Baptist has relocated several times before moving into its current facility in 1999. Featuring a sizeable domed-ceiling structure and seating for 3,000 congregants, the church recently hired STC to replace its 15-year-old audio system with a new state-of-the-art audio solution that could deliver excellent sound quality during sermons, choir performances and full band worship performances. After careful consideration, STC selected a complete JBL VTX Series audio solution for its power, clarity and transparent reproduction.

"HARMAN has a reputation for making speakers that provide excellent performance," said George Seldon, President and CIO of STC Audio Video. "I chose the VTX V20 because it can truly go from 20 Hz to 20k cleanly, and it has a lot of dynamic range. The clarity is just phenomenal."

The system at Beulah Baptist is comprised of two main hangs of six VTX V20 loudspeakers and three VTX S25 subwoofers per side, supplemented by two aux hangs made up of three V20 loudspeakers and one S25 subwoofer aimed 90 degrees to the side. The entire system is powered by Crown XTi 2002 and iTech 4x3500 amplifiers, and BSS audio processors provide processing.

As a systems designer, Seldon makes an effort to thoroughly determine what his clients want and need, rather than just offering cookie-cutter solutions. In the case of Beulah Baptist, there were several important aspects of the church's programming that the sound system needed to support, including exceptional speech intelligibility for sermons and plenty of extra headroom for a 125-member choir.

"When the pastor speaks, everybody needs to hear him clearly—if you can't hear the pastor, then why are you in church?" Seldon said. “The second requirement was to make sure the system could cleanly reproduce the church band and allow the musicians to hear themselves clearly. The third was that it needed to the clarity to accurately reproduce the 125-member choir."

To achieve these goals in such a large space, Seldon needed to design a system with plenty of headroom. The JBL loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers proved to be more than up to the task, providing the clarity and high SPL that the church wanted.

"They like it loud, they like it in your face, but with the efficiency of this system, it never has to go above -20 dB on the master fader," Seldon said. "The performance matters, and that's where the VTX V20 system fits in. It met all its objectives—it really did."

Not only did Seldon customize the sonic aspects of the installation, but he also made sure it was aesthetically right for the space. In this case, he wanted the speakers to blend in with the white walls and ceiling of the church, which was a challenge considering the speaker cabinets are black. But Seldon, who regularly consults with an interior designer about the visual aspects of his installations, came up with a solution.

"I had the speakers custom-painted white, since the church is all about aesthetics," Seldon said. "I always try to put PA speakers in a facility that fit with the architecture of the room. Whatever the colors of the walls, that's the color the speakers will be."