Lexicon News

HARMAN Professional Solutions Appoints Algam Ibérica as the Official Distribution Partner in Spain

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:00:00 +0000

LONDON—HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, lighting, and video and control technologies, today announced a new partnership with Algam Ibérica for audio and video control product distribution in Spain. The distributor will take responsibility for branded products including AMX, JBL Professional, Crown, Soundcraft, BSS, Lexicon, and dbx.

Starting 1 July 2024, the new partnership between Algam Ibérica and HARMAN Professional will represent both companies’ shared mission of providing industry-leading audio solutions to more customers in Spain. Algam Ibérica will have full access to all HARMAN Professional audio and video control brands in the region while also providing product service, including AKG, distributed by Music Distribución.

Algam Ibérica was selected because it possesses the necessary mind-set and drive to deliver premium service and top-tier expertise on HARMAN Professional products to Spanish customers that include audio engineers, production houses, and integrators. This collaboration marks a significant stride in advancing HARMAN's objective to extend its reach to an unprecedented number of customers while delivering unparalleled audio and video control solutions.

“Algam has a long and proud history of providing high quality products and service to our customers, and our partnership with HARMAN Professional is a natural extension of that mission,” said Benjamin Garnier, Managing Director, Algam. “We are thrilled to offer a wide range of premium HARMAN Professional’s audio and video control solutions to the Spanish market and look forward to working closely with the HARMAN team to do so.”

HARMAN Professional will continue to build, strengthen, and solidify its new partnership with Algam Ibérica as it continues to further develop its presence in the Spanish market.

“We are excited to announce the expansion of our collaboration with Algam Ibérica as our audio, video & control distributor for the HARMAN Professional portfolio that include many of our iconic brands in Spain,” said Hamid Soufian, Vice President and General Manager, EMEA, HARMAN Professional. “Algam Ibérica consistently demonstrates outstanding performance for the customers they serve, making us confident in their ability to further enhance our portfolio. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities this expanded partnership will bring.”

HARMAN Professional Solutions EMEA Appoints New Audio Distribution Partners in Italy

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0000

LONDON — HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting, networked AV and control systems, today announced a new partnership with Exhibo S.p.A. and Adagio Italia for audio distribution responsibilities in Italy. Exhibo will take responsibility for JBL Professional, Crown, Soundcraft, BSS, Lexicon and dbx branded products alongside its current distribution of Martin lighting while Adagio has been appointed for distribution of AKG.

Effective January 1, 2024, Exhibo S.p.A. and Adagio Italia will take over the sales and services of all HARMAN Professional brands audio brands from Leading Technologies. Located in Milan, Exhibo is well-equipped to provide Italian customers and integrators with premium service and high-level expertise on HARMAN products. Located in San Benedetto del Tronto, Adagio Italia will harness its strengths in the retail, live and recording markets to connect the AKG brand even more closely with its customers.

These partnerships are a major step forward in HARMAN’s mission to reach more customers than ever and provide best-in-class audio solutions throughout all of Europe.

“I am delighted to see these new partnerships in Italy,” said Mark Bailey, Harman Professional’s Director of Audio for the EMEA region. “Leveraging Exhibo’s 60+ years of experience along with the strength of the Harman Pro portfolio provides a unique opportunity in the Italian market across retail, installation and touring. In addition, Adagio Italia’s strength in the recording and retail markets will take our iconic AKG brand to new heights.”

Leading Technologies will continue to supply HARMAN Professional products through December 31, 2023. To ensure a smooth and natural transition, representatives from Exhibo and Adagio Italia will be contacting Italian customers in advance of the January 1 start date. Starting today, customers can work directly with Exhibo and Adagio to set up accounts, establish credit lines, meet personnel and more.

HARMAN Professional thanks Leading Technologies for their many years of hard work and dedication to our brands, and we wish them well in their ongoing business. We look forward to collaborating with Exhibo and Adagio Italia to further develop the Italian market in the New Year.

LUVEL Gangdong Creates Unforgettable Wedding Memories With Pristine Audio From HARMAN Professional Solutions

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

SEOUL, South Korea—To enhance the elegant atmosphere for weddings at LUVEL Gangdong with crystal-clear audio for speech and music, TechDataPS Co., Ltd. recently supplied the venue with an end-to-end HARMAN Professional Solutions audio system.

One of several venues owned by Apelgamo Wedding & Party, LUVEL Gangdong is an upscale wedding hall located on the 35th and 36th floors of East Central Tower in Seoul’s Gangdong district. Featuring design elements and decor reminiscent of French formal gardens, the venue’s wedding hall can accommodate 160 guests, while the reception hall can host up to 500. To create unforgettable experiences for the betrothed and their guests, LUVEL Gangdong required a high-quality yet user-friendly audio system capable of providing powerful and clear sound reinforcement for speech and music. To achieve these goals, TechDataPS outfitted LUVEL Gangdong with an end-to-end HARMAN audio system consisting of JBL, Crown, Soundcraft, Lexicon, dbx, BSS and AKG solutions.

According to TechData, their client placed a high value on sound quality and clarity, and requested a solution that could be integrated harmoniously with the interior of the wedding hall. Collaborating with an interior design company from start to finish, TechData had the loudspeakers custom-painted and installed mounting brackets separately to make the audio system blend in seamlessly with the interior.

To achieve clear, intelligible speech and music amplification, TechData PS deployed a variety of specialized JBL loudspeakers throughout the venue. JBL CBT 70J-1, CBT 70JE-1 and CBT 50LA-1 line array column loudspeakers provide main sound reinforcement with precise directivity and focused coverage. JBL Control 25AV, Control 25AV-WH and Control 23-1 background/foreground loudspeakers supply additional coverage throughout the venue, while JBL 305P MKII studio monitors and AKG K612 PRO headphones give staff an accurate reference for mixing.

TechData selected Crown CDi 4000, CDi 1000, CDi DriveCore 4|300 and XLi800 amplifiers to power the speakers, along with a dbx DriveRack VENU360 loudspeaker management system for sound enhancement, feedback suppression and mobile control. Soundcraft Si Expression 2, EPM8 and EPM6 mixing consoles offer powerful mixing capabilities with intuitive operation and flexibility for events of any size. TechData supplemented the system with a Lexicon MX400XL effects processor for enhancing musical performances.

To capture high-quality audio for voices and instruments alike, TechData supplied LUVEL Gangdong with an assortment of specialized AKG microphones. The AKG CGN521 STS professional tabletop microphone set ensures ultra-clear sound for main speakers such as masters of ceremonies and wedding officiants, and features a versatile switch for push-to-talk or push-to-mute operation. AKG P5 S dynamic vocal microphones deliver high intelligibility for speech and singing, with a convenient on/off switch to avoid extraneous noise when not in use. AKG C516 ML miniature instrument microphones capture acoustic instruments with clear and full sound, thanks to a focused cardioid pickup pattern, flexible shockmount with integrated clip, and a rugged gooseneck for accurate positioning.TechData also supplied the venue with BSS AR-133 active DI boxes for interfacing with keyboards, guitars and other electric instruments.

LUVEL Gangdong staff reported being impressed by TechData at the Korea International Broadcasting, Media, Audio & Lighting Show (KOBA), and were satisfied with their design proposals for the venue. They went on to say that they were pleased to learn that HARMAN’s wide variety of products could be customized for their unique application.

“LUVEL Gangdong is a unique space that has been carefully planned to provide an exceptional wedding and guest experience,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. "We would like to thank our partner TechDataPS for their partnership and deep understanding of their clients’ needs to deliver remarkable wedding experiences.”

Reverb 101: How to Get Cathedral-Sized Sounds in Small Spaces

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: Recordings are illusions, audio sleights of hand, capturing fleeting moments in time, re-creating and reshaping them so they can be enjoyed again and again.

These days, artists and engineers in home studios have endless tools for shaping recordings to both natural and creative effect. Reverb is a powerful recording enhancer, used to create a sense of space, add musically flattering effects and build width, depth and cohesiveness in a mix. Reverb can be incorporated naturally, by capturing performers in a reverberant space (such as an orchestra in a concert hall, a choir in a church—or, as Led Zeppelin made famous on “When the Levee Breaks,” a drummer in a stairwell); or artificially, by applying reverb processors during recording and mixing.

With so many reverb plug-ins and effects at your disposal, it’s easy to go down a wormhole, hunting and pecking your way through presets to dial in that perfect sound. You can eliminate some of that guesswork by learning how reverbs work and what happens when you adjust their parameters.

Today, home recordists are able to access that same legendary Lexicon reverb technology in software form, in our affordable collection of standalone plug-ins and bundles.

What Is Reverb, Anyway?
Reverberation is the reflection of sound in an acoustic environment. Reverb’s character is defined by the number, density, tone and duration of sonic reflections (echoes), which are influenced by a space’s size, shape and surfaces that both reflect and absorb sound.

For hundreds of years, concert halls have been prized for their reverberant characteristics that compliment musical performances, and legendary recording studios are sought after for their unique acoustics.

Reverb processors have been enhancing recordings since the 1940s. Early electromechanical reverbs housed enormous metal plates or springs that became excited by sound vibrations; other styles relied on magnetic tape echoes.

Digital reverbs have been around since the 1970s; when Lexicon introduced the legendary model 224 in 1978, at $7,500 for two programs, it was the most affordable unit on the market and it changed the studio game. Our 480L, introduced in 1986, quickly became the gold standard in reverb, defining the sound of pop records for decades to come. The catch? It cost more than some cars.

We’ve come a long way since then: Today, home recordists are able to access that same legendary reverb technology in software form, in our affordable collection of standalone plug-ins and bundles such as our PCM Total Bundle and PCM Native Effects Bundle. Let’s look at some ways you can bring that smooth, rich “Lexicon sound” to your productions with reverb plug-ins.

Reverb can overcome some of the limitations of recording at home by creating the “sound” of better acoustic environments.

The Building Blocks of Reverb
A reverb effect enhances a sound by introducing a complex series of reflections, replicating the way that sound would behave in an acoustic environment. The number, intensity, frequency content, density and duration of these reflections give each reverb its unique character.

A reverb profile starts with a predelay, the time between the onset of direct and reflected sound. (The bigger the hall, the longer the predelay.) Early reflections are the first reflections arriving back at the listener (or microphone) after bouncing off walls, ceilings, floors and other surfaces. In the body of the reverb, sometimes called the reverberant field, reflections multiply and exhibit more diffuse, complex patterns, as they bounce around in a space. A reverb’s decay, or tail, is its attenuation to inaudible. Reverb time is defined as RT60, the time it takes for the initial sound to reduce 60 decibels (dB) in volume. Shorter RT times feel tighter and more intimate (think folk or jazz), while longer RT times sound bigger and more dramatic (think power ballads). All of these elements are available as standard, adjustable reverb effect parameters with values ranging from milliseconds to many seconds.

Reverbs range from natural-sounding effects designed to evoke actual acoustic spaces to special effects that mimic classic processors or create otherworldly sounds that would never exist in the real world.

Choosing the Right Effect
Reverbs range from natural-sounding effects designed to evoke actual acoustic spaces to special effects that mimic classic processors or create otherworldly sounds that would never exist in the real world. Let’s explore the most common options.

Chamber: Historically, to control natural reverb, recording studios would often construct highly reverberant chambers where they could amplify sounds and capture the reverb effects in the room with a microphone. These chambers were used extensively on classic R&B and rock records: The chambers below Abbey Road were used on most Beatles recordings, and Capitol Studios’ eight underground chambers can be heard on albums by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to the Beach Boys. Chamber effects emulate the properties of these highly reflective rooms and are characterized by a rapid build-up of reverb density with randomized decay tails. Chamber effects sound lush like hall reverbs, but tend to provide more clarity; they’re often used on vocals, strings or acoustic guitar, or to create “big” drum sounds.

Reverb time is defined as RT60, the time it takes for the initial sound to reduce 60 decibels (dB) in volume. Shorter RT times feel tighter and more intimate (think folk or jazz), while longer RT times sound bigger and more dramatic (think power ballads).

Hall: Hall effects re-create the characteristics of large acoustic spaces. Some Halls are generic spaces, such as arenas; Concert Hall effects evoke spaces specifically designed for music performance. Hall reverbs are characterized by slow initial reflection buildup and reverb times often reaching several seconds. Some Concert Hall effects are designed to sound tonally even, while others enhance low frequencies, which characterizes a grand, larger-than-life space. Concert Hall effects are perfect for enhancing orchestral recordings and thickening synth pads and strings—but overuse can make your mix lose definition and sound muddy and washed out, so be sure to listen to Hall effects in the context of your full mix rather than in isolation.

Room: Room effects vary widely but generally simulate smaller acoustic spaces than halls, spaces that have been designed for practicality versus music performance. Their hallmarks are a fast buildup of early reflections, short decay times with little or no tail and resonances and other colorations found in these spaces. Room effects tend to be more subtle than other effects and can give your recording a natural, intimate feel—something you might be aiming for with a singer/songwriter, acoustic instruments or genres like folk and jazz. Lexicon room algorithms simulate spaces ranging from closets to irregularly-shaped rooms, which are also great for film sound design and special effects.

Plate: Plate effects mimic the behavior of early plate reverbs. They sound smooth and dense, with a bright, slightly metallic quality. A plate profile has no early reflections, with a fast, high initial diffusion followed by a bright decay. Plate effects recreate the dampers used to mute vibrations in original models by dampening high frequencies at shorter decay times, which adds to their signature thickening effect. Plates are stellar on drums and piano and acoustic guitar sustains (try bringing out highs by applying a highpass filter) and shine on vocals without suggesting a specific acoustic space or making a singer sound too distant in the mix. Lexicon’s Vintage Plate algorithm has left and right delays that can be used to create echo effects, and can sync delay time to tempo.

Classical, jazz and other acoustic music tends to call for more natural treatment while thick, dramatic reverb is right at home in pop and rock.

Reverb In the Mix
Reverb is used for both natural enhancement and special effects. Before adding reverb, give some thought to how you want your mix to sound. The genre you’re working in will probably signal stylistic choices. Classical, jazz and other acoustic music tends to call for more natural treatment while thick, dramatic reverb is right at home in pop and rock.

Are you going for realism or big drama? Emulating a small- to medium-sized room will add liveliness without muddying the mix. (It can help to imagine the space where you might experience the performance.) Do you want to emphasize or de-emphasize mix elements? Less-reverberant (“dry”) sounds seem closer while more reverberant (“wet”) sounds appear farther away.

Consider your song tempo: Generally, the faster or more rhythmically complex the song, the shorter the reverb time, for the sake of clarity. Slower tempos and long sustains tend to stand up better to bigger, longer reverbs.

Reverb can overcome some of the limitations of recording at home by creating the “sound” of better acoustic environments. (Close-mic your sound sources to de-emphasize the room sound in imperfect spaces.) Recording a remote musical collaboration? Reverb can make your mix sound cohesive, like the musicians are all performing in the same space.

Remember that an audio effect sounds very different when you listen to it applied to an individual track versus hearing that track in the mix. A dramatic reverb effect might sound gorgeous on soloed vocals, for example, but those vocals might sound murky or cluttered once they’re layered with other mix elements. Always make reverb decisions in the context of your overall mix.

Lexicon’s family of plug-ins are compatible with DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, FL Studio, Garage Band or any other AAX, RTAS, Audio Unit or VST-compatible host.

Other Lexicon Effects
The Lexicon legacy goes far beyond reverb. Expand your palette with iconic effects reborn as plug-in algorithms in our PCM Total Bundle and PCM Native Effects Bundle, including Pitch Shift, MultiVoice Pitch, Chorus, Resonant Chords, Dual Delay Random Delay and Stringbox. (Check out some pro tips for crafting killer sounds with these effects.)

Choosing the Right Reverb Package
Lexicon’s family of plug-ins are compatible with DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, FL Studio, Garage Band or any other AAX, RTAS, Audio Unit or VST-compatible host. With a choice of five effects packages, there’s a plug-in or bundle that’s perfect for you.

MPX Native Reverb: This single polymorphic plug-in offers 7 reverb types—Small Plate, Large Plate, Small Hall, Large Hall, Small Chamber, Large Chamber and Room—with more than 100 presets.

LXP Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle: This core collection offers four of our most popular reverbs: Chamber, Hall, Plate and Room. Choose from more than 200 presets.

PCM Native Effects Plug-In Bundle: Expand your arsenal with six effects derived from our PCM96 Stereo Reverb/Effects Processor, including Pitch Shift, MultiVoice Pitch, Chorus, Resonant Chords, Random Delay and Dual Delay, plus Stringbox.

PCM Native Reverb Bundle: An essential collection of the finest reverb plug-ins available, including Vintage Plate, Plate, Hall, Room, Random Hall, Concert Hall, and Chamber effects; choose from hundreds of presets or create your own.

PCM Total Bundle: This powerhouse package features 14 reverb and effects plug-ins—everything available in both our Native Reverb Bundle and Native Effects Bundle—along with hundreds of versatile presets, stereo/phase meters and a graphical real-time display.

Remember that reverb effects and their presets are just a point of departure, and sometimes the sound you’re going for calls for more than one effect. Listen to recordings that you love, and study the way they use reverb to create space and emotion. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Do you have go-to reverb tricks? Let us know in the comments!

BEYOND REVERB: HOW TO GET NEW SOUNDS WITH LEXICON EFFECTS

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Okay, you already know that Lexicon is the gold standard of reverb. But did you know that we offer a full range of digital sound-shaping tools, from delays to pitch shifters?

It all started 40 years ago with the Prime Time Delay and PCM 70 Multi-Effects Processor, which were ahead of their time and still stand up against contemporary digital effects. We really hit our stride in the 1990s with the PCM96 Stereo Reverb/Effects Processor, which became an instant studio classic thanks to its gorgeous reverb, MIDI implementation and lush effects like chorus, flange and multiband delay.

Today, DAW users can tap into the best of those iconic PCM96 effects, reborn as plug-in algorithms in our PCM Total Bundle and PCM Native Effects Bundle, complete with full parameter automation and hundreds of versatile presets. Let’s walk through these effects and explore some uses for each.

Pitch Shift: This straightforward, single-voice processor performs flawless mono and stereo pitch shifting in increments ranging from one cent to an octave. In Musical mode, pitch is adjusted in semitones and cents; in

Lexicon's Pitch Shift Effect

Percent mode, pitch shifts are measured in—you guessed it—percentages. To try: Repair individual incorrect notes; beef up dual-mono hard-panned guitars; craft cartoon voices ranging from cute to villainous.

MultiVoice Pitch: Perform independent pitch shifting on up to six harmony voices (three voices on each stereo input) in semitone increments from one cent to an octave; each voice can be delayed up to 4.75 seconds. To try: Combine pitch shifting, panning and delay to craft huge harmony effects; craft automatic double-tracking (ADT) effects using very slight pitch shifts (20 cents and smaller); apply feedback to individual voices to create spiraling effects; create chords based on the input signal to thicken mono tracks.

Chorus: Modulate, filter and pan up to eight independent voices. Four independent LFOs each offer nine wave shapes; each voice also offers highpass, lowpass and bandpass filtering. To try: Create classic vocal ensemble effects and deep flanging guitars.

Lexicon's Chorus Effect

Resonant Chords: This classic effect, pioneered in the PCM70, lets you tune resonances in up to eight delay voices to create chords, arpeggios and room sounds. Delay pitches can be freely assigned to each voice; each offers delay time and resonance level controls. To try: Set a single note to trigger pitch-shifted resonant chords across your soundstage; trigger white noise with drum tracks; create unusual room reverb effects with phasey flutter echoes. Tune resonators to ring with percussive input; add delays to create arpeggiator effects.

Dual Delay: Two delay lines each offer adjustable delay time up to 9.5 seconds, plus feedback, polarity, level and pan controls. To try: Craft killer double-tracking, slap back and tape echo-emulating effects; thicken lead vocals and instrument parts by tone-shaping each delay tap.

Lexicon's Dual Delay Effect

Random Delay: This powerful four-voice processor modulates delay time in independent values that can be modified cyclically or randomly. A Wander control adds up to one second of additional delay time for each voice. Each voice has its own LFO, highpass and lowpass filters, plus polarity, level and pan controls. To try: Build regenerating loops; emulate lo-fi or vintage tape delays using Echoplex-style presets.

Stringbox: This truly unique algorithm provides 88 virtual “strings” that resonate when excited by audio input. Resonance characteristics can be adjusted, and individual strings can be turned off or detuned. To try: Use Stringbox’s keyboard interface to create a haunting “piano reverb” in just a few clicks; create ghostly effects by tuning resonances to the key of your song.

Ready to Get Started with Lexicon effects? Choose the Bundle that’s Right for You:

PCM Native Effects Plug-In Bundle: The Lexicon legacy goes far beyond reverb. Expand your arsenal with six iconic effects derived from our PCM96 Stereo Reverb/Effects Processor, including Pitch Shift, MultiVoice Pitch, Chorus, Resonant Chords, Random Delay and Dual Delay, plus our innovative Stringbox algorithm, which provides 88 virtual strings that resonate with audio input.
PCM Total Bundle: Our flagship collection offers the signature “Lexicon Sound” we’re legendary for, as a collection of native plug-ins. This powerhouse package features 14 reverb and effects plug-ins—everything available in both our Native Reverb Bundle and Native Effects Bundle—along with hundreds of versatile presets, stereo/phase meters and a graphical real-time display.

HARMAN Professional Solutions Realigns Pro Audio Distribution in Indonesia

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 09:00:00 +0000

JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced the appointment of IMS Indonesia as the official Indonesia distributor of AKG, BSS, Crown, dbx, Lexicon, JBL Professional and Soundcraft.

"Indonesia is a very important market for HARMAN Professional Solutions in the Asia Pacific region. In line with our focus on growth and strengthening our offering across brands, solutions and verticals to our customers in Retail, Install and Touring markets, we are happy to appoint IMS Indonesia as our audio distribution partner in Indonesia," said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP and GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. "Indonesia has strong growth potential for professional audio solutions. The new distribution model leverages our brand strengths and IMS Indonesia's strong distribution and install capabilities in providing innovative technology solutions to our Indonesia customers."

IMS Indonesia is a market leader in distributing quality audio brands across Indonesia since 2000. With a nearly two-decade association operating JBL brand stores, retailing and distributing HARMAN's lifestyle brands, they will now expand the portfolio to include HARMAN Professional's Retail, Installation, Touring and Performing Arts audio product suite. All other HARMAN partnerships serving the Indonesia market for Broadcast, Cinema, AMX Video and Controls and Martin Lighting remains unchanged.

"We are known in the Indonesia market for our strong market coverage, retail footprint, technical knowledge and customer service. HARMAN Professional Audio Brands and Solutions are renowned for their world class quality and technological superiority," said James Eric Pribadi, Director - Sales, IMS Indonesia. "We understand our customers' need for world class installation solutions and support. With our hands-on experience and strong coverage in the Indonesia market, we are excited to bring HARMAN Professional Audio products to our customers and elevate their experiences."

Support, warranty and repair of HARMAN Professional products in Indonesia will transition to IMS Indonesia with immediate effect. Warranty terms and inclusions will not be affected.

For information on sales or support of HARMAN Professional Solutions products in Indonesia, contact HARMAN at HPro.APAC@harman.com or harmanpro@imsindo.co.id

HARMAN Appoints Ertekin Elektronik as a New Distributor to Support Customer Demand in Turkey

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 09:00:00 +0000

LONDON— HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked today announced its new distributor partnership with Ertekin Elektronik in Turkey.

The distribution agreement entitles Ertekin Elektronik the right to distribute the full range of products offered by HARMAN Professional Solutions. The agreement covers the JBL Professional, AMX, Martin, Soundcraft, AKG, Crown, dbx, BSS, Lexicon, and Studer brands, providing a 360-degree solution to customers requiring audio, video, lighting and control solutions.

“We are excited to partner with Ertekin Elektronik in this very important region,” said Mark Coombes, Regional Director, MEA at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “We are looking forward to our collaboration with Ertekin Elektronik to lead our iconic brands towards the future. We are confident their experience and in-depth knowledge of the Turkish market to support our customers’ needs on an ongoing basis.”

“We are delighted to be distributing the complete HARMAN Professional Solutions range in Turkey,” said Yurder Ertekin, Sales and Marketing Manager of Ertekin Elektronik, “HARMAN offers a great portfolio of quality brands, which are completely aligned with our customers’ needs. With our expertise and the brands that HARMAN Professional Solutions offer we will be able to offer a complete solution.”

Ertekin Elektronik is a leading distributor in the Turkish region and has vast experience in the audio, video, lighting and control solutions within the Turkish region since 1967.

The distribution agreement comes into effect immediately. Please contact europeanmarketing@HARMAN.com for any additional questions.

Production Expert Spotlights Lexicon PCM Native Reverbs

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Julian Rogers of Production Expert, the industry-leading educational content creators behind Pro Tools Expert, Studio One Expert and Logic Pro Expert just released an extensive tutorial video on the Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Plug-in Bundle. Noting, “although there are loads of great reverbs out there, there is something special about Lexicon,” Rodgers walks you through various settings on the reverbs, alternating with dry tracks, so you can hear the wide variety of high quality processing that you can get with them. He also demonstrates how to customize the reverb for a specific sound.” Watch the video.

HARMAN Professional Solutions Delivers Stellar Sound and Versatility at the Alaminos Convention Center

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Audiophile Components Inc. creates a flexible audio system featuring solutions from JBL, Crown, Lexicon, and Soundcraft for a multi-purpose facility in the Philippines

CITY OF ALAMINOS, PANGASINAN, Philippines—Sound integrator Audiophile Components Inc. installed a complete HARMAN Professional Solutions sound system at the Alaminos Convention Center.

The facility, also known as the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center, opened in 2017 and hosts everything from conventions to large-scale concerts to small private functions. Because of its diverse programming, it required a sound system that was not only robust, but also incredibly versatile. The City Government of Alaminos, who owns the facility, hired Audiophile Components Inc. to design, procure and deploy the system. After careful consideration, Audiophile selected a complete HARMAN Professional audio solution made up of JBL Professional loudspeakers, Crown amplification, a Soundcraft mixing console and processing components from dbx, BSS and Lexicon.

"We are privileged to be associated with the City Council of Alaminos and Alaminos Convention Center in the Philippines," said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP and GM, APAC, HARMAN Professional Solutions. "HARMAN Professional Solutions and our iconic brands have always been known for quality and performance that helps elevate the experience for our customers."

The sound system deployed by Audiophile Components includes six JBL PRX735 15" three-way loudspeakers, which deliver high SPL with low distortion. Because of the stage location and its LED wall, the system designers chose to wall mount the loudspeakers, rather than hanging them from the ceiling. For low-frequency reinforcement, the system includes six 18" JBL PRX718XLF powered subwoofers. Audiophile Components also included four JBL PRX712 12" two-way powered loudspeakers as stage monitors. The mix is controlled via a compact, 22-channel Soundcraft Signature analog mixer that offers high headroom, wide dynamic range and an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio.

The system's signal processing components include a Lexicon MX200 multi-effects processor, two DBX 231S dual-channel 31-band graphic equalizers, and one DBX 166xs Dual Compressor/Limiter/Gate unit. For speaker optimization and protection, the designers picked a dbx DriveRack PA2 unit which provides processing between the mixer and amplifiers.

"We thank Audiophile, our long-term country partner in the Philippines for yet another successful installation," Jayaraman said. "Their strong support and customer-first approach, not to mention their excellent system design, were key factors in bringing such a high-quality HARMAN system to the Alaminos Convention Center."

HARMAN Professional Solutions Opens New Experience Center, EMEA Headquarters in London

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 09:00:00 +0000

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®, Lexicon Pro®, Martin®, and Soundcraft®.

“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.

HARMAN Professional Solutions Brings Performances to Life at the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Ba Sao Investment selects JBL, Crown, dbx, Lexicon and Soundcraft solutions to deliver premium sound quality at the historic Vietnamese puppet theater

HANOI, VIETNAM—Ba Sao Investment recently installed a complete audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre.

Since 1956, the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre has preserved the uniquely Vietnamese art of water puppetry, hosting multiple performances per week. Considered a cultural highlight in northern Vietnam, these shows combine dramatic performances by skilled puppeteers with accompaniments by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra. In order to enhance the performances and ensure superb audio quality for audiences, the National Puppetry Theatre hired Ba Sao Investment to upgrade its aging audio system with a complete end-to-end HARMAN audio solution.

“One of the main objectives was to seamlessly integrate the new sound system with our existing equipment,” said Trịnh Đình Tân, Technical Manager, Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre. “It was also necessary to implement an outdoor-friendly solution that would be easy to set up and operate. The HARMAN system installed by Ba Sao Investment met all these requirements, delivering an audio experience worthy of the prestige our show is known for.”

The HARMAN sound system Ba Sao Investment installed in the National Puppetry Theatre includes JBL VT4886 line array speakers and VT4883 subwoofers, JBL PRX412M 12-inch portable speakers, JBL AWC129 weather-resistant speakers, JBL AC 25 ultra-compact speakers, Crown DSi2000 power amplifiers, dbx iEQ-31 equalizer/limiters, a Lexicon PCM92 digital effects processor and a Soundcraft GB8 series mixing console.

“We rely on HARMAN Professional Solutions to provide quality products for all of our installation needs,” said Nguyen Khac Anh, CEO, Ba Sao Investment Co. Ltd. “The National Puppetry Theatre wanted to make sure the audio solution would be easily integrated with their existing system. Thanks to the versatility of HARMAN products, they are very happy with the system we provided.”

Ba Sao Investment designed the audio solution around JBL VerTec series line array speakers and subwoofers, which offer excellent performance and coverage in a compact footprint. PRX412M portable speakers provide clear and precise stage monitoring, while JBL AC25 ultra-compact speakers offer high output and 90° x 90° coverage. JBL AWC129 full-range speakers are highly weather-resistant and satisfy the theater’s outdoor use requirements.

The entire system is driven by Crown DSi 2000 amplifiers, which deliver unmatched sound quality and reliability. To ensure maximum sonic performance from the system, dbx iEQ31 graphic EQ/limiters offer 31-band equalization, AFS™ feedback suppression, Type V™ noise reduction and PeakStopPlus® limiting. The Lexicon PCM92 is the most advanced reverb and effects processor in its class and lends its famously rich and smooth sound to the productions. Finally, a Soundcraft GB8 dual-mode topology audio mixer brings industry-standard mixing control to each performance.

“We are honored to be a part of the unique traditions of Vietnamese puppetry art performance,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank the National Puppetry Theatre for trusting HARMAN products to improve its audience experience, and Ba Sao Investment for continuing to have faith in HARMAN’s ability to deliver custom-tailored solutions for every client’s needs.”

HARMAN Professional Solutions Brings New Mixing Power to Munich’s Gasteig Cultural Center

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Complete HARMAN mixing solution offers exceptional speed, ease of use and seamless integration for a wide range of productions at one of Europe’s busiest cultural centers

MUNICH, Germany—The Gasteig cultural center, home to the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, recently upgraded its aging mixing console to a complete mixing solution by HARMAN Professional Solutions, including a Studer Vista X mixing console, Studer I/O systems, Lexicon Processors and AMX control systems. The Gasteig hosts more than 2,500 productions each year, and in order to meet such a demanding production schedule, the facility needed a cutting-edge mixing solution that would streamline workflows and enable guest audio engineers to achieve great sounding mixes with ease. The new HARMAN mixing solution offers excellent speed, flexibility and ease of use, and enables Gasteig to deliver excellent sound quality for a wide range of concerts and productions.

“We have a very short timeframe between productions,” said Peter Brümmer, chief audio engineer at the Gasteig. “There could be classical recording on Thursday, and then a jazz recording on Friday. Or we could have four performances in a single evening. I’m a really big fan of the Studer Vista X, and the Vistonics technology provides the best user interface on the market. I can turn a knob and see it happening, without having to deep dive into a computer. It reacts like an analog board.”

The complete HARMAN mixing solution at the Gasteig was provided by Audio Pro, HARMAN’s official distributor in Germany. In addition to the Vista X console, the system includes 2 Studer Infinity Core 800 processing engines for redundancy, a Studer D21m remote stagebox with 48 microphone preamps and a Studer D23M I/O system with AES/EBU, Dante, MADI and more. The Vista X is also compatible with the Gasteig’s old Studer D19 digital preamp system with 48 microphone I/O.

2 Lexicon PCM 96 Surround processors are interfaced with the Vista X via the D23M system to provide the studio with a wide range of high quality surround effects. Parameters are controlled directly from the Vista X via the Vistonics user interface using HiQNet IP protocol, and settings can be recalled instantly using the console’s snapshot feature. Finally, an AMX control system with Modero Touch Panels enable Gasteig engineers to simplify day-to-day operations in the studio, seamlessly control lighting and power and quickly switch between different DAWs.

“Each hall in our facility is connected to the Vista X console via Dante, which gives us the flexibility to record performances throughout the building,” remarked Brümmer. “The Vista X allows us to use our old preamps, which is really important to us. We now have 96 channels of high quality I/O, which gives us the flexibility to record any performance.”

With such a busy schedule, it was important for Brümmer to select an audio console that guest engineers could operate with as little as ten minutes of preparation before each show. Three of Europe’s leading console manufacturers brought in a console for a one-week trial period, which allowed Brümmer to determine which console would enable him to mix the fastest.

“I loaded up a live multi-track recording from a pop band to determine how fast I could dial up a nice mix,” said Brümmer. “The Vista X was the fastest by far. The flexibility and mixing speed were impressive, and it was a very easy console to mix on. Now when we have a freelance sound engineer, we can show him the board in 10 minutes and have him ready to mix the performance.”

For more than 20 years, the Gasteig has recorded each and every performance by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. The recordings are stored in an archive for posterity or released commercially to the public. They also record performances by famous jazz orchestras, big bands, chamber music and more. For orchestral recordings, they typically record with 96 kHz, 24-bit sound quality using approximately 30 microphones. Orchestral performances are currently mixed in 5.1 surround sound, but Brümmer has been experimenting with creating mixes 9.1, which convey three-dimensional height, depth and width.

“With the Vista X, I can create 9.1 mixes by setting up two surround-master busses—one for the lower layer in 5.1 and one for the upper layer in 4.0,” Brümmer concluded. “Each incoming channel from Pro Tools is routed to two mixer channels: the main channel one is routed to the 5.1 bus, while the second one gets signal from the pre-fader direct out from channel one and is routed to the 4.0 bus. With 800 channels and the AutoTouch Plus Dynamic Automation System, the Vista X makes the whole process fast and easy. The best part is, I can accomplish all of this without ever having to use a mouse or a computer screen!”

Products Used:

Studer Vista X Console
Studer Infinity Core 800 Processing Engine
Studer D21m Remote Stagebox
Studer D23M I/O System
Lexicon PCM96 Surround Processors
AMX Modero Touch Panels

HARMAN Professional Solutions Provides an Immersive Audio Experience for CityPride Multiplexes

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Lexicon QLI-32 QuantumLogic Immersion processor, JBL cinema surround speakers and Crown amplifiers help audiences experience the highest-quality sound

MAHARASHTRA, India—HARMAN Professional Solutions today announced that CityPride Multiplexes has deployed a complete HARMAN cinema audio solution to provide exceptional sound quality for its state-of-the-art multiplex cinema. The new system features the Lexicon QLI-32 QuantumLogic Immersion processor, JBL loudspeakers and Crown DSi power amplifiers. CityPride selected the HARMAN solution for its seamless integration and ability to provide audiences with a truly immersive audio experience.

“The new HARMAN audio solution gives a completely new dimension to the sound and delivers unmatched output, clarity and fidelity,” said Pushkaraj Chaphalkar, partner at CityPride Multiplexes. “We have received excellent reviews from the audience about the new sound system and they are thrilled to experience the vast improvement in sound quality.”

CityPride installed the new HARMAN solution in its main cinema auditorium, which has a capacity of more than 500 seats. The new system includes a JBL 5742 4-way high power screen array, 9320 and 9310 cinema surround speakers, SCS 12 spatially cued surround loudspeakers and 4642A subwoofers. The new Lexicon QLI-32 cinema processor is designed to deliver up to 32 channels of surround sound, providing a deep and life-like sound experience for moviegoers. CityPride is the first cinema in India to deploy the QLI-32.

“The Lexicon QLI-32 allows us to ensure that the audience will get the best experience for each and every movie,” said Chaphalkar. “The JBL speakers and Crown amplifiers provide incredible crispness and the new generation of surround speakers ensures that the bass effects are felt in surround sound as well.”

CityPride has been using JBL speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers for over 20 years due to their industry-leading output, clarity and dependability. When CityPride decided to upgrade their audio system in the new auditorium, HARMAN was the clear choice.

“In the Indian market, there are several companies in the cinema audio sound segment, but some brands are too expensive while others require a special content format,” said Chaphalkar. “The HARMAN cinema solution gives us a complete end-to-end solution — the speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and the QLI-32 processor — all in one seamless package. The HARMAN solution provides an incredible sound experience and gives us a great value for our investment.”

Lindsey Stirling Counts on HARMAN Professional Solutions to Support Her Concert Violin Sound

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Lexicon, dbx and JBL enable front of house engineer, Rob McWhorter, to stay in step with the dancer and electronic music star

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Virtuoso electronic violinist, YouTube phenomenon and New York Times Best Selling author, Lindsey Stirling recently commenced her latest North American tour with Lexicon, dbx and JBL Professional audio brands bolstering her inimitable sound and elaborate production style.

During her live show, Stirling twists and twirls alongside four dancers while switching between four violins. “The fact that Lindsey can play as stably as she does while she’s moving is amazing, but working on Lindsey’s violins can still be complicated,” said Rob McWhorter, front of house engineer for Stirling. “A violin is an acoustically based instrument but, with the band’s EDM, dubstep, electronic and pop dance style influences, we have a lot of volume. We can’t keep a live mic in check with Lindsey and instead need to run all of her violins direct.”

“Always having a direct signal means there’s a lot you need to do to make the sound as big and natural as possible,” McWhorter said. “ One of the key elements of Lindsey’s violin sound is reverb, and on this tour, I have a pair of Lexicon PCM 96s to help give me the biggest, most spacious and ambient reverb as possible, so I can run them very wet and still sound natural.” McWhorter further deploys the Lexicon PCM 96s for Sterling’s vocals and the drum kit.

Rounding out Stirling’s violin sound, McWhorter uses two dbx 676 Tube Microphone Preamp Channel Strips. “I have slightly different settings for each violin—various combinations of reverb, EQ, compression and different pre-amps—and two of the four instruments rely on dbx processing,” he said.

Having worked with Stirling since her debut tour four years ago, McWhorter also serves as her production manager and uses JBL speakers for onstage monitoring. “All of our monitors are JBL, and we’ve been using them since day one. In the four years that we’ve had them, I’ve never had to replace a driver. We use a drum sub, wedges at the keyboard position and side fills for the dancers. That way, if any of their IEMs go out, I know they’ll still be able to hear the mix. The JBLs are solid and never let me down.”

Stirling catapulted into the limelight as an acclaimed violinist and performer with her self-released and produced music videos on YouTube, which have garnered more than 1.4 billion views and more than 8 million subscribers. With her unique blend of Celtic folk, classical, dubstep and dance, her debut and sophomore releases have both topped the Billboard Album charts and, to date, her tours have sold more than 500,000 headline tickets worldwide. Lindsey’s highly anticipated third studio album, “Brave Enough,” will be released on August 19 through her own imprint, Lindseystomp Records.