Ba Sao Investment selects JBL, Crown, dbx and Soundcraft audio solutions to enhance animal acts, magic shows and acrobat performances at historic circus venue

HANOI, Vietnam—Ba Sao Investment, Co., Ltd. recently installed a complete audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at the Central Circus Theatre.

Located in the Hai Ba Trung district and founded in 1956, the Central Circus Theatre is the oldest circus in Vietnam. The theater hosts five to seven performances per week by its own Vietnam Circus Federation, as well as occasional visits from international troupes. In order to enhance the facility’s sound quality and provide a more immersive performances experience for audiences, the Central Circus Theatre hired Ba Sao Investment to update the facility’s aging audio system with a cutting-edge integrated audio solution. Ba Sao Investment selected a complete HARMAN audio solution made up of JBL speakers, Crown amps, dbx signal processors and Soundcraft digital mixing consoles for their intuitive operation, unmatched flexibility and world-renowned sound quality.

“One key requirement of the audio system was that it needed to be powerful enough to cover our theater’s needs, and portable enough to suit our touring needs,” said Mr.Lê Quang Tuyến, Vice President, Central Circus Theatre. “Ba Sao Investment worked closely with HARMAN to provide us with a customized solution that includes a combination of passive and active JBL speakers. The HARMAN system offers us a lot of flexibility, and is a huge improvement over the previous system in terms of overall sound quality.”    

The HARMAN system in the Central Circus Theatre consists of 12 JBL STX825 two-way speakers, 6 JBL STX828 dual 18-inch subwoofers, 18 JBL PRX715 two-way portable powered speakers, Crown MA5000 power amplifiers, Soundcraft Si Performer 2 digital mixing consoles and dbx DriveRack 260 speaker management systems.

Boasting a wide frequency range and broad 90-degree by 50-degree coverage, the JBL STX825 is a dual 15-inch two-way speaker and provides maximum impact, portability and ease of use. The JBL STX828S dual 18-inch subwoofer delivers maximum low-frequency performance and 2,000 watts of continuous pink noise power handling. The system is powered by Crown MA5000i amps, and augmented by portable JBL PRX715 two-way powered speakers.

“The Central Circus Theatre is thrilled with the HARMAN system we installed,” said Nguyen Khac Anh, CEO, Ba Sao Investment, Co. Ltd. “The JBL speakers provide excellent clarity and coverage, and the dbx DriveRack 260 ensures the system is optimized for every performance. The small-format Soundcraft Si Performer 2 can handle any live mix situation, and its built-in DMX lighting controller makes it easy for one technician to control audio and lighting from one console.” 

“We are honored that our solutions are incorporated in Vietnam’s oldest circus,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “The proud tradition of the Central Circus Theatre is in line with HARMAN’s tradition of providing premium technical solutions. We thank the Central Circus Theatre for trusting HARMAN products to carry its time-honored legacy into the future, and Ba Sao Investment for their faith in our brand.”

Mahajak Development selects JBL Professional, Crown, Soundcraft, dbx and BSS solutions to create a versatile multi-zone audio system across a wide range of attractions 

HUA HIN, THAILAND—Mahajak Development recently installed a multi-zone distributed audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at Vana Nava Jungle Water Park.

Located on eight acres outside of Hua Hin, Thailand, Vana Nava is Asia’s first “water jungle” and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. In addition to over 20 water slides, rides, and a jungle with more than 200,000 species of plants and trees, Vana Nava features world-class restaurants, bars, music venues and private event spaces. In order to provide excellent sound quality for background music and announcements across a wide range of facilities and attractions, developer Proud Real Estate hired Mahajak Development to design and install a complete HARMAN networked multi-zone audio solution throughout the entire park.

“The project required a great number of loudspeakers, and the HARMAN constant-voltage speakers enabled us to extend the number of outputs and minimize power loss over long speaker cable runs,” said Roengrith Jantarima, Project Manager, Mahajak Development. “The park has been up and running smoothly for five years now, and we continue to provide Vana Nava with technical support and maintenance. Thanks to the durability and seamless integration of the HARMAN solutions, we haven’t had to replace anything due to equipment failure. The park’s audio system sounds as good today as the day it was opened.”

The system installed by Mahajak Development includes JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, Soundcraft mixers and BSS digital audio processors. The wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces at Vana Nava are outfitted with JBL Professional Control Contractor Series loudspeakers, offering a variety of surface-mount, in-ceiling and in-wall models for any architectural, aesthetic or system performance requirement. Additionally, the water park zone is augmented by JBL AE Series, EON500 Series and PRX700 Series speakers. The entire system is powered by Crown CDi Series and XTi 2 series amplifiers.

A Soundcraft FX16ii 16-channel mixing console sits at the center of the HARMAN system, while dbx DriveRack Series loudspeaker management systems handle the multi-zone processing and distribution of audio. A BSS Soundweb London BLU-80 device offers configurable I/O, signal processing and CobraNet audio. Finally, BSS BLU-8 wall-mount controllers enable intuitive level control and source selection in the different zones across the park.    

“It’s exciting to note that HARMAN provided a professionally controlled multi-zone sonic infrastructure for their complex networked audio system at Vana Nava Jungle Water Park in Thailand,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “Mahajak Development has been one of our long-standing partners and we are looking forward to seeing this relationship grow in the future.”

Lawrenson Group selects solutions by JBL, Crown, dbx and Soundcraft for their famed sound quality, unmatched versatility and intuitive operation

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND—The Lawrenson Group recently installed a complete audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at the Outback Inn, a popular nightclub in Hamilton, New Zealand.

One of New Zealand's premier entertainment venues, the Outback Inn, hosts massive dance parties and performances by local DJs and touring artists, including Flux Pavilion, Twista, Peking Duk, and many more. The large facility can serve as a 2000-capacity venue, or can be divided into three distinct nightclubs. In order to accommodate the flexible room configuration and provide an exceptional music experience to its guests, owner and operator Lawrenson Group decided to upgrade the Outback Inn’s aging audio system with a complete HARMAN audio solution.

“The Lawrenson Group has been proud owners of HARMAN Professional Solutions audio gear in a large number of our venues for many years now, and naturally we were pleased to continue this relationship with our new nightclub expansion at The Outback Inn,” said Jeffrey Van Kempen, Technical Director, Lawrenson Group. “The majority of our nightclub venues use JBL STX Series speakers and Crown XTi 2 series amplifiers with very pleasing and reliable results, even while being ran more than 20 hours a week in very harsh environments.”

Trusted HARMAN distributor Jands New Zealand supplied all equipment for the Outback Inn’s new sound system. The system consists of JBL SRX800 Passive Series loudspeakers and subwoofers, Crown XTi 2 Series amplifiers, a dbx DriveRack Series speaker management system and Soundcraft Si Series digital audio consoles.   

“The HARMAN system was specified so that it can either operate as one large main PA when the venue is used as a performance venue or it can be broken down into three smaller nightclub systems for regular weekly use,” said Eli Murray, Director of Sales and Design, Jands New Zealand. “Portability, budget, set up and ease of use were all top of mind during the specification process.”

JBL SRX835 three-way speakers provide stunning full-range audio, while JBL SRX828S dual 18-inch subwoofers deliver powerful low frequencies needed to stimulate the dance floor. JBL SRX815 two-way speakers satisfy the venue’s flexibility requirements, serving as monitors, front- and side-fills, or portable PA speakers. The entire system is powered by reliable Crown XTi6002 and XTi 4002 amplifiers, and a dbx DriveRack VENU360 loudspeaker management system ensures maximum PA performance and coverage every time. A Soundcraft Si Performer 3 console takes care of the front-of-house mix in the main venue, while Soundcraft Si Impact consoles enable powerful and intuitive mixes in the smaller nightclubs.

“Earlier this year we hosted Peking Duk for our first large event,” explained Van Kempen. “It was also our first real chance to run the system in its entirety and we have literally been blown away with its performance. The results have been very impressive and the HARMAN solution has kept well within budget budget.”

“The Lawrenson Group’s confidence in HARMAN Professional Solutions products and solutions speaks volumes of our customer service, product reliability and world class standards which help elevate customer experiences,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM  HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We are pleased that we are able to continue to meet their exacting standards and expectations in partnership with our NewZealand distributor Jands.”

CSA Indonesia deploys an end-to-end HARMAN AV solution that delivers a refined guest experience for conferences and weddings at the stunning Indonesian lake resort

SENTUL CITY, Indonesia—Located on a scenic lake in the flourishing community of Sentul City, the four-star Aston Sentul Lake Resort and Conference Center offers guests an unforgettable stay with breathtaking views of mountains from lakefront property. In addition to 212 guest rooms and eight villas, the hotel also features 11 state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a ballroom that accommodates up to 900 attendees. To provide guests with an AV experience that matches the splendor of the rest of the property, the owners hired CSA Indonesia to update the grand ballroom with a complete end-to-end HARMAN AV solution.

“As the crown jewel of our hotel, the ballroom needed an AV system of the highest quality,” said Christian Djoeharnoko, Director of Sales & Marketing, Aston Sentul. “We also wanted to implement a seamless control system that would allow our staff to easily make AV adjustments. Knowing HARMAN’s reputation for excellence across all its product brands, we had faith in CSA’s choice to install a complete HARMAN AV solution.”

With large-scale urban development plans in the works, Sentul City is set to become a prime travel destination in the near future. Aston Sentul Lake Resort and Conference Center is already seeing increased business because of the boom, and is quickly becoming a popular choice to hold conferences, meetings and events.

“Aston Sentul Lake Resort and Conference Center is one of the largest hotels this side of Jakarta, and management wanted to improve the AV experience for guests who attend events hosted in the grand ballroom,” said Setiawan Winarto, CEO of CSA Indonesia. “To help them achieve this goal, we installed a fully integrated HARMAN solution, consisting of JBL Professional speakers, Crown amplifiers and an AMX control system. The hotel management team was very impressed with the system we installed. In fact, they were so pleased, they requested that we also provide a lighting solution, which we fulfilled with Martin fixtures.”

The main ballroom, which can also be partitioned into three separate meeting spaces, is outfitted with JBL Control 40 Series ceiling speakers and powered by Crown CDi series amplifiers. Featuring a narrow 75-degree coverage pattern that minimizes reflections from the wall and phase differences between adjacent speakers, the JBL Control 47HC delivers superior speech intelligibility in highly reverberant high-ceiling applications. JBL PRX and JBL EON active speakers are utilized when the hotel requires more powerful sound reinforcement. Martin RUSH MH1 Profile Plus and Martin MAC Aura Wash fixtures provide flexible and colorful lighting to perfectly suit the mood of any event.

A sophisticated control system featuring AMX Enova DGX800-ENC digital media switchers and an AMX NX-4200 / NetLinx® NX Integrated Controller is integrated with TP Control software, enabling staff to control all aspects of the AV equipment in the hotel’s meeting spaces with just a tablet and the touch of a finger. The convenience factor is augmented by the AMX Enzo platform—a flexible meeting presentation system that allows guests and presenters to share and collaborate on documents and photos stored on their personal device. 

“We’re happy to see our products help Aston Sentul Lake Resort and Conference Center deliver an unforgettable experience to their guests,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, Asia Pacific. “We are confident that their investment will ensure successful business with new and returning clients.”

Products Used:

Soundcraft Si Expression Digital Consoles

Crown CDi Series Amplifiers

JBL Control Contractor Series Speakers

dbx Digital Zone Processors

AKG Wireless Microphones

JBL PRX Series Speakers

AMX Audio Video Control Systems

AMX Enzo Presentation Systems

Martin Rush MH1 Profile Plus Fixtures

Martin MAC Aura Wash Fixtures

HARMAN Professional Solutions’ AKG, JBL, Crown and dbx brands help power the live outdoor space

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Lippo Mall Kemang, located in Jakarta, is a new playground for style, taste and fun. Recently opened to cater to the working crowd and residences within the vicinity, the mall sets itself apart from its competitors with a live performance space called the “Avenue of Stars” arena.

The arena features entertainment seven days a week, offering different genres of music each night. The entertainment is also complemented by al fresco cafes and restaurants, located within the arena, to offer dining options for shoppers.

It was important that the sound system installed within the arena met certain criteria, such as, good sound coverage with no spill-over into other areas, powerful yet quality audio that brought out the vocals of the entertainers in a positive way and the ability to sound great no matter what type of music genre is being played.

Working together with the Lippo Mall designers and technical team, HARMAN’s Indonesia partner, CSA Indonesia, was able to understand the requirements and then design and provide the sound system, centered on HARMAN solutions, that best met all their criteria.

The live entertainment system features JBL’s Vertec speakers that ensure frequency response is enhanced for a variety of audio needs. The main sound reinforcement system is comprised of JBL VT4887A compact 3-way line array elements, complemented by JBL’s VT4881A single 18” subwoofers. This combination delivers high-quality, full-range sound appropriate for both musical and speech applications.

Complementing the main PA set-up is the JBL SRX828 SP 18” Dual Self-Powered Subwoofer system that offers full user configurable DSP, and with the incorporation of the V5 JBL Tunings, provides compatibility with the Vertec system. JBL’s Vertec system offers highly advanced performance in a reduced system size with easy set-up.

JBL PRX712 and JBL PRX715 speakers were also added for their versatility. They can be used as front of house main PA if needed, but for this configuration, are used as floor monitors for the performers.  The speakers are driven by Crown MA5000i power amplifiers that feature patented, cutting-edge Class-I circuitry that gets more power out of an amplifier with higher efficiency.

Working in tandem with the sound reinforcement system is the AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system, which ensures intelligible and pristine vocals. The microphones can operate up to 14 hours with just one AA-size lithium battery due to revolutionary power management. Providing all the processing, flexibility and control of the systems is the DriveRack dbx4800.

The PA system has helped the mall gain compliments from musicians and shoppers who have experienced the live performances in the arena.

“We have had a great experience with the HARMAN set-up. Our artists and performers are very happy and comfortable with the system and the whole musical experience it provides to the audience,” said Deni, the mall’s Operational Manager.

“We are privileged to provide a total system that not only meets the needs of the Lippo Mall, but also enhances the experience of the customers as well. The installation is an example of how our different solutions all work harmoniously together and offer a dependable, robust and most importantly, high-quality system. We are thrilled that HARMAN was able to meet the mall’s high expectations, as well as keep in line with the requirements of the performers, and thereby enhance customer experiences in the Avenue of Stars at Lippo Mall,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC.

Products Used

JBL VT4881A
JBL VT4887A
JBL SRX828 SP
JBL VT4887-AF
JBL PRX712
JBL PRX715
AKG WMS470 Vocal Set D5
Crown MA50001
DBX4800

Luxurious convention center equips five ballrooms and lobby with JBL Professional, dbx, Soundcraft and Martin solutions to deliver a premium guest experience 

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam—Opened in November 2016, the Capella Gallery Hall is an upscale convention center in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Featuring striking modern architecture and gorgeous interior design, the multifunctional space hosts a wide variety of events, ranging from luxurious weddings and private parties to international business conferences and industry conventions.

To ensure a world-class guest experience in each of its five large ballrooms and main lobby, the Capella Gallery Hall hired systems integrator Ba Sao Investment to implement a complete HARMAN AV solution consisting of JBL speakers, Soundcraft mixing consoles, a dbx speaker management system and a Martin lighting rig.

“Since opening less than a year ago, we have quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest event spaces in the city, hosting very important conferences for local and international businesses alike,” said Quang Dat Vu, Technical Manager, Capella Gallery Hall. “In order to maintain a standard of excellence across all aspects of our events, I trust HARMAN products to deliver superior audio quality and reliable operation.

“Each of our grand ballrooms are outfitted with JBL Control 24CT ceiling speakers and dbx DriveRack VENU360 speaker management systems, which provide excellent clarity and perfect coverage,” he said. “JBL EON 600 series speakers and subwoofers provide high-impact sound reinforcement when our events feature professional entertainment, and Soundcraft Signature Series consoles ensure the mix is top notch.”

In addition to the HARMAN audio equipment, the Capella Gallery Hall installed Martin RUSH lighting fixtures in the Capella Gallery Hall’s grand ballrooms to enhance their elegant beauty and provide an engaging visual experience for guests. The Martin RUSH Multibeam 2 is a versatile fixture, providing powerful mid-air effects with its ten individually controlled long-throw beams. With fifteen gobos and seven colors, the compact and energy-efficient Martin RUSH Wizard delivers a large variety of dance-floor looks. The Martin M-Touch enables easy DMX control of the Martin RUSH lighting fixtures, allowing the staff to easily design unique looks to suit each event’s needs.

“The Capella Gallery Hall is a unique space that has been carefully planned to provide an exceptional guest experience,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, Asia Pacific. “We are privileged to have our products utilized by the Capella Gallery Hall and we are very happy to help the Capella Gallery Hall surpass their guests’ expectations.”

Products Used

JBL EON 600 Series Speakers
JBL Control 24CT Ceiling Speakers
JBL CS Series Mixer/Amplifiers
Soundcraft Signature Series Consoles
dbx DriveRack VENU360 Speaker Management Systems
Martin RUSH Multi Beam 2 Lighting Fixtures
Martin RUSH Wizard Lighting Fixtures
Martin RUSH SM850 Fog Machines
Martin M-Touch DMX Controller