Harman’s Suparman delivers JBL A12 for Sebastian

Harman Professional’s APAC wizards, Herman Suparman, Application Engineer, and Roger Lim, Application Engineer and System Design & Training, brought three days of product training to CMI’s Melbourne Headquarters in early June. JBL’s flagship VTX A12 line array was also flown in to the party, ahead of its 24-date Guy Sebastian national tour with Danny Olesh on FOH mixing duties.

JBL A12

With CMI’s audio team recently expanding to include Richard Hulston as Pro Audi Team Leader and Consultant Liaison, based in Melbourne, and veteran Brian Vayler representing CMI on the Gold Coast, the whole team were assembled for a comprehensive overview of Soundcraft Vi, Si and Ui Series digital desks, dbx, BSS and Lexicon processing, the JBL speaker range, Crown amps, AKG mics and Harman’s range of software, including HiQ Audio Architect, Line Array Calculator, and Performance Manager.

The VTX A12 is a dual 12” line array loudspeaker producing 146dB max SPL, with 90 degree horizontal dispersion. Powered and processed by Crown Audio I-Tech HD Series or Crown Audio I-Tech 4x3500HD DSP amps, JBL VTX A12 is a complete tour sound solution for mid- to large-size touring applications and high-end fixed installations. A patented JBL rigging mechanism streamlines deployment and setup, and the system is fully integrated with JBL’s system control and prediction software.

Getting the A12 in the air

As the A12 was being flown in Melbourne, its new compact sibling, the A8 and matching B18 single 18” sub, was being announced at InfoComm in Las Vegas. The A8 is a dual 8” line array loudspeaker with 110 degree horizontal dispersion. The speaker’s three-way design utilises a passive network to drive both the mid- and high-frequency sections with a single amplifier channel. The VTX A8 shares the VTX A12’s innovative rigging mechanism, suspension system, truck-friendly dimensions and Performance Manager software for streamlined, rapid deployment.

Herman Suparman brings a wealth of high-end PA experience to his APAC role, having previously worked for d&b audiotechnik and L-Acoustics. “There’s a lot of depth of audio talent here at CMI,” he commented. “With the release of A8, I can see JBL making bigger inroads into the Australian market, particularly with its performance and timbre being closer to the top-end market leaders.”

Line array optimisation

Roger Lim, with an extensive background in integration and installation, had the A12 optimised and performing beautifully from the comfort of his laptop. “It’s great that this A12 system is going out on tour with Guy Sebastian,” he commented. “Audiences and sound technicians need to see and hear this system for themselves. You really need to hear it in concert to get the full experience, and grasp what it’s capable of.”

The JBL A12 is on tour with Guy until the last show in Townsville on July 14. Click here for full dates and tickets.