Crown Introduces VRACK: A Tour Optimized Amplifier and Power Speaker Management Rack for JBL Loudspeakers

In an introduction that provides touring professionals with a complete turnkey, out-of-the-box amplifier management solution, Crown today introduced VRACK, a complete amplifier management rack system solution.   The VRACK features three built-in Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers, immediately providing an easy-to-configure, plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need to build amplifier racks.   Designed to work in conjunction with JBL VerTec, VRX, and AE series loudspeakers, the system’s modular design is highly scalable and is designed to meet the needs of both small and large sound systems.

VRACK features a flexible input panel with AES, analog, and network inputs as well as rear rack lighting for multiple connection options.   A captive suspension system offers the capability for the rack to be flown in the same manner as a line array system.  The system also features a globally universal power distribution system that with the flip of a switch can be set to meet US and international power standards.

Advanced features of VRACK include built-in network and AES failover for protection of speakers in case of power loss.  Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™ provides control though monitoring and adjustment on a rack-by-rack basis and the ability to make changes to all three amplifiers through a single interface.

I-Tech HD amplifiers included with VRACK feature a user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivaled performance. Crown’s Class-I amplifier technology makes I-Tech HD robust and easy to configure and features an industry-leading choice of input options including CobraNet and LevelMax™ limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS).

“VRACK answers the question that tour sound professionals have consistently been asking: How can we optimize our JBL and Crown systems for the highest level of performance? VRACK is a standard solution from Crown in partnership with JBL to set the standard for VerTec systems everywhere in the world.  Given its versatility, it can be used on VerTec one day and then a monitor rack the next day,” stated Marc Kellom, Vice President of Marketing for Crown.

VRACK ships fully assembled, tested and ready to work right out of the box. The complete system weighs approximately 163 pounds.

"V-Rack is an exciting step forward in the ongoing evolution of VerTec and the outcome of a close collaboration between Crown International and JBL Professional. V-Rack ensures an optimum power match for all VerTec models combined with uncompromised sound quality. V-Rack establishes a VerTec system standard to ensure consistent performance on a world-wide basis. On the software side, V-Rack offers a future-proof platform capable of implementing upcoming VerTec V5 presets and we are also working closely with the Harman Professional System Development and Integration Group on V-Rack control software that is fully-optimized for tour sound applications," stated Paul Bauman, Director, Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering for JBL Professional.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.