HARMAN’s Crown Audio and JBL Professional Power Expansion At Indiana Convention Center

In a unique and challenging expansion project, HARMAN Crown amplifiers and JBL

loudspeakers were chosen for the new expanded sound reinforcement system at the

Indiana Convention Center. The Convention Center is now integrated with Lucas

Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The system was designed by

Bowen Technovation and installed by Fairchild Communications.

The area of expansion features a battery of Crown CTs 600, 1200, and 4200 series

amplifiers, all equipped with PIP-USP3 modules. Sound in meeting rooms is provided

by JBL Control 226C/T ceiling speakers, while restrooms and back of house areas feature

JBL 24CT ceiling speakers.

The $275 million project is the Indiana Convention Center’s fourth expansion since

opening in 1972. The current project began after the demolition of the area formally

occupied by the RCA Dome and was completed in January 2011.  The expansion added

254,000 square feet of exhibit space, 63,000 square feet of meeting rooms and 10,000

square feet of pre-function space. A connector that links the Convention Center to

Lucas Oil Stadium was built as well.

“From a design standpoint we were challenged to integrate several wings of the

existing building system with our new systems.  Those areas had varying types and

ages of technology that had to be incorporated. We also needed to assure that the

new system could integrate and route through the newer systems at Lucas Oil

Stadium,” stated Jeff Bowen, president of Bowen Technovation.

“We have had extensive experience with Harman gear in the past but for this specific

project we auditioned speakers from several different manufacturers and JBL stood

out from the pack from a performance and price standpoint. The Crown amplifiers were

chosen for their history of performance and reliability as well as the distinct

advantages we were offered by their ability to monitor and control using HiQnet™

System Architect™,” added Bowen.

“From a contractor’s perspective there were many construction milestones that had to

be met for the overall success of the project.  There was very little room for error

based on the fact that the renovated spaces had already been planned for use with

clients so the systems just had to work. We were challenged on this project from all

aspects and we are proud to say this installation was a huge success for our

company,” stated Mike Cast, vice president of operations for Fairchild Communication

Systems.

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 Harman’s Professional

Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG),

a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.