Sound Image Upgrades Audio System at Gibson Amphitheatre with V5 Presets for Harman's JBL VerTec Line ArraysDelivering world-class audio to the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City in California, Escondido, California-based Sound Image recently upgraded to Crown I-Tech HD power amplification and added the new V5 presets to the amphitheatre's Harman JBL VerTec line array system. Originally built as an outdoor venue in 1972, the Gibson Amphitheatre was converted in 1982 and is now the third-largest indoor theater in California, seating approximately 6,000 people and has won several Pollstar awards as Venue of the Year. The amphitheatre hosts a variety of events including concerts, performances, as well as occasional award shows. The existing PA system at the Gibson Amphitheatre includes 24 VerTec VT4889 full-size line array elements (12 per side) and 24 VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers, with six hung per side plus six stacked per side. The system also features five VT4888 midsize line array elements on each side of the stage for additional outfill and two JBL DrivePack VT4888DP enclosures per side for flown downfill. The upgrade of the system with the V5 settings also included the addition of 54 Crown Audio I-Tech 12000 HD amplifiers. System control is provided via Harman's HiQnet System Architect platform with an extensive custom control panel interface that was developed by Gary Sanguinet of Sound Image. The new and improved V5 settings provide the Gibson Amphitheatre with a significant improvement in sound quality. This includes greater horizontal coverage, improved system response to equalization, and improved interaction between arrays. Paul Bauman, senior manager of tour sound at JBL Professional, commented, "The Gibson Amphitheatre has provided an important proof of performance test bed throughout the development of V4 and V5 presets and it has been a pleasure to work with front-of-house engineer George "Barney" Barnes, Mark Sidlow, Rick Merrill, and the Sound Image team to really dial in the system -- it's a great-sounding venue that really highlights what is possible to achieve with VerTec V5." "The biggest improvement for me is the increase in usable midrange information as well as vastly improved headroom," Barnes said. "Being an 'in house' rig, protection is a must and great improvements have been made in that regard with no problems." The system has been greatly accepted by prestigious engineers and bands such as Rush, Jason Aldean, No Doubt, Dukes of September, and Dream Theatre. 
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