The choice of a HARMAN Professional Solutions integrated system—featuring JBL
loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers and dbx signal processing—is proving to be the
perfect match for the stylish, 4.5-star Novotel New Plymouth Hobson hotel in New
Zealand’s Taranaki region. The hotel required an elegant audio system to provide
premium sound quality, coverage and control of its many areas. Local integrator
TSH Audio & Video worked closely with Jands, the New Zealand HARMAN
Distributor, on the audio design of the project.
TSH Audio & Video (formerly Taranaki Sound Hire) has been installing innovative AV
systems and supplying technical hire services to the Taranaki community for more
than 40 years. Established in 1988, Jands is a specialized distributor of world-
leading audio brands in New Zealand.
The hotel’s distributed sound system is controlled with a dbx by HARMAN ZonePRO
1261m digital zone processor. The ZonePRO family of fixed architecture audio
processors offers a high-quality, cost-effective solution for commercial audio
applications. The system is managed by several ZonePRO Ethernet controllers
throughout the venue.
“ZonePRO is a rock solid platform and is really easy to program,’ said Daniel
Evans, Senior Technician at TSH Audio & Video. “Working with the ethernet
controllers makes it so easy to install and manage.’
An array of JBL loudspeakers was selected for this installation, including the new
JBL Control 31 loudspeakers installed in the conference room. Part of the JBL
Control Contractor Series, they feature extremely smooth frequency response and
extended bandwidth for high quality sound. JBL Control 24CT-M ceiling loudspeakers
with wide 150-degree coverage were installed throughout the venue for background
music, including inside the gymnasium. In addition, JBL Control 25T loudspeakers
were installed to provide music for the outdoor deck/dining area.
The audio system at Novotel New Plymouth Hobson is powered by Crown DCi 2|300
and Crown DCi 4|300 multichannel amplifiers. Crown DCi high-performance
amplifiers are designed, engineered and manufactured with the highest quality
standards and provide system integrators with a versatile, compact and highly
energy-efficient amplifier.
“TSH was very pleased to be involved with the construction of this iconic New
Plymouth project and to be working with Jands to specify a high quality audio
system,’ said Evans. “Jands provided us with quick turnaround on design changes
and the HARMAN vast toolbox of products came in handy when we had to come in
under budget.”
