Resources

World-Class JBL VTX Sound for Crypto Arena, Los Angeles

Case Study: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles

Crypto.com Arena, one of the most renowned sports and entertainment venues in the world, embarked on a multi-year renovation to enhance every aspect of the fan and performer experience.

Home to teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Kings, and LA Sparks, as well as major events like the GRAMMY Awards, the arena needed to upgrade its aging sound system to match the scale of its iconic status. The new system had to provide world-class audio quality for a wide range of events, improve coverage for all seating areas, and address the logistical challenges of a packed event schedule and tight installation timelines.

The Solution

To meet these challenges, Crypto.com Arena collaborated with HARMAN Professional, consulting firm Anthony James Partners (AJP), and integrator 3G Productions to design and install a cutting-edge JBL sound system. The upgrade replaced the older JBL VerTec® system with the latest JBL VTX A-Series loudspeakers, significantly enhancing audio quality while optimising coverage across the arena.

The main system features 120 JBL VTX A12 Dual 12-inch Line Array Loudspeakers, powered by Crown I-Tech 4×3500HD amplifiers, along with 36 JBL VTX B28 Arrayable Dual-18-inch Subwoofers driven by Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers.

For the first time, an upper balcony delay ring using 36 JBL PD6322/95-FRP Dual 12-inch 3-Way Horn-Loaded Speakers was added, ensuring consistent audio coverage for the upper bowl, an area that previously lacked sufficient sound reinforcement. All speakers are tuned and optimised using DSP onboard the amplifiers.

The project also addressed logistical challenges, such as repurposing existing infrastructure to save costs and accommodate the new system’s requirements. For example, amplifiers were relocated to catwalk racks, eliminating the need to lower speaker clusters for maintenance, a significant improvement over the previous system’s design. This approach ensured the system would remain operational during the arena’s constant rotation of events.

Despite global supply chain delays and the constraints of a packed schedule, 3G Productions leveraged its expertise to streamline the installation. Pre-assembled wiring harnesses and racks were prepared in advance and installed quickly during narrow time windows between events.

The Result

The upgraded JBL sound system debuted successfully during an NHL preseason game between the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks, delivering exceptional audio quality and coverage to every corner of the 20,000-seat arena. The addition of the upper balcony system transformed the fan experience, ensuring that every attendee enjoys immersive sound, regardless of their seat location.

The move to externally powered speakers with amplifiers housed in the catwalk not only improved reliability but also streamlined maintenance, allowing for quick troubleshooting without disrupting the arena’s busy event schedule. This design change eliminated the downtime and logistical hurdles associated with the previous onboard amplification setup.

Crypto.com Arena’s Senior Vice President for Projects & Event Productions, Armen Dembekjian, praised the seamless collaboration among all stakeholders, including HARMAN, AJP, and 3G Productions. “The new system ensures we are 100% operationally safe at all times, not 97 or 93 percent,” he emphasized. Jack Covert of AJP commended the teamwork that brought the project to life, noting, “As big and important a venue as Crypto.com is, everyone involved pulled together as a solid team to deliver an exceptional result.”

With its upgraded JBL sound system, Crypto.com Arena is now equipped to provide an unparalleled audio experience for fans, performers, and teams, solidifying its position as one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the world.

Stadium & Arena Articles

As seen in Australia and around the world

HARMAN Professional's Stadium Install Solutions Brochure

Get in touch

JBL Professional continues to lead in stadium audio, and MadisonAV is here to help with expert guidance and a comprehensive range of JBL solutions. 
 
Share your requirements with us, and we’ll provide the perfect solution. If you're interested in speaking to our team of specialists about AV Solutions for Stadiums and Arenas, please complete the following form or call 1800 00 77 80.

Captcha Image
Signature
Products to compare:
Comparing Products
Your browser currently does not support some features required by this site. Please try another browser