The energy of legendary rock group Heart’s live performances demands a sound system that delivers both power and musicality. The first person who knows that is veteran front-of-house engineer Gary Hartung, who’s helped deliver the band’s signature sound across arenas, sheds and theatres for several tours. After first specifying JBL Professional’s VTX V25 loudspeaker system for Heart’s 2019 tour, Hartung continues to rely on it today for the band’s 2024-2026 tour, citing years of consistent results and audience acclaim.
Hartung, who has worked with Heart and vocalist Ann Wilson for more than a decade, first mixed on the JBL VTX system during a run of outdoor venues in 2019. “We had phenomenal success with that PA,” said Hartung. “With the VTX system, we were having great shows one after another so I knew I had made the right choice.”
When Heart reunited for their latest tour in 2024, Hartung returned to the same JBL Professional system that helped define his live mix. The rig, provided by Sound Image, features VTX V25-II-CS mains, B28 subwoofers and VTX A8 front fills, powered by Crown I-Tech amplifiers. Hartung’s preference for JBLProfessional stems from what he calls its musical smoothness and dynamic balance. “The VTX has a warm, natural character,” he said. “It’s not overly aggressive, it’s musical. That matters when you’re mixing a show that goes from hard rock to ballads. The system stays even and consistent no matter the dynamics.”
Heart’s current production is a full-scale rock show built around a dense wall of guitars and powerful vocals from Ann and Nancy Wilson. Hartung emphasised that the JBL VTX system handles that range without harshness. This proved especially important during high-pressure shows such as Heart’s recent stop at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, a notoriously challenging acoustic environment. “It was one of those nights where everything came together – the band, the mix, the room,” Hartung recalled. “The feedback from industry friends and venue staff were unanimously positive.”
With Nancy and Ann Wilson still performing at full power, the Heart tour continued to draw thousands of fans across North America in 2025.
