Which band/project are you currently working on?
Mixing the single Beautiful Dangerous People by new artist Ellis.

Where are you at the moment?
In my home project studio at the bottom of my garden, surrounded by the snow.

What audio console are you utilising? And how many channels?
Yamaha Digital 01V (original version) – 16 analog/eight digital via ADAT optical optional I/O card. The Yamaha is supplemented by my Nautilus Nemo DMC-8 preamp, which acts as a high quality master channel strip with three external stereo inputs that have individual gain controls for A/B comparisons. The Nemo also has stereo VU meters and a wonderfully large monitor pot as the control room master for a choice of two sets of speakers.

What decision process was behind the choice of this audio console?
I needed a good compact console that allowed me to do everything I wanted at the time of purchase, to go with my first Pro Tools system, especially with the very useful digital I/O option card. The Nautilus Nemo preamp has completely changed my typical DAW system into something that feels like a classic 1970s studio with a high quality discrete Class-A resolution technology.

Do you utilise any outboard effects/eq, and if so, what are they used on and why?
Yes, I still use my AMS RMX 16 digital reverb for the classic drum ambience setting.

Favourite console?
SSL

Favourite PA or monitoring system?
ATCs, Genelecs or JBL control 1s with SB1 passive sub.

Favourite venue/festival/studio?
London’s Strongroom Studios and the Latitude Festival

What’s been your worst professional experience to date?
Trying to mix Matt Bianco at The Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1985 – a frightening experience.

What has been your career highlight?
Having my co-production of East 17’s Stay Another Day hit Christmas number one in 1994 and stay for a five-week run.

What really pisses you off?
Bad singers and cocky and incompetent engineers.

With hindsight, what job would you have chosen for yourself?
Therapist.­

And if you weren't working now, you'd be?
Birdwatching, though it’s little chilly for that today. Otherwise, maybe reading an enlightening book, such as something from Vladimir Megre’s Anastasia series.

Harding has recently published a book entitled PWL – From the Factory Floor. The memoir
provides an insight into SAW/PWL recording and mixing techniques. It is available for a mere £10 from Harding’s website, www.philharding.com.