Audio Pro

Which band/project are you currently working on?

I've been working with Foreigner going on four years now. I was with Paul Rodgers’ solo bands and Bad Company on and off for years, then when Paul joined Queen, I had to find another gig. I heard Foreigner were regrouping with another singer and Jason Bonham on drums, and as I did the 25th Anniversary tour in 2002, I was in pretty good with Mick [Jones} and the boys, I was hired. It’s working out good and steady.

If working, where are you at the moment?

We’re in the middle of a winter world tour, and now in Vienna. We started on Nov 4th in the UK with rehearsals at Music Bank in London, then moved from Scotland on down, flew to South Africa for three shows, then back up through the Eastern bloc countries, then Norway, Sweden and Denmark, down to Germany and Austria. Two more shows then home to the US on December 18th.

What audio console are you utilizing? And how many channels?

I've been using the new EAW UMX.96 digital console, which is fantastic and should be on the market by spring this year. I just love it, and that’s coming from a 37-year analogue veteran. One of features I dig is the 48-channel input main frame. I run about 45 inputs and it’s great not having to switch between 24-channel to 48-channels to access my full input list. It’s also got analogue pre-amps and a VCA section that helps warm the sound up a bit more than most digital consoles, plus the general layout is very easy on the learning curve.

I got to go to the factory a couple of times to get a feel for the console. EAW’s Ben Olswang showed me around the console and helped me program signal flow of inboard FX, comps and gate routing and a general overview. Then road dog Martin "Ferritt" Rowe and Dana Burke came out as my wing men in the US for a couple of weeks to make sure there was no meltdowns. EAW’s Moray McMillin in the UK got me the console for this overseas leg.

What decision process was behind the choice of this audio console?

I was approached by Jeffrey Cox, who was the Cox Audio behind the L-Acoustics V-DOSC line array revolution, and now the VP of EAW, and was ask if I’d like to test run it on the road for a while and give them some real-life feedback. So, I thought, why not..

Do you utilize any outboard effects/EQ, and if so, what are they used on and why?

I run with five effects, three reverbs and two digital delays. One verb for vocals, another for instruments and one for drums, plus a short delay and a long delay. Basically I do a room EQ at FOH, plus front-fill EQ, delays and EQ on delay towers and whatever matrix for outlining quadrants need to be addressed. I'll then use on board EQ for sweetening of channels.

Favourite console?

I'm leaning toward the UMX.96 at the moment for as a digital console. For analogue, I run with a Midas XL4, or a Midas Heritage 3000. That’s on my contract.

Favourite PA system?

A L-Acoustic V-DOSC line array, with Crown power, or a JBL VerTec line array with Crown power. The EAW UMX.96 or Midas consoles, BSS or Urei graphics, Drawmer gates, Manley, dbx, and Avalon compressors, plus T.C. Electronics, Yamaha, Klark Teknik and Lexicon FX.

Favorite studio/venue/festival?

I'd have to say the gig we just did with Led Zeppelin in London was off the hook. I worked at the Record Plant in LA from 1977-79… great studios, not to mention the extra curricular activity that was happening, Every top band and producer was there at one time or another. We just laid some new tracks at Tree Studio in Atlanta with Matt Still in the box. Elton John has cut his last two CDs there with Matt as well. Great studio.

Best toy you take on tour or in the studio (can be audio… can be a ice-machine)…

All I need is a Harley Chopper and my console and I’m good.

Worst professional experience…

Bad weather. Working with sub-standard system engineers, with sub-standard gear, and poor working hands. Gladly that hasn’t happened in a while (knock on wood). Losing your gear in a storm is a big one. Losing your gear on the plane. Finding out your gear is in Atlanta when its supposed to be in LA, and you've got a show that night… It’s happened a thousand times over in 37 years of beating the road...

Career highlight?

I think getting a chance to have risen to the level I have, and being able to work with so many acts I grew up listening too. Being on the same level as the guys you’re working with is very gratifying…It's been a hell of a ride.

What really pisses you off when working?

Bad food in catering. People asking you for stuff from the band, or getting them backstage for pictures. Asking for information, like you’re the information booth for the event. Who's on the bill and what times do they play…on and on…

What makes you happy when working?

Everything going well. The crowd loving what your doing. Good food in catering. Good gear.

With hindsight, what job would you have chosen for yourself…

Being a wildlife guide, running horseback and fishing trips.

And… if you weren't working now, you'd be?

Tying flies in my cabin by the river to go fly-fishing.