Audio Pro

Which band/project are you currently working on?

I’m currently running and getting used to the new system. The last project was getting rid of the old rig and helping with renovations to get the new-look venue up and running. Loads of fun and has definitely paid off.

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

A Digidesign Profile digital. We are set up to run 48 channels from stage, though I have the desk set to utilize 64, so I can re-patch for bigger gigs and everyone has their own channels if needed. This leaves room for lots of FX returns and playback and the like, especially if there is an HDx1 interface being used. Basically more freedom to prick about with channel lists.

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

It wasn’t a huge decision to be honest. We were told that we would be sharing the newly located ops area with the lampies, as before, but with a reduced area size so would have to go smaller with the desk. The new investors were big fans of digital so gave me a choice between two in particular with room for other suggestions. I had used the Venue before and liked it, so instinctively went with its little sis, the Profile. Haven’t looked back since, I love the thing.

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

The only outboard I have is a CD player/burner. Everything else is onboard in the shape of plug-Ins. No need for outboard anymore, which I feel strange in saying, since I was so anti-digital before. Times change I guess.

Favourite Console…?

Digital: Digidesign Venue or Profile, they wipe the floor with the others as far as I am concerned. Analogue: I will always have a soft spot for the first desk I ever used, a Soundcraft Vienna II. Another favourite is the Midas XL200

Favourite PA system…

The one I am using now to be honest. L-Acoustic ARCS (three per side) combined with four dV-DOSC bins and dual SB28 Subs.

Favourite venue/festival?

My best experience was in Switzerland at the Montreux Jazz Festival in the Stravinsky Hall. I used the Digidesign Venue for the first time. It was just so relaxed. Excellent crew, system, atmosphere and of course, food.

Who are the best band you ever worked with, and why?

Without a doubt Presidents of the USA. Such a fun band to work with. I’ve loved their music for years so was such an honour to be able to do monitors for them. Also making them laugh by singing along with every song. Don’t think they were used to that!

Best toy you take on tour? (Can be audio… can be a ice-machine)

Sorry to be so stereotypical but it has to be my laptop. It keeps me sane. I am a huge internet addict and a nerd to boot, so couldn’t live without it for long. Main reason also, is that it keeps me in contact with those I love.

What's been your worst professional experience to date?

Unfortunately I have the habit of screaming at “stars” without necessarily realizing who they are, which can be somewhat embarrassing. Other than that it was probably a few years back when Mission from Burma were playing at our venue and the support band were just about to finish their set. I was sitting to one side, letting the engineer do his thing, when I heard an almighty bang. I looked up and saw the poor guy with a bemused look on his face just staring at the desk scratching his head. He couldn’t figure out why there were still some lights on but no audio coming in. The distro board in the desk had blown the +-17 volt rail. It took half an hour, and all the crew, to hook up the old desk to keep the gig going and punters happy. Worst gig of my career, so far…

What’s been your career highlight?

Generally just getting to talk to and work with so many bands that I loved when I was younger. Main two were doing drum tech for Paradise Lost and monitors for The Presidents of the USA. Don’t think I will ever forget those. Also going on a four-date tour as support for Bryan Adams and using some amazing equipment.

What really pisses you off when working?

The stupidity that most drunks’ show. The usual questions, “What happens if I push that?” and so on… Also the people that come from right in front of the stage to find you to tell you that they can’t hear any vocals. I usually ask them can they hear them now that they are standing in front of the PA instead of almost behind it. They say yes. I tell them to fuck off and stop annoying me, lest I come into their job and tell them what to do.

What makes you happy when working?

Good bands, with good gear, arriving on time prepared. Also having a ‘Stef’ (Scottish git stage manager/monitor engineer with excellent sense of humour and loves Subway, just like I do) on stage is a prerequisite for a happy gig. Everyone needs a ‘Stef’ to make things run on time and to run smoothly.

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

This is the ideal job for me. I love the challenge it throws at me and the pleasure it brings, both to me and the varying numbers of people that attend the shows.

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

Asleep. Goodnight!