Paragon II: A Perfect Monitoring Console For A Perfect Circle

COLUMBIA, MARYLAND: Monitor engineer Chris Gilpin has his hands full on "A Perfect Circle's" follow up tour to the platinum-selling "Mer de Noms". The touring company, Showco, brought out their big gun, a Paragon II, to manage the five-piece band's full compliment of in-ear monitors and wedges. In addition to the standard drums, bass, guitar, and vocals, A Perfect Circle adds a violin to their heavy, gothic sound. The melding of such lush tones requires a nuanced approach to monitoring and the skillful hands and ears of Gilpin. "Gungi" Patterson is handling the overall production and FOH mix.

Chris Gilpin, monitor engineer with Paragon II, A Perfect Circle Tour

Having worked with such acts as Metallica and Tori Amos, Gilpin is no stranger to high profile, high pressure acts. A Perfect Circle presented a need for a wealth of outputs to drive a dual in-ear, wedge monitoring system. "I wanted a board that could deliver all those outputs without having to reconfigure everything," recalled Gilpin. "Fortunately, Showco had a Paragon II available. This is my first time using it, and I'm more than impressed." "Before we went on tour, I was curious if the Paragon II would have the right 'sound'," Gilpin continued. "Now that I've heard it, I'm satisfied. It has a solid four-band parametric EQ section that delivers the aggressive, clean sound that is so crucial for in-ear monitors. The number and flexibility of inputs and outputs is amazing. I can run all those mixes, plus numerous effects, sends and returns with room to spare. Most importantly, the band is completely satisfied with the mixes and putting on fantastic shows as a result!"

The ATI Group is the parent company of Audio Toys Incorporated, API Audio and Uptown Automation. Audio Toys manufactures the industry leading Paragon

mixing console and associated rack mount gear. Uptown Automation manufactures and installs moving fader and mute automation for analog mixing consoles. API is the leader in analog recording consoles, including the famed Legacy Console and 500 and 200 Series Lunchbox modules.