Usher is a bright, fresh R & B artist out this summer on a U.S. tour of sheds and arenas with impressive systems specified by FOH engineer Tim Lawrence and monitor engineer Maceo Price.

The system, provided by Gemini Sound of Dallas, includes an interesting approach, where house and monitor systems have been designed for identical performance, using the same loudspeaker elements - EAW's new KF760 Series line arrays. (Yes, line arrays for monitors.)

I recently caught up with Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Price, as well as Gemini Sound owner Tim Cain, for a show at Chicago's Tweeter Center (formerly The World Theater). They were gracious with their time and information, providing a detailed look at all elements making up the systems, and also giving the "why" of what they're looking to achieve.

Coverage includes:
System overview. Line arrays for both house and monitor systems, plus loads of wedges. Get the breakdown.

Interview with Tim & Maceo. Keith Clark talks with FOH and monitor engineers about the how and why of the systems.

Micing, mixing and outboard. The custom headset mic created from many different parts, lots of channels of Midas, and "simple" outboard.

Hard disk sequencing. Samples are used only to add fullness, and a new hard disk system for doing so is being phased in during the tour.

Tim Lawrence live chat transcript. In the midst of the tour, Tim took time out to answer a wide range of questions from our audience.

Current tour itinerary. The Usher tour continues to roll through the U.S. this summer. Is it coming to a venue near you?

Usher Tour Key Personnel:
Michael Nachtigal, Tour Manager
Tim Lawrence, FOH Engineer
Maceo Price, Monitor Engineer
Jason Litt, System Tech
Pierre Rockman, Monitor Tech
Erik Goers, System Tech
Tim Cain, Owner, Gemini Sound