Dolly Parton is utilizing an Isomax headset microphone from Countryman Associates on the current Better Day tour to promote her new studio album of the same name.
Nashville-based Jason Glass serves as Parton’s monitor engineer for the Better Day tour. An audio professional since 1989, Glass has toured as a monitor engineer with many artists, including Sara Evans and Tanya Tucker. Additionally, he served as monitor engineer for country music legend John Michael Montgomery for a decade.
“Dolly’s voice is a versatile instrument,” notes Glass. “It ranges from whispered speech to explosive laughter, to childlike character voices, to belting out full-on gospel singing. The Isomax headset captures every nuance of her performance with pristine fidelity. Our monitor system includes ten downstage wedges—all for Dolly’s mix.
“As you can imagine, the headset’s gain before feedback must be exceptional to keep such power in check while keeping her vocals on top of our ten-piece band. We usually work large venues like sports arenas and amphitheaters, but we occasionally do intimate theaters. Regardless of the venue, the audience is frequently a raucous bunch. The off-axis rejection of the Isomax is very helpful in minimizing the effect of these variables.
“Dolly is an energetic performer,” Glass continues. “The Isomax headset stays in place through some fairly frenetic action when adjusted to a comfortably snug fit, and that inspires confidence in the product.”
The tour’s musical director, lead guitarist, and vocalist Kent Wells also uses an Isomax headset while performing two duets with Parton.
Additionally, Glass wears a duplicate headset with matched output to the performers’ sets. This enables him to know their exact levels and to ‘ring the wedges’ (adjust EQ settings to minimize the possibility of feedback). According to Glass, “The consistency from unit to unit is exceptional.”
