Trevisani points to the VENUE system’s snapshot automation as a critical feature.
“There’s so much musical diversity in this show, and it’s really useful to be able to assign plug-ins to do different things on different songs,” he explains. “I can get really creative with the snare drums, use different compressors on the bass—stuff that until recently would have been inconceivable in live sound.”
Part of the band’s unique sonic signature comes from drummer Chris Dave, whose kit comprises a kick and four snare drums. “He tunes one snare down almost to floor tom pitch, which gives it a nice, sweet low-end thump,” says Trevisani. “Then he alternates between the other snares for different songs. Being able to set up different snapshots really helps me keep a handle on it.”
The ability to interface a VENUE system directly with Pro Tools is another huge plus for Trevisani. “(Maxwell’s producer) Hod David and I talked about (integrating Pro Tools recording) before the tour, and we agreed it made no sense not to record the shows. So I put together a Pro Tools|HD 3 rig, and we’ll be mixing some of the tracks for possible release as a live CD or DVD.”
Those recorded tracks also enable Trevisani to perform Virtual Soundchecks, saving time before each show. “It’s great for me, because I can pull up last night’s show and have things pretty much dialed in before the band’s done setting up,” he explains. “And I can use the tracks to set up new snapshots, so I can play around with little touches like panning guitar parts or other intricacies.
“For me, the VENUE workflow is very ergonomic,” he continues. “The layout is so intuitive, it’s really easy to get to everything. When you’re working with a 10-piece band, you really have to have everything right there. And the system is just rock solid, day in and day out.”
But ultimately, Trevisani says that sonic quality is still key. “You could have all this cool technology, but if it doesn’t sound good there’s no point,” he says. “I get the opportunity to present one of the best R&B voices in the world, and the VENUE system helps me to do that brilliantly, show after show. When Max listens back to my live recordings, he’s always telling me how warm it sounds. When I get compliments on the sound from the artist and fans alike, that makes me feel great.
“I love having this kind of control over my sound,” Trevisani concludes. “To me, this is exciting, because these guys at Avid are really getting it right.”
