Chicago-based sound engineer Aaron Patkin went on the road mixing monitors for Chance The Rapper, one of hip-hop’s fastest-rising young stars, in early 2013. Since then, the artist has progressed from Internet sensation to main stage attraction, as evidenced by his acclaimed performance as a final-night headliner at this summer’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.
Over that time, Chance (full name Chancelor Bennett) has gone from being a voice-and-DJ act to having a full live touring band. However, one thing has remained constant: using Sensphonics 2MAX earphones for monitoring.
Patkin especially appreciates how the full isolation and comfort of their soft silicone earpieces made the transition to in-ears easier.
“When the in-ears arrived, it was my job to help them make the transition – just three days before the tour,” Patkin recalls. “Chance had never worn in-ears before and had no idea what to expect, or even what to ask for. It was a great opportunity for me to help him, getting him comfortable with in-ears and using them correctly, and it’s worked out great.
“They all fell in love with being on ears, Chance particularly. He loves being able to hear everything perfectly, no matter where he goes – and he is all over the stage!”
Aaron Patkin’s first encounter with Sensaphonics IEMs came when he was working for Aretha Franklin, who was considering a switch to in-ears. “We brought in all the major brands for her to try,” recalls Patkin. “Aretha did not end up making the jump to in-ears, but I ended up liking the Sensaphonics so much that I bought myself a set.”
In addition to the great fit, isolation, and comfort of Sensaphonics soft silicone earpieces, it was the sound quality that really sold Patkin.
“What I love is that they are natural and sonically neutral,” he says. “Chance and I both wear the 2MAX, which is ideal. But I’ve found that no matter what someone else is listening on, mixing through the 2MAX translates accurately. That’s a great tool for a monitor engineer.”
For an artist like Chance The Rapper, the Sensaphonics is the perfect choice. “These are really well built, and that’s really important on tour,” explains Aaron. “There’s no discomfort, no fatigue, and they stay in place and keep working, even on a hot, sweaty day. Chance may take one earpiece out on occasion, but it’s an act of showmanship, getting the crowd to “be his choir.” But when he’s trying to hear and perform, he’s always got both earpieces in – as everyone should!”
2014 has been a year of solid touring for Chance The Rapper, including most of the major US festivals along with a European tour. The highlight, of course, was Lollapalooza. Chance was one of the headline acts on the last night of the festival, drawing a crowd estimated at 60,000 despite playing at the same time as Kings of Leon and Skrillex on the two main stages.
“It was a hometown show, closing the Perry stage on Sunday night, and we went all in,” says Patkin. “We had a full live band, with drums, guitar, bass, trumpet, and keyboards. Extra background singers, cryo effects, dancers… Chance went all in with a good old rock and roll show. And it was a blast!”
