IPB Audio, headed by Ian Bond, has become one of the first clients to purchase both a new Midas PRO2 and a PRO2C live audio system, introduced at last week’s PLASA 2011 show in London. (See our exclusive first look at the new PRO2/PRO2C.)
“I initially saw some drawings, and as usual, gave my feedback to (designer) Alex Cooper,” Bond says. “One of the great things about Midas is that they always listen to people’s opinions. The price of the PRO2 means that there’s going to be a lot of people who can afford to have a Midas digital console and, importantly for me, people who can now afford to rent it. They can now have the same sound as an XL8 for a lot less money. It’s going to shake things up a bit.”
Bond has used his Midas PRO6 (serial number 007) extensively on front of house for Porcupine Tree, so it’s fitting that the first job for the PRO2 is a solo tour with the band’s guitarist Steve Wilson in the UK and US.
“We’re playing venues up to about 1,000 capacity, so it’ll be great to have the smaller footprint, and I’m also doing monitors from FOH, like I did several years ago on a Midas XL8 with King Crimson,” Bond says. “Steve’s got an immense band, with six musicians and a lot going on onstage, and I’m confident I can give them the stadium-style PA and service they expect in the smaller venues we’ll be playing.”
IPB Audio was formed in 1998 and based near Fareham, Hampshire, UK.
