Moya Tour Benefits From Soundcraft ViSi iPad Monitor Mix

She has been using the Si Performer’s output processing to send post-fade FX to the stage so the reference sound heard in the band’s in-ears matches the audience experience.

“I’m using ambient mics, reverb and panning to give them a feel that they are right there in the mix—providing an open sound so that they feel what the audience feels. I really like the ease in which I can change the panning on each mix using the same encoder as panning for the main mix. It means I can space things out in each band member’s mix depending on their position on stage.”

As to how she builds the soundscape, October uses vocal reverb, drum reverb, slapback delay and tap delay (on Moya’s voice). “Although she has an incredible voice I also want the dynamics to be present in everything else, producing a good full range sound.”

She admits to having had concerns about mixing five in-ears from FOH in arenas and even a stadium at Dublin’s RDS, until the iPad idea struck her. “I upgraded the desk at production rehearsals with the new firmware and latest version iPad operating system—and the band was all over it.”

Nevertheless, on the first tour date they were tight for time. “We didn’t know we had to provide our own complete line system until night day before the first show so I had to build my looms and wire up the patch during the first day’s sound check,” she says. “Thankfully Rod Stewart’s team allowed us to set up on stage before Rod’s sound check, which gave us a lot more time. He was happy to work around our gear which is very unusual.”

The drummer and keyboard player used small mixers to facilitate hardwired in ears and a separate click channel which was split from the playback system. “If the drummer loses click, there’s no show,” October notes, “so he has to have total control over that. We also gave him one of the two stage iPads as he is sat down and can access it most easily.”

This also provides reassurance for Moya herself (since she has no direct contact with her sound engineer) although she quipped, “The idea of trusting my life to my drummer was scary at first. But the setup has been quick and easy—and provides both confidence and consistency.

“The Si Performer has made this tour an absolute joy. It’s the first time I’ve used Soundcraft’s iPad app—and having the band control their own levels has completely freed me up to concentrate on the FOH sound.”

Soundcraft
Harman Professional

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