The man at front of house for country music superstars Rascal Flatts for more than eight years, Jon Garber is using Studer Vista 5 SR digital consoles for the band’s current “Flatts Fest” tour.
Featuring opening acts Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and Justin Moore, the 29-show tour, spanning North America, features an entirely new stage production and interactive festival atmosphere.
Escondido, California-based Sound Image is supplying the Studer Vista 5 SR as the front of house digital console, as well as an additional Vista 5 SR for monitoring.
Along with the Vista 5 SR consoles, Sound Image is providing 54 JBL VerTec VT4889 full-size line array elements and 34 VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers for each show, while the rig is powered by Crown Audio IT12000HD amplifiers.
“We have a longstanding affiliation with Harman for more than a decade, utilizing a variety of Harman equipment,” Garber states. “Studer, JBL and the entire Harman system helps us tremendously, especially on these long and exciting tours. We can be sure to provide the artists and fans reliable, yet stunning sound in every city.”
Using the Vista 5 SR digital console since its introduction nearly four years ago, Garber credits the simple-to-use interface for its continued success. He says he only needs five minutes with anyone from a seasoned, ‘old-school’ front of house man to a new engineer on the job to completely explain the functionality of the Vista 5 SR and the console continues to impress the band and all engineers involved.
“The Vista’s are performing very well as we kick off “Flatts Fest,” Garber continues. “They can handle everything from playing at a 20,000-fan closed venue to the outdoor amphitheatres we are visiting during this tour. No digital desk compares to the Vista 5 SR. From the Vistonics interface and ergonomics, to the workflow, it’s an awesome piece of equipment.”
