PHOTO : JAMISON BUTCHER
DIGICO SD9 AT FOH
PS : This seems like an interesting tour in that Crooked Shadows was the band ’ s first release in nearly nine years , and that there are many different “ iterations ” of Dashboard , from Chris ’ s early solo work to the still-acoustic-butmore-layered guitars / harmonies to the full-band stuff . With that , are you changing your approach to the mix based on the era or album of a specific track , or more concerned with a unified overall experience ?
JL : It ’ s really only the effects and group processing that changes from song to song . My input channels and EQs don ’ t change , but the way the vocals are affected and the way the groups are processed do . The newer material from Crooked Shadows has more effects like delays and harmonizing on the vocals whereas the old songs are much more raw and intimate sounding . Sometimes I find less is more with songs that people have that level of attachment with . Often the crowd will fill in a lot of the spectrum when they are singing every word with the band .
PS : What informed your decision to bring out the Digico SD9 for this tour ? What is it you like about the desk ?
JL : The SD9 was the perfect choice for my setup as I do a lot of analog bussing , so I needed a surface I could fully customize for the unique way I was choosing to use it . I
wanted a console that would run at 96 kHz and minimize the latency from the A / D D / A conversions . In addition to the SD9 , I also had an SD-Mini Rack at FOH to give me the extra I / O I required and additional AES outputs for my VST effect sends . I love that I can customize anything with the SD series . There isn ’ t a way I ’ ve thought of working that isn ’ t possible on a Digico .
PS : As you ’ ve mentioned , you have quite a bit of analog outboard gear out with you . Can you run us through the main pieces you have and a bit about how they earned their spot in your rig ? Specifically , I ’ m interested in the reasoning behind summing through the Metric Halo units .
JL : I ’ m carrying Empirical Labs distressors for my lead vocal along with a Neve Portico 5045 to keep the vocal in check in situations where feedback would normally be an issue . Additional distressors for drums as well as an Overstayer VCA compressor for the overall drum buss . All of my groups are then summed through Metric Halo ULN8s , which allow me to use + DSP processing and the 80-bit summing mixer to combine my analog busses with my VST effects hosted by Live Professor . I use mostly Soundtoys and UAD plug-in effects to best recreate what was used in the studio . I also use a Waves Maxx BCL to add some additional processing to the mix before it is distributed to the PA via a Lake LM44 .
“ Unlike mixing FOH , monitors are so personal , so by getting to know the band and what they ’ re looking for , I can understand the vibe they need to make a show feel exciting . It ’ s more trust than anything else .” -Monitor Engineer Jamison Butcher
PS : I ’ m curious about how your recording experience and prowess has influenced your approach to live sound , and if maybe it ’ s led to unique aspects of your workflow that might differ from people who focus primarily on live sound ?
JL : I think the main thing I carry over from the studio is how important the source sounds are . There is a lot you can do , especially now with all the tools we have available to us in live sound . Some of those tools were commonplace in the studio before they were possible or widely adopted in live sound . Ultimately , it ’ s about making the band sound great and having the audience leave feeling they heard and saw something special .
PS : To close us off , how was your experience working with the band and crew throughout the We Fight Tour ?
JL : I ’ m thankful every day that I get to work with such a kind and talented band and crew . Having Jamison at the other end of the snake means the band is always going to hear what they need to put on their best show possible , which in turn means I ’ m going to have a great show ! The backline techs , tour / production management , merch / VIP , and LD all contribute to our success each and every night .
32 • PROFESSIONAL SOUND