Front of House engineer Paul Cooper has been working with the band for the past two years. "I've been using Sennheiser drum microphones, the 900 series in particular, for a long time," says Paul. "I know how they sit and where their strengths lie, so it saves a lot of time with sound checking and quick festival turnarounds.
"I've had Dan Smith (lead vocals) on a 900 series vocal mic since day one. He started with the 935, but now they're playing bigger stages - which means less cymbal and background spill - we've gone to the 965. Dan's voice has a very particular area where it fits into the mix - the Sennheiser 965 suits it more than anything else I've tried him with and makes any drastic EQ unnecessary.
"We've recently added a G3 wireless system to the 965 capsule and he's really enjoying the stage freedom that it provides."
Paul and monitor engineer Ben Kingman have also moved the band on to in-ear monitors, the Sennheiser EW 300 G3 IEM delivering the consistent audio quality and reliability that is so essential for a band on a lengthy world tour. And the company's support has been every bit as reliable.
"Sennheiser artist relations manager Mark Saunders has been superb in offering everything we've needed," says Paul. "Every bit of advice and every request we've had - he's been straight back to us. Sennheiser really are very supportive indeed."
"Bastille had been a slow burner for Sennheiser, but working on things piece by piece with Paul has provided us with a very solid relationship with one of the biggest up and coming bands in the UK," adds Mark Saunders. "I'm looking forward to working with them over the coming year, both here and on their overseas touring, as they establish a worldwide reputation."
(Jim Evans)
