Brad Madix relies on DPA for percussion
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In his current role as live FOH engineer for Florence + the Machine, Madix relies on a range of DPA Microphones to help deliver pristine percussion to audiences. For instance, he depends on the company’s 4099 Instrument Microphone for the drum kit and the brand’s 2011C Compact Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Mic for overheads, which pick up the sound from the band’s various percussion instruments including cowbells, cymbals and a wood block. He also positions a pair of 2011C’s above the drum kit, to really capture the instrument’s sound.
“The integration of these two solutions from DPA provide such a clear, natural sound,” says Madix. “There is a great transient response on the drum kit. It’s really amazing the way the mics pick up each beat of the sticks against the drum, rather than mashing it all together, which has been an issue with other microphones. The rigidity of the 4099s and their ability to be easily adjusted makes them the ideal solution for large tours and live performances.”
In addition to the live sound applications, Madix uses DPA’s 5100 Mobile Surround Microphone for live recordings. “The 5100 mobile surround mic is great for seamlessly picking up both ambiance and audience - it takes care of everything,” he continues. “On the recording side, we have to be aware of all sounds being picked up, whether it’s the audience yelling or the sound of the room, and the 5100 captures it all really well.”
(Jim Evans)
