Produced by Trident Management in collaboration with Live Nation Italia, the show features a production design by Lemon and Pepper, the creative and technical team that has worked with many of the world's top stars, as well as on previous shows by the Rome-born singer.
The system is set up so that from the analogue splitters on stage, the audio signals are fed to two DiGiRacks for FOH and two more for the monitors, so each has a completely independent signal path. As well as the nine-piece band, additional signals for sequences, click tracks and SMPTE for video sync bring the input channel total to around 70.
Under the stage, Stevan Martinovic and Umberto Polidori man two DiGiCo monitor consoles. Polidori uses a D5 for the band and Martinovic an SD7, entirely dedicated to the artist's monitor set-up, which is a combination of IEM, large side-hangs, subs under a stage-centre grill and four wedges out front.
Polidori has worked with other digital consoles in the past, but found the D5 the most versatile. "I have quite a simple set-up on this show, as the band members all use in ear monitors and the drummer and keyboard player each have a subwoofer for added punch at the bottom end. They are all highly experienced musicians, which also makes my job a lot easier," he says.
Maritinovic had already had the opportunity of making in-depth use of the SD7, putting it through its paces on some high profile events, such as the 2008 Verona Arena shows by Ligabue and a symphony orchestra, and a live show televised from Rimini, on which he had 168 channels to handle.
At the DiGiCo SD7 out front, 2009 sound engineer of the year Jon Lemon explained that, as always, he's in regular touch with DiGiCo, particularly the software team, giving them his feedback. "These guys are very proactive and always looking to improve their products," he says.
Lemon praises the SD7's sound quality: "It's great and a lot more extended, particularly on the high end, but the low end as well. This is obviously thanks to the processing power, which is so great on these consoles."
For a full report on Eros Ramazzotti's current tour, look out for the March 2010 issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine.
(Jim Evans)
