Such is the size and scope of Bowie’s repertoire, that Wheeler was looking at 56 mic lines and a further 24 line inputs. "This show controller required the ability to follow an artist with a huge song list, and a penchant for chopping and changing his set list at the drop of a hat. At first, I thought I’d rent a PM1D for him," Hayes explained, "but then on reflection I realised this is a desk being spec’d more and more."
Hayes had harboured the typical reservations that any prudent audio service company would about the latest digital live mixing console. "The desk is still relatively new, and everyone that uses it needs to be given a training course. What I was concerned about was the lack of people with that experience. Plus I’ve always been wary of digital technology, particularly how it sounds." Hayes took the prudent route and called up several desk owners and users: "I called Wigwam, Orbital, and a couple of live engineers; everyone I spoke to said it sounds fantastic, so I took the plunge and bought one."
The console went into rehearsal on the 25th June and will run until late July.
(Lee Baldock)
