Accompanying the long-awaited tour is a profusion of Sennheiser and Neumann systems. The microphone choice for Michael is the Sennheiser SKM 5200 fitted with the Neumann KK 104 capsule, and this same mic configuration has been selected for a further six backing vocals. On front-of-house is Gary Bradshaw, and two monitor engineers are in control of the stage mix - John Roden for the band, and Andy Robinson balancing Michael's personal mix.
Robinson says: "It's important that an artist of George's stature feels completely comfortable with their mic. Combining the Neumann capsule with the Sennheiser wireless system has thrust the legendary Neumann sound to the top of the wireless domain, and opened up new dimensions in sound for sophisticated live-performance engineering. For me the Neumann KK 104 has a warm, smooth and clean response that requires virtually no EQ. Despite a loud backline, I can always place George's vocal exactly where I want it in the mix."
Neumann U 87s for overheads and TLM 170Rs on Saxophone are part of a strong Neumann wired set-up which also includes KM 184s on much of the percussion. Evolution wired microphones include the e901 on kick drum and the e904 clip-on mic on toms. Full range ew 572 G2 wireless guitar systems are used on two of the touring guitar players, and additional radio packs allow the bongos to move downstage for parts of the show.
The 25 Live tour is also deploying 18 channels of evolution EW 300 G2 in-ear wireless with multiple receiver packs. Robinson says: "The Sennheiser IEMs are currently the most reliable, stable and clean sounding systems in the world. The tone and clarity allows me to provide George Michael with exactly the mix he wants to hear."
Unusually, the set design rules that both monitor engineers are working backstage, and to overcome the inherent challenges of the large scale video wall, Sennheiser's Vulcan IEM launch system is utilised. Vulcan is the brainchild of Dave Hawker, Sennheiser's director of engineering, and is a unique dual amplifier configuration to enable large multi-channel IEM systems to operate faultlessly in RF hostile live-touring environments.
Hawker says: "Vulcan was borne out of Live 8, and it enables any IEM system to outperform its original specification. The set design for the 25 Live tour means that the band is split either side of the video wall and the lack of visual communications results in a high reliability being placed on the in-ears. Vulcan eliminates all of the problems associated with antennae placement and long cable runs."
The tour climaxes with a run of five sell-out shows at London's Wembley Arena, and is closely followed by a special one-off charity show for NHS Nurses at the newly refurbished Roundhouse.
(Chris Henry)
