Run by Mark Hornsby, Hark has upgraded its Vi4 to the new Vi5000 via Soundcraft's conversion kit at the request of monitor engineer, Harry Bishop - to enable the latter to ramp up the dynamics, processing power and channel count for chart-topping electronica trio Years & Years - all of whom are now on in-ear monitors.
"The upgrade has proved extremely successful and has converted the surface into a Vi5000," he said. "There is no practical difference, and Harry is delighted with it."
At the same time Hark has purchased the 'Ultimate Bundle' for the RealTime Rack - the de luxe package that unlocks all 74 UAD-developed plugins, which provide a wide selection of classic emulations.
Hornsby describes the move by Soundcraft as a welcome development. "The upgrade is like buying a new Vi5000 but in a more economical fashion, and I don't have redundant hardware. The core has more functionality and with more processing power now available, there is more DSP including a dynamic EQ which was really necessary - plus It boots up in just 30 seconds."
Hark heeded the plea from Harry Bishop as soon as the band started to play increasingly larger capacity venues. "He was struggling with his [existing] small format desk because the band has doubled its channel count," he explained. "And the fact that Soundcraft have created extra ear outputs was an immediate bonus."
The monitor engineer himself says, "The Vi has long been my desk of choice. I'm extremely comfortable on this platform because I like a simple workflow."
The new desk will now go to Europe as part of a control package during December and will be largely deployed with Years & Years down at the stage for the foreseeable future. However, Mark Hornsby sees enormous potential way beyond, in particular during the festival season. "I'm expecting to get far more work out of it. I still think [the Vi] offers the best surface and sound - and as a 'walk-up' desk for festivals it's perfect."
He credits the support given by Sound Technology, the UK and Ireland distributors, and in particular Stuart Strachan, in the newly created role of live sound project engineer. "He was helpful getting it up and running and making sure Harry was aware of all the functionality. I received a real VIP service and it's great that Sound Technology has created this new technical sales role."
(Jim Evans)
