"I've been a Hog user for years," reported Craig. "The Road Hog 4 ticks all the boxes in terms of what I want out of a desk. I like the layout and the large screen real estate. I prefer everything to be on the one screen, as opposed to a larger desk that'd have screens and controls spread out laterally." Since its purchase, Craig has already had it out on gigs as diverse as contemporary dance shows and the launch of the film Magic Mike XXL.
The portability and power of the Road Hog 4 make it suitable for a working life spent rapidly changing styles. "It does straight-line cue lists really well, as well as being able to busk," said Craig. "It's all in the way you set it up for different shows. It's versatile."
Going out on the same mix of corporate, theatre and events as the Road Hog 4 is Craig's fleet of eight Shapeshifter C2s. "I wanted an LED wash unit that could also give me beam effects," continued Craig. "I fell in love with the Shapeshifter C2s when I saw them demonstrated in Austin, Texas, last year. The Shapeshifter allows you to fundamentally change the paradigm, and move from just having a beam of light, to a beam that can do lots of different things and is interesting to look at."
Despite its extensive control possibilities, Craig points out that the Shapeshifter is still very easy to use. "Once you've got it setup in full mode, it's actually really easy to create interesting effects," he confirmed, "especially when paired with the Road Hog 4."
All High End Systems products are distributed and supported in Australia by Lexair Entertainment. "Lexair has been a pleasure to deal with," Craig says. "They're really responsive, and always there if I have a question or need anything. They'll always go the extra yard to make something work for me. I don't feel like I'm just buying a light; it's a relationship rather than a purchase."
(Jim Evans)
