"This tour is my first opportunity in a while to use an analogue console," says FOH engineer Martin Hildred. "There is only one analogue desk to use when you have the choice and that's the XL4. The band leans towards a retro rock and roll sound, and I have a complete wish list of valve gear which is perfect to use together with the XL4; it just sounds great."
Hildred is recording every show for future live release, taking a direct output from the XL4 to his PC-based multitrack recorder which has accompanied him throughout the tour. "Once again the XL4 is great for this application as I can take the live output from the desk using the pre insert, pre eq and pre fade functions so all you're getting is the pure signal from stage."
Happy as he is with the XL4, Hildred is quick to praise another vital component of his UK touring setup. "The most vital ingredient for the great sound we're getting on this tour, alongside the XL4, is having a decent systems tech - in this case Skan's Matt Vickers," he says.
Meanwhile monitor engineer Ilias was delighted to find that Skan could also supply a second XL4 for use on stage. "It's my favourite console and fits the bill for this tour perfectly as it's straightforward rock and roll, with no major changes or cues," he says. "It just sounds really brilliant."
(Chris Henry)
