"We're at the end of the UK leg of the Aphrodite - Les Folies tour and heading off to America," says Napier. "The SD7 has done a fantastic job so far. It's done everything we hoped for."
The console, part of audio supplier Solotech's inventory for the tour, is currently running at just 60% of its capability. There are approximately 86 inputs from stage and, with the addition of talkback and effects returns, the channel count runs to around 110. There are 14 stereo and six mono sends for effects subs and thumpers, plus several stereo mic groups, which are used for shout mics around the stage, and a 16x12 matrix, used for backups and spurs.
"The left hand side of the console is for my main input channels," explains Napier. "The right hand side has all the outputs, plus a custom bank for the vocal inputs and Kylie's output channels. We're fully integrated into the show's comms systems, so the desk is a communications hub as well as mixing the show."
In terms of mixing, Napier finds things fairly straightforward. "But that's easy to say after eight weeks of band rehearsals," he smiles. "We're making use of the video display on the desk by having a feed from the CCTV camera footage - we have quad split, one for each of the musicians. I've found it incredibly useful because where I'm positioned, I can't see most of the musicians during the show."
(Jim Evans)
