Laughton's previous experience of Midas digital systems was using an XL8 for The Verve, and he was delighted to take the PRO6 out. "I thought this little baby would so suit Florence; her show is very musical, with lots of dynamics, and this makes it sound exactly how you want her to sound," he says.
Laughton had several days of rehearsals at Elstree Studios to get used to the PRO6, and his XL8 training came back to him as soon as he walked up to it. "I'm using it just like I did the XL8, and it's great to be back using features like the POP(ulation) Groups," he says. "It just gets better and better to use; it's so intuitive, and you're not limited by anything."
Florence and the Machine are now moving on to dates in the US and Australia, plus the round of summer festivals, and Laughton will be taking his PRO6 show settings with him on a USB key. "Another of the great things about digital desks is you can pick up where you left off; I'll be able to bring the whole show back immediately, no matter where I am," he says.
(Jim Evans)
