In the touring world, PM5Ds have been sold to Tour Tech, Concert Sound, Major Tom, Delta Sound, John Henry's and Canegreen. The two consoles for MSL have been used for nearly 100 Jools Holland gigs. High-profile live TV specialists Jackson Post and Plus 4 Audio have also taken delivery of desks and Blitz Sound are using two in corporatre/theatre work.
Marquee's Andy Huffer has been a particular champion of the PM5D, and the importance of his input is confirmed by the experience of one customer in particular, Skan PA, which has bought four desks in ten months. Abby Llewellyn of Skan explains that, although they generally prefer to deal direct with manufacturers, Huffer's knowledge of the digital console was especially helpful, both before and after purchase.
Skan PA purchased its first PM5D in March 2005. "We had been looking at the PM5D for some time but had been putting off the purchase until we had a specific requirement for the desk," recalls Llewellyn. "One of our clients was looking at moving over to a digital monitor desk and, with the help of Andy Huffer, we arranged for their engineer to try out various boards at our warehouse. The engineer expressed a strong preference for the 5D and this was the nudge we needed to make the purchase."
Skan's engineers settled in with the console very quickly and without any drama. "They appreciated its reliability, which is important to people who are on the ground, with the responsibility for sorting out problems."
Since then, Marquee Audio has supplied four PM5Ds to Skan PA, all purchased to supply specific projects and anticipated on-going demand. Clients who have used the Yamaha PM5D include The Darkness, Belle and Sebastian, Sigur Ros, Incubus, Supergrass, Elbow, The Bloodhound Gang and David Gray, with the PM5D finding equal popularity as a monitor desk and at front-of-house.
Skan's demand for the compact digital desks reflects the fact that the company is enjoying strong touring business and faithful support from its clients. "With the market as buoyant as it is, we're reaping rewards from our steady growth over the last 10 years, as we have built up the systems and relationships to be able to service the increased level of activity."
(Chris Henry)
