KAISERS PUT MIDAS ON UK RIDERS
Leeds rockers and triple BRIT awards winners the Kaiser Chiefs have embarked on the UK leg of their European tour with Midas XL4s at FOH and on monitors provided by Skan PA Hire.
“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.”
ENDS
All brands and trademarks are recognised.
Editors' information:
Midas live performance mixing consoles have been used by the world's most demanding sound engineers, performers and rental companies for three decades. The company strives to raise the standards of sonic quality through its programme of continual research and development, implementing new control functionality and user-friendly desk operation to anticipate and accommodate the ever-evolving needs of audio professionals who specify Midas consoles for their major tours, festivals, international events, broadcast projects and prestigious fixed installations.
Pic cap: Kaiser Chiefs FOH engineer Martin Hildred at the controls of the Midas XL4 as singer Ricky Wilson entertains the crowds at Brighton