ENGLAND — ADLIB Audio is supplying sound for the UK leg of Hot Chip’s “Made In the Dark” world tour, debuting their new Lab.gruppen PLM1000 amplifiers used to drive 12 ADLIB MP3 low-profile monitor wedges. ADLIB’s Richy Nicholson (FOH) and Marc Peers (monitors) are working closely with band engineers Steve Revitte and Mary Alafetich.
The main PA consists of JBL VerTec 4889 elements specified by Revitte. They are carrying 20 in total, which are fitted as appropriate into each venue depending on weight loadings and available space using assorted methods — flown, ground-stacked or combinations of the two. For infills, outfills and footfills, they’re using a combination of ADLIB FD2 and AA122 cabinets.
The main system is primarily powered by Camco Vortex 6 amps, with Crown IT 8000s for the subs and fills and ADLIB’s proprietary switching system linking all the racks tp provide a providing a fast solution for line switching. ADLIB is also supplying a Digidesign D-Show Venue.
Revitte uses Bomb Factory plug-ins to simulate a selection of valve compressors and Line 6 delays amongst other plug-ins. They are also recording the show each night, which is very easy to access via the console’s Pro Tools compatibility. This gives the additional option of running a ‘virtual’ soundcheck when the band can’t physically be at the venue.
Creatively, Revitte strives to get the sound dynamic, loud, clean and clear. Hot Chip’s music characteristically contains some vital vocal harmonies, so audibility tops the sonic agenda. He also captures the serious energy levels generated onstage, bringing them right into the audience experience with boldness, vivacity and searing volumes. They are a “busy” band musically, so all sounds also need to be in their place. It’s also their first tour with a drummer, which adds plenty of additional “feel” and depth to the stage sound.
Two Dolby Lake Processors (DLPs) are used for the main PA crossovers and EQ, also offering a dynamic, multi-option setup and a Lake Contour is controlling all the fills. All are run from a remote tablet, so EQ’ing can take place from anywhere in the venue. They are running AES protocol from the desk to the crossovers keeping everything in the digital domain at FOH.
There’s also a stack of NEXO Alpha side fills per side comprising one S2 sub, B1 bass and M3 mid high, driven by Crown VZ5000s and Camco Vortex 6 amps. The band, endorsed by Shure, is supplying its own mics.
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For more information, please visit www.adlibaudio.co.uk.
