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ADLIB at the Cutting Edge with the Scissor Sisters
ADLIB have upgraded their BSS 366 processors to the new NTM filtering for the tour. They are using the new Sennheiser G2 550 series mics (see separate news story), G2 300 series IEMs and a recently purchased Yamaha PM5D console - one of two the Liverpool based company has on the road this autumn.
The Scissor Sister's high-energy performance style has stormed the music industry spectacularly throughout 2004, gaining both popular and critical acclaim and much respect.
Dave Kay and Ben Booker have been onboard with the band since May. Kay chose a JBL VerTec line array system for the UK tour - 24 VT4889 elements - picked as the best option to deal with the larger venues they're now playing. The DF418 subs are ADLIB's own design and build - chosen to deliver the very high sub bass output needed to underscore the Scissor Sisters throbbing, dancey style.
ADLIB is also using BSS's new 366T filtering. Kay is impressed with the results, explaining that it gives a superbly clean crossover with sharp edges, and utilising the 36dB per octave Thiele filters gives a great linear phase response to the system. The system is EQ'd each day using a wireless tablet remote running BSS's SB2 platform for controlling the 366Ts, allowing Kay the freedom to walk around the venue whilst trimming the system. They are also running a full rack of BSS Varicurve EQs, and the system is analysed using a Meyer Sim 3.
Amplification is designed around the lightest weight for the most power, so the VerTec boxes are driven by Camco Vortex 6 amps, with the subs powered by CrownVZ5002s. Kelsey Acoustics supplied the Neutirk NLT metal bodied touring connectors used on the flying cable looms.
Kay mixes the show on a Soundcraft Series 5 console. For outboards, he's using TC reverbs and delays - for their natural sound and a Lexicon PCM 70 for drum reverb. He's also utilising a dbx 120A sub harmonic synthesiser to subtly enhance the low frequencies on the acoustic tracks. There's also a rack of BSS 402 compressors and Drawmer Gates.
The stage sound is kept clean, with four out of the six Scissor Sisters on IEMs. They use the new Sennheiser G2 300 IEMs and G2 550 radio systems featuring the 900 Series mics, which are proving to be very stable and robust, plus offering the advantage of self-scanning for clear frequencies. Kay and Booker are also road-testing the only UK demo set of the new Sennheiser kick drum mics, the 901 and the 902 which according to Kay are very impressive and will be on everyone's specs when they are released.
Singers Ana Matronic and Jake Shears change costumes so frequently that IEMs aren't practical … so their monitor mix is delivered through ADLIB's own new MP3 15"&2" wedges, 12 of them dotted around stage providing front and rear fills. The position of the monitors create a uniform coverage all over the stage, meaning that no side-fills are needed due to the power of the MP3s. Booker is confident that wherever Ana and Jake are onstage, they will hear the same mix.
The guitars are all run through the new Line 6 POD XT Live pedal board Processors - further de-cluttering the stage, in both an sonic and physical sense.
Ben Booker loves his PM5D-RH console for its massive flexibility and small footprint. Scissor Sisters is a cue heavy band, and he can store and recall all the show cues with the press of a button. This is specially handy for things like the bass guitar, which passes between three different people onstage throughout the show - all of whom prefer different EQs on it!
The PM5D also allows him to run the support band settings off a separate page - as opposed to a separate console!
Scissor Sisters tour the UK for three weeks before going back to the US for the pre-Xmas run. There is a trip to Ireland and Scotland over New Year. In February, it's Australia and Japan and 2005 looks set to be an even bigger, better and more prolific year for one of the most exciting bands of the moment.
26th October 2004
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