latest news headlines

JBL VerTec for Interpol

New York alt. rockers Interpol hit the road in sonic style with their second acclaimed album, ‘Antics’, kick-starting an extensive world tour in the UK and Europe.

For this leg of the tour, they are using a JBL VerTec system supplied by leading UK audio rental house SSE. The PA was specified by FOH engineer Harley Zinker, who thinks VerTec is perfect for Interpol’s unique blend of vibrant attitudinal rock. Zinker has worked with the band for four years – ever since he first mixed them at the renowned 200 capacity NY East Village indie hangout, Brownies (now closed).

The first time he used a VerTec system was when they played Reading in 2003 – ironically this was also SSE’s system – but he didn’t know it at the time! SSE was the first rental company in the UK to invest in VerTec – supplied by Harman International’s UK distributors Harman Pro UK... and 2003 was the first Reading at which it was used.

Zinker was amazed at how the VerTec enclosure throws sound, particularly the mid highs. Since then he’s used it several times and always had a “pleasant experience”, and has also become more acquainted with its engineering and workings. “As soon as I discovered that the VerTec boxes contained three high frequency drivers, it all started to make more sense,” he reveals. He adds that the most important audio element for him in a given situation is striving for consistency around the room. “VerTec delivers every time in every space,” he concludes.

This is the first proper production tour for Interpol, so when it came to a PA spec, Zinker knew exactly what he wanted – VT 4889 elements.

They’re carrying 24 of them on the tour. For the band’s two sold-out Brixton Academy shows in London, these were flown 11 a side – the light weight of the enclosures being a massive advantage in terms of lifting and fitting more into each room. For the smaller venues, it will be ground stacked. Subs are Nexo CD18s – six per side in the larger rooms – a popular and very successful sub to combine with VerTec 4889s.

The system is driven by Camco Vortex 6 amps. System processing is BSS Omnidrive compacts with the V1T Thiele crossover preset – a combination first pioneered with VerTec by SSE during last year’s Metallica tour, which works extremely efficiently.

Zinker mixes with a Yamaha PM5D, and the monitor engineer is also using one for the stage mix. Their own system tech is Tim Frayleigh, who works for Firehouse in New York, also a VerTec supplier. SSE’s system tech is Dan Lewis and the account handler is Rich Rowley.

Creatively, Zinker tries to make the live sound experience emulate the CD, with lots of energy and power plus clear vocals. “People will usually take the record as their blueprint, so it’s important that the mix reflects what they already know. VerTec really helps me achieve that consistency – it’s a great tool for any engineer,” says Zinker.

SSE’s Rich Rowley commented: “We’re very happy to be working with Interpol. They are one of the most talked about bands of the moment and we look forward to a positive and fruitful relationship.”

SSE is also providing a full monitor system and they are using a wide selection of Zinker’s own mics. Interpol’s lighting designer is Lucas Cotterman, with lighting equipment being supplied by a combination of Lite Alternative and Entec.

Interpol tour Europe in April and return to the US in May for a series of radio festivals. They are opening for U2 and Coldplay throughout the summer as well as playing festivals and touring Japan and Australia, which takes them to the end of the summer. A major US tour is expected to be announced for the autumn.

News Type:

latest news headlines

JBL VerTec for Interpol

29th April 2005

HEADLINES

news archive

search stories