What's Happening?
Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer Tate McRae's front-of-house (FOH) and monitor engineers have transitioned to using DiGiCo Quantum mixing consoles for her recent North American festival appearances. This change was implemented for her shows at Osheaga
in Montreal and Lollapalooza in Chicago. Curtis McKenna, McRae's FOH engineer, cited the widespread availability and adaptability of DiGiCo consoles as primary reasons for the switch. He noted that show files can be easily adapted across different DiGiCo models, from Quantum338 to smaller versions and even the SD Range. For the Lollapalooza event, AND Audio supplied Quantum326 and Quantum338 consoles, while Solotech provided a Quantum225 and Quantum338 for Osheaga. McKenna, a seasoned DiGiCo operator, has exclusively used DiGiCo consoles this year, including for a US and UK arena tour with artist Madison Beer, highlighting his familiarity and preference for the workflow.
Why It's Important?
This adoption of advanced audio technology by Tate McRae's production team signifies a trend in the live music industry towards more sophisticated and flexible sound engineering solutions. The choice of DiGiCo Quantum consoles, known for their powerful features and widespread industry adoption, can enhance the quality and consistency of live sound for artists performing at major festivals and tours. For audiences, this could translate to a more refined and immersive audio experience. For audio engineers, the ability to easily adapt show files across different console models streamlines the technical setup process, especially in fast-paced festival environments where equipment can vary. This move also highlights the importance of reliable and versatile audio equipment in managing complex live performances, ensuring that artists' creative visions are accurately translated to the audience.
What's Next?
Curtis McKenna plans to further integrate DiGiCo's advanced features, particularly its Macro capabilities, into Tate McRae's upcoming tours. He anticipates utilizing these features more extensively next year to automate multiple functions with a single button press, aiming to streamline his mixing process and reduce reliance on external outboard processing. McKenna is also considering purchasing a DiGiCo Quantum112, a compact mixer, for McRae's future tours. This smaller console could serve as a sidecar or a dedicated broadcast console, especially as more of McRae's gigs are expected to be broadcast. This strategic planning indicates a continued investment in DiGiCo technology to enhance efficiency and audio quality for both live and broadcast performances.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards integrated digital mixing consoles like the DiGiCo Quantum series reflects a broader evolution in live sound engineering, moving away from extensive analog setups. Engineers like McKenna are leveraging the internal processing capabilities of these consoles, such as Mustard and Spice Rack, to achieve diverse compression flavors and effects, potentially reducing the need for bulky and complex outboard gear. This not only simplifies tour logistics but also offers greater control and flexibility in real-time sound shaping. The emphasis on features like Macros and the potential for dedicated broadcast desks within the same ecosystem points to a future where live sound production is increasingly integrated, efficient, and capable of delivering high-quality audio across multiple platforms simultaneously.
