In live sound engineering, few names command as much respect as Stephen “Pato” Pattison. Renowned for his meticulous ear and innovative approach, Pato is the sound engineer behind Hozier’s celebrated live performances. Handling the complexity of the band’s lush soundscapes requires not only talent but also the right tools. For Pato, those tools come in the form of Yamaha’s RIVAGE PM Series.
Using the RIVAGE PM system — with the 38-fader, three 15” touch-panel display CS-R5 controller — at the core of his setup, Pato expertly balances Hozier’s ensemble, which includes everything from Andrew Hozier-Byrne’s soulful vocals to strings, layered guitars, and dynamic percussion. The RIVAGE PM Series’ flexibility, superior hybrid preamps, and onboard processing allow Pato to craft a pristine mix that remains true to the band’s sound, no matter how challenging the venue. His configuration also incorporates Yamaha’s Dante networking for added flexibility. He even utilizes a Yamaha MS101-4 on his doghouse as his shout-back speaker. When asked about using external plug-ins or hardware to shape the sound, he laughs and says, “No, just one lonely desk—nothing else around it. No extra gear, no extra plug-ins; nothing to worry about. There’s nothing to go wrong because the console already has everything I need. Anything I’d get from external plug-ins or hardware is already built in.“
A Relationship Built on Communication
For Pato, the key to Yamaha’s success lies in its open communication and global support. “The relationship with Yamaha is great because there are people you can talk to and people who will listen and offer ideas or ask questions back,” notes Pato, highlighting that Yamaha’s team doesn’t just respond – they engage, often following up with questions that open the door for collaborative problem-solving. This level of service transcends time zones. “Doesn’t matter what time of day it is or what time zone I’m in, someone will get back to me, and that’s amazing,” Pato shares. Whether he’s in the US, at his home in the UK — or anywhere else in the world — Yamaha’s team is still accessible, “offering ideas and solutions no matter the hour. They get pestered with ideas I sometimes have, and they go, ‘Oh, I never thought of that,’ and it might actually become a thing.“
Collaboration Sparks Innovation
Touring with Hozier — a band known for its rich, soulful sound — Pato handles various audio challenges, from balancing Hozier’s baritone to amplifying diverse instrumentation. The performances feature acoustic and electric guitars, piano, percussion, and strings, creating a layered sound that demands adaptability. This is where Yamaha’s open dialog and gear excel.
Yamaha’s commitment to feedback has led to real improvements. Pato recalls suggesting a stereo overdrive feature for a keyboard, a key element in several of Hozier’s tracks. “I wanted to overdrive a keyboard, but the overdrive was just mono. Then, without me knowing, they implemented a stereo option,” he says, a testament to Yamaha’s willingness to listen and evolve.
“They definitely believe in the product and want it to be the best,” Pato emphasizes. For him, this partnership goes beyond mere functionality – it’s about shared values. “If you have an idea and they implement it, that’s where you want to be.”
Tools of the Trade: Custom Solutions for Unique Needs
Pato is discerning when it comes to equipment. With Hozier’s diverse instrumentation – including everything from carbon fiber cellos to traditional string instruments -achieving clarity is critical. When amplifying strings, Pato uses pickups but adjusts depending on the environment.
“The strings have their own pickups, but in extreme conditions like heat, we might use the carbon fiber cello,” he explains. Despite occasional tweaks, Pato aims for simplicity. “I just roll off some low end and a little around 4kHz, but nothing drastic.” His approach highlights Yamaha’s ability to elevate natural sound without over-complicating it – a crucial factor when managing the unique blend of orchestral and rock elements in Hozier’s music.
Advice for the Next Generation
For aspiring engineers, Pato’s advice is simple: trust your ears. “Don’t mix with your eyes, use your ears,” he says, urging engineers to focus on sound over visual cues. “If it sounds great, it sounds great. No one in the audience cares how much you’ve adjusted the low, mid or high. “Pato also highlights the importance of hearing the sound from the audience’s perspective. “Go where the audience is and check how it sounds there,” he advises. Finally, Pato urges young engineers to experiment. “Ask questions, turn the dials, play with the encoders—they’re there to be turned.”
The End Game
For Pato, the partnership with Yamaha is more than a transactional relationship — it’s a collaboration where innovation is encouraged, and solutions are developed together. With a brand that listens, adapts, and continually pushes its products forward, Pato feels empowered to deliver the best possible sound every night. “They only want their product to be the best,” he says — and for an engineer at the top of his game, that’s exactly the kind of partner you need.”
For more info about Yamaha’s RIVAGE series digital consoles, visit: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/mixers/rivage_pm/
