NEW YORK — ADLIB Audio worked with New York based sound engineer Pete Keppler to supply JBL VerTec on the Nine Inch Nails UK and European tour. The Liverpool based rental company first collaborated with Keppler on David Bowie’s 2003/04 “Reality” world tour and has also worked with him on AFI, among other artists.
Keppler states, “It’s the people. Adlib has really good people. They are extremely knowledgeable with the gear and great personalities to have on tour.” Accompanying him on this tour were ADLIB’s James Neale and Dave Ryan.
ADLIB’s Andy Dockerty says, “Pete and I have a very similar attitude towards mixing bands, and I believe I know what he requires his system to do. The major difference between Pete and myself as engineers is that he is good…and understands digital.”
Keppler used one of ADLIB’s JBL VerTec line array systems on the tour — 12 elements of VT 4889 a side, six VT4888s, plus 10 VT 4880 subs per side. ADLIB is currently upgrading all it’s VerTec subs to include the new driver.
One of Keppler’s instructions from the act was to give the sound a raw, “live” edge and a feel that made it a very different experience from listening to a CD. Keppler used his own Digidesign VENUE console with no outboards. The only additional device he had out front was a stereo pre-amp for the audience mics — utilized for the nightly show recording on Pro Tools.
Two of ADLIB’s Dolby Lake Processors and two Lake Contours took care of the system processing and control, along with a Mesa EQ hooked up to a wireless tablet PC. The main system was being powered by Camco Vortex 6, with Crown VZ5002s on the subs.
Keppler comments, “It’s a fun show to mix, and I can get really boisterous and in-the-face with it — which is exactly how a Nine Inch Nails show should be experienced.”
ADLIB also supplied monitors — including MP3 wedges and Pulse and Crown amps — and a selection of mics for support band Ladytron.
The Digidesign Profile monitor console for both bands was supplied by Firehouse Productions from New York. The band carry their own PMs, which are mixed by Mike Prowda.
Production manager is John Lafferty, and Martin Phillips designed the lighting.
For more information, visit www.adlibaudio.co.uk.
