LIVERPOOL – Adlib is using its Coda Audio sound system for the first time in support of the current John Barrowman U.K. Tour. Walter Jaquiss is using the system to keep Barrowman's vocals on top of the nine-piece house band, and Barrowman himself has called the new system "awesome."
The main left and right hangs are 24 Coda Airline LA12s with 24 LA8s for side hangs (10 a side) and infills. There are eight SC8 subs ground stacked in 4 columns of 2 across the front of the stage, all powered by Coda C10 amps.
The crew is using the Coda DNC 260 processors across the system, and systems tech Kenny Perrin is using the standard Adlib Dolby Lake processing setup for EQ and time alignment.
The FOH console is a 96-channel Soundcraft Vi6 enhanced with Waves plug-ins for extra EQ and dynamics and a Lexicon PCM91 reverb used on Barrowman's vocals. An RME MADI capture card plugged into a laptop allows for virtual soundchecks.
Monitors are mixed by LJ. It's a completely clean stage, with everyone on Sennheiser G3 IEMs, with four mixes running for Barrowman and 6 hard-wired mixes for the rest of the band. There are, however three token Adlib MP3 wedges along the front of the stage for the dancers, who are an integral part of the show's visuals and humor.
LJ is also mixing on a Vi6. It's a 64 input band, so he needed a desk with 96 channels to automate all the effects.
Although the new system has proved to have its challenges when used in different venues – Perrin is compiling a "book of tricks" with the goal of a three-hour load-in – he credited the clarity and separation between the vocals and the instruments. "The top end is amazing," he noted.
Jaquiss also had good things to say, noting that the mid highs are smooth and clear, reflecting Adlib's due diligence in researching the gear before committing to the purchase.
Of Adlib's support, Jaquiss added, "the kit is always good, very well maintained and prepped, and it's really obvious that they put a lot of effort into it."
Steve Rayment is serving as tour managing and Paul Crockford is tour director. It's Adlib's third tour with Barrowman and a full Adlib crew.
For more information, please visit www.adlibsolutions.co.uk.
