Inward Eye / Nico Vega / Neon Trees Tour

Here we go again!

I'll be leaving this Friday to start a U.S. tour with Inward Eye, Nico Vega, and Neon Trees. I'm not going to lie I'm getting a tad excited.

Here's a map of the dates were playing.

View Larger Map

Rena's LA Audio PC80 Phase Checker

A few days ago I ended up using the LA Audio Phase Checker to test the sound rig that gets used at MacEwan Hall at the University of Calgary. This thing is pretty cool.

Its a send and receive based system. The "emitter" sends a pulse through the whole PA and the "receiver" picks up the pulse after it leaves the speaker and instantly tells you if something is in or out of phase with either a green or red LED. You can also check phasing in hard wired situations with the built in XLR mounts whether its a reversed cable, or input, or anything that passes a balanced signal. Its a great feeling knowing that the speakers and components you are using in a rig are perfectly in phase. The kit also comes with a cable tester.

You can get all the details in the LA Audio's data

sheet HERE.

A big thank you to Rena Kozak for showing me this incredible tool. She is the House Audio Technical Co-ordinator at the University of Calgary. She had me in for a couple days of testing and repairing her frequently used sound system. We phase tested every speaker and component in the rig, and now we know that everything is working perfectly. On any given day you can expect Rena to be setting up her rig in either MacEwan Hall, or the smaller Ballroom upstairs. She uses a Meyer rig including 8 MSL-4's for the mains, 2 CQ-2's for audience fills, 4 UPJ-1P's for front fills, and 10 18" Sub cabinets (20 drivers). She has a Yamaha PM5D-RH at Front of House, and a Soundcraft SM16 for Monitors, currently being operated my Mike Rowland.

In picture to the left is Rena is displaying the LA PC80 in front of her pimped out, pink screened PM5D in MacEwan Hall. But don't let the pink fool you, she is a solid Sound Engineer with years of studio and live audio experience and training. She's taught me a lot during my stay in Calgary this month.

Thanks Rena!

Zoom H4n

I just picked up my new Zoom H4n Handheld recorder. Its the newer better version of their already successful Zoom H4.

After having my old recorder stolen in Montreal a few months ago, I decided to buy a new one. I heard rumours a while ago that a better version would be available, and I'm glad I waited. The new recorder boasts plenty of better features, at a cheaper price than I paid for my first H4!

The biggest improvement in the H4n is its ability to simultaneously record with using both its built in stereo microphones, as well as its 2 XLR or 1/4" inputs. That means I can record a live show at the sound board and all in one shot be able to record the room and sound system, as well as a board mix. Awesome.

The other feature that I like is its ability to be used as an external sound card. With 2 available inputs, I am able to potentially use the H4n to set up a Smaart Live rig for Real Time Analysis (RTA) of sound systems!

Some other improvements are a better SD card slot for easier removal without worrying about the batteries coming out, a stamina feature for longer battery life, and a variable mic degree pattern to change from 90 degrees to 120 degrees. It also has a built in speaker for quick reference, and a sturdy case which will definitely help when its bouncing around in my bag.

I've barely scratched the surface on the H4n's abilities but you can go to the official site HERE and see check it all out.

KISS

I was lucky enough to get passes to go see KISS in Calgary a few nights ago. It was nothing less than awesome. Special thanks to Steve Shaw (Tour Manager and Sound for Buckcherry) for getting me into the show. We got a quick tour of backstage and got the privilege to watch the show from the very front of the stage. I don't usually get excited for many concerts but this show was incredible. It was full of pyro, explosions, confetti, fire breathing, and a flying Paul Stanley through the audience.

Front of House had 2 Midas XL4's for sound, and 2 Grand MA's for Lighting. Buckcherry has a Digidesign profile. I was surprised how little outboard effects were used.

Here's some pics.

Holz Kick Drum Ring...Thumbs Down...

You may have read my blog HERE about how to properly install a "Holz" Kick drum ring. My advice is don't even bother buying the thing in the first place. We only had it installed for three shows before the ring came off. I followed the directions perfectly and it still managed to pop off. Its hard to get your $10-20 worth when the thing only lasts a few shows...

We even have photographic proof of the ring falling off. You can see it in the below picture. Special thanks to Vanessa Leclair for taking the pictures of Inward Eye that night. If you ever need an amazing photographer to come take pictures of your show, Vanessa is the top pick. She has photographed pretty much every band that rolls through Quebec. You can contact her at www.vanessaleclair.com and you can see some of her photo's HERE

Cheers,

Matt

The Knobless Bass!

Behold! A bass guitar with no knobs at all! Dave of Inward Eye's bass has been causing problems lately. We took out the tone knob which was great, but when he pulled out his bass at the next show, the new volume pot we put in started acting up. The fastest fix was to rip the sucker right out! I soldered the input jack to the pickups, and soldered all the grounds together and presto. We were a little nervous to plug it in and test it, but when Dave plucked that first string and a growly full bass tone rang out, we were quite pleased. We taped a few picks over the holes to avoid and sweat and dirt from getting into the wiring. I think it looks pretty rock and roll! It's a good temporary fix until the bass gets some attention. It needs to be completely overhauled. I want to make a new pick guard for it possibly in the future. I love custom stuff.

After the show Dave was amazed at how much better of a show he had. He said he didn't even realize how much he fiddled around with the knobs during the set and how much it distracted him from the show. The knob-less bass gave him full freedom and attention to playing, and being a complete maniac on stage. The only downfall is that I have to keep a closer eye on his bass at the sound board, muting it in between songs if need be to avoid the dreaded low rumble of open strings. Its a small price to pay for a solid instrument that sounds 10 times better than it did a few weeks ago.

Full credit for the idea to remove the knobs goes to Steven "Badger" Agnew (Guitar Tech/Stage Manager for Flogging Molly). He recommended it, we did it, and shit did it ever work. Thanks Steve for the advice. I'll be sure to e-mail you when something else breaks and/or needs improving.

Cheers

Matt