Soundcraft Consoles To Accompany British Tenor Alfie Boe On Tour

In order to cover all audio aspects of the tour, CS Audio is utilizing Soundcraft’s Vi4 or Vi6 to mix 64 channels of audio

CS Audio is currently servicing a sold-out national tour with British Tenor Alfie Boe and a full accompanying orchestra, deploying HARMAN’s Soundcraft Vi and Si Compact consoles as the heart of the audio system.

Alfie Boe, one of Great Britain’s most famous tenors, recently starred in the role of Jean Valjean in the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Mesérables at the O2 Arena in London. He has seen great success with the recent release of his album Alfie, which reached number six on the UK charts.

In order to cover all audio aspects of the tour, CS Audio is utilizing Soundcraft’s Vi4 or Vi6 to mix 64 channels of audio at the front of house position, with a Vi1 for monitor use and an Si Compact 24 used to sub-mix the choir.

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“Soundcraft’s Vi consoles were our first choice as we feel they have the right combination of features,” stated Paul Hatt, MD of CS Audio and monitor engineer for Alfie Boe. “The intuitive layout, operation and most importantly the great sound quality approaches the best of analog while still offering all the benefits of a digital console.”

When looking for a compact desk to handle the choir mixing duties independently of the main console, “The Si Compact fulfilled perfectly all the aspects we were looking for while keeping a small and tidy side-of stage footprint,” Hatt added. “Having the combination of consoles can really provide us with diversity. When we are in theatres with only Alfie we are able to use the Vi1 and then the Vi4 if the Orchestra and Choir are added. It’s great to have a system where we have an existing show file which is compatible between all surfaces and we are able to expand it according to the venue and input count, all while maintaining the same sonic characteristics throughout.”

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With a range of desks on the market, Hatt and CS Audio are confident that they made the right purchase. “We are impressed with everything, from the sound quality, color-coding, the quick access of menus and pages, the Vistonics, it really offers it all,” Hatt added. “Soundcraft is definitely the system for us.”

CS Audio has also been using the Vi consoles on a wide range of projects, including tours with rock bands Hard-Fi and The Soldiers, and upcoming tours with 10-piece a capella group Straight No Chaser and orchestral dates with classical crossover artist Hayley Westenra.

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