An early adopter of digital technology, Scouting For Girls’ Front of House engineer Andy Williamson has been, up until now, a regular user of consoles by other manufacturers. However, at the start of the band’s recent tour, which finished in Brighton at the end of May, audio rental company Capital Sound’s Paul Timmins presented Andy with an opportunity to use a DiGiCo console that he just could not refuse – and now he is a complete convert.
“As soon as digital came out I jumped on it,” says Andy. “I love analogue, but the digital footprint is fantastic. However, you get used to certain characteristics of different consoles, with the result that I ended up using other manufacturers digital mixers.
“But then Paul offered me the chance to use an SD7. Having done a little research and read through the specs, I knew it was complete overkill for what I needed with regards to inputs and outputs, but the specs were so impressive on paper I decided I’d just jump in at the deep end and give it a go, see if it lived up to its reputation!”
And, having used it over 30 dates, has his opinion of the British manufacturer’s products changed?
“I think DiGiCo has a definite idea of how it wants the machine and the surface to work,” he smiles. “ Aesthetically it’s amazing. In operation it’s really tactile and it has a nice blend of the analogue look, so you can see where everything is happening – a common complaint about digital, as some consoles are more software driven and are like mixing on a computer. The SD7 surface seems designed to do the opposite; to take away the fiddly mouse and trackball and replace it with a good old analogue look and feel.
“I’ve tried all the digital desks now and I really do like this one. It sounds great, having dynamic EQ and dynamic compression is fantastic and the valve drive on the input stage has been great for bass, guitars, Hammond, etc.
“It’s such a blank canvas when you get it. You can do almost anything with it. The effects sound really nice, which means I don’t have to carry any outboard at all… less lifting, more smiles from the Production Manager and the house crew!
“DiGiCo has been great throughout the tour. Any questions or head scratch moments and they were right there to help. The support and backup is top notch. I was very impressed.”
So, despite being dubious at the start, Williamson is now pleased he gave DiGiCo a go. “It was nice of Paul to say ‘take it and learn it’,” he concluded.
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