CHVRCHES and the 5045
Paul Gallagher, FOH engineer for the massively popular Scottish synthpop band CHVRCHES, let us stop by a recent show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. Aside from owning a Master Buss Processor, some Shelford modules, and a few more RND pieces, he’s been using the 5045 Primary Source Enhancer on lead singer Lauren Mayberry’s live vocals. Read on to learn more.
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
FOH engineer. When not on tour I enjoy working in a small project studio in Glasgow. Self-professed gear addict.
You’re currently out on tour with CHVRCHES, right? How did this come about?
Glasgow is a small town with a great music scene. I worked with Iain and Martin in different bands before Chvrches. I think the first gig I worked for them was a small show in Edinburgh in front of 100 people. It’s been a journey watching them progress to the venues they are now playing.
We can imagine! So we heard you’re using the 5045 – how did you hear about it?
A band called Shura were on tour with Chvrches and their engineer highly recommended it. He gave me a shot and I was very impressed.
Were you familiar with Rupert Neve Designs beforehand?
I had been using the MBP [Master Buss Processor] in the studio and then used it live. I found the brick wall limiter very useful for keeping mix at a regulated level at festivals. Also enjoyed a touch of the harmonic distortion.
On what channels are you using the 5045?
Lauren, who handles the majority of lead vocals, swaps between a wired microphone and an RF microphone. I’m using both channels on these.
How is it helping your work, and the band’s sound?
It’s great for shutting the mic down when it’s not in use, while leaving the envelope of the source sounding natural. We are using [Sennheiser] 965 capsules – they can be sensitive, so it’s great for getting more gain without building up feedback. I’ve found since using the 5045, reverbs and delays sound tighter.
Can you tell us what settings you use?
I use about 10db of reduction. Time constant C. Threshold varies depending on venue. Peak setting.
What’s the most difficult challenge you face as a FOH engineer?
Loading out.
Do you have any advice for aspiring live sound engineers?
Try to build up as much experience using different desks and equipment as you can get access to.
Thank you Paul!
…and P.S. – the show sounded great.
