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Robb Allan’s Masterclass @ Brixton Electric a huge success
-Alchemea were privileged to recently host a fantastic live sound master-class with Robb Allan. Robb is one of the world ‘ s most well – known live sound engineers. He has mixed many of the world’s household names , including Coldplay, Massive Attack, Manic Street Preachers, Natalie Imbruglia, Richard Ashcroft and Lisa Stansfield. Robb is also an accomplished broadcast engineer , having been responsible for sound on David Letterman , saturday Night Live , Jay Leno , the Brit Awards , the MTV Music Awards, the 2010 World Cup Opening ceremony and many other productions.
Having toured the world and provided sound re- enforcement at most of the world’s great venues , Robb has a wealth of information and entertaining experience to share . Robb is currently working for Avid as a Manager for Live sound Solutions – VENUE – in Europe.
During the morning session Robb talked about his approach to his live mixes, and his experience of not only mixing but producing shows to the highest level. He also discussed how he managed his relationships with the artists and importantly, their record producers. He then went on to talk about how he uses previously recorded shows for virtual sound checking; the equipment he uses – PA, system management, his favourite mixing console & processing plugins; preferred multi-track rig and storage devices, data management and the way he exports settings achieved in the studio into his live mixes.
After lunch Robb demonstarated how he used audio from a live gig to show how he achieves a true three dimensional sound in his mixes. This involved the use of advanced processing, routing and splitting the operational workflow from the mix workflow. He then demo’ed different delays and reverbs as well as the intensive use of panning to achieve layers of sound. and talked about his different approaches to mixing for different spaces, from big arenas to intimate live studios and how to mix for broadcast.
Click here to see images from this event and our other Live Sound Masterclasses.
