The unique design of the system required the Aviom A-16R to be installed backstage in the guitar audio racks, where Paden was stationed each night. For his monitoring needs, Paden connected a pair of Audio Technica headphones to the front of the unit to control audio feeds from each of the four guitar microphones housed in two cabinets. With the Aviom A-16R, he was able to mute the individual mics and channels as well as controlling the volume. Additionally, because the guitarist, Brad Delson, often switched his audio connection between the different microphones in each of the cabinets, Paden would need to monitor to make sure the switching was being properly executed.
“The main reason we initially purchased the Aviom system was that Sean needed so many options for his monitoring,” says the band's monitor engineer, Kevin “Tater” McCarthy. “We were going to give him a little mixer but we didn't want to send all of those mic lines across the stage and we wanted to simplify the process because it was just for him. After looking at many options, we chose the Aviom system for both its simplicity and versatility.”
Once they set up the A-16R for Paden, the audio team realized the true capabilities of the system. Shortly after, Stonner suggested it would be easier to provide him with a personal mixing system as well. Intended for a completely separate use, the team purchased an A-16II Personal Mixer for Stonner, who was situated onstage behind Bourdan each night. The unit was mounted on a mic stand next to Stonner's station, where he controlled the vocal and guitar audio as well as two mixes from the monitor console. Aware of Bourdan's preferences, Stonner created a mix for the pair to listen to through a Shure PSM in-ear monitor system with JH Audio in-ear monitors.
“We went all over the world and there were never any issues or qualms with the Aviom Pro16 Personal Mixing System,” continues McCarthy. “Everybody definitely liked it more than having a traditional mixing console in front of them, because the controls are simpler and they didn't have to EQ anything. They really just needed to adjust the volumes. And, even with as much as we used the mixers, there was never a problem with the units. We plugged in the mixers and both worked every day, and that was that.”
To add to the distinct monitoring setup of the tour, McCarthy did not mix from the traditional stage-left area. Instead, he was located directly under center stage, where he relied on cameras to keep the audio in sync. Due to this unconventional setup, the audio team needed a method of individually monitoring mixes that did not require them to constantly communicate with one another.
To make use of the Aviom system from his position, McCarthy simply installed an Aviom 6416Y2 A-Net Card into his Yamaha PM5D console. From the Yamaha board, the team was able to connect a single Cat-5e cable to an ASI A-Net Systems Interface and then to each of the mixers, which cut down on stage clutter.
“The interface with the Yamaha is so nice, it is just that one Cat-5e cable,” concludes McCarthy. “I remember that we didn't need very much time for the initial setup. I just put the Aviom 6416Y2 A-Net card right into my Yamaha console and the desk immediately recognized the system. I assigned the direct outs to the Aviom mixers and it was a done deal. It was minutes from start to finish. Since the system is such a powerhouse, I never even had to think about it again. It was really no headache at all; it was very simple.”
As part of the worldwide tour, the band performed its first few shows near the group's home base in LA. From there, the group traveled to South America and then to Europe. They rounded out 2010 with stops in the Middle East and Australia. After the New Year, they did a full U.S. tour, performed at a few additional stops in Europe and wrapped up the tour with performances in the Far East.
Aviom pioneered personal mixing with its Pro16® Monitor Mixing System and continues to break new ground with the revolutionary Pro64® Series of audio networking products. With tens of thousands of products in the field today, Aviom has set the standard for high performance, scalable digital solutions. All Aviom systems harness the power of A-Net®, Aviom's innovative digital audio technology that simplifies system design while enhancing flexibility and fidelity. All Aviom products are designed, tested, and manufactured in the USA. For more information, visit www.Aviom.com.