ADLIB Audio is supplying a Nexo Alpha sound system, crew and good vibes to the very talented Paolo Nutini and his first UK production tour.

The system was specified by FOH engineer Graham “Hutch” Hutchison. He started with the artist in the summer and has worked with ADLIB on numerous previous occasions, as has monitor engineer Rob Coles. ADLIB also supplied PA for some one-offs in the preceding months. “ADLIB’s service is always excellent” says Hutchison “They were really enthusiastic about the tour and came in at a good price”. He adds that Paolo’s manager Brendan Moon has also used them before, so all were reassured they would get excellent kit and crew.

Hutch opted for the Nexo Alpha as opposed to a line array system because of the nature of the venues on the itinerary. They wanted a selection of boxes that they could put all over the rooms - from Rock City to The London Forum. The full configuration is eight M3 tops, six B1 bass and four S2 subs a side. “The policy is to put them in, turn it up and when it’s in our face … we’re happy” says Hutch, who is certainly very happy with everything so far!

System processing is via Nexo’s proprietary NX242s, and amplification is a combination of Camco 28.4s, 32.4s and Vortex 6s. Compression is a mix of dbx 160s, 1066s and 160As and the gates are Drawmer.

ADLIB’s crew of Hassane Essiahi and Richie Nicholson are ensuring that everything runs smoothly day-to-day in audio world. “It’s a great band and crew to be working with” says Essiahi. “Paolo’s career is on a real roll, the sound is superb and the shows are all sold out. There are also some excellent people on the tour”. He adds that it’s great to be working with engineers as experienced and prolific and Hutch and Coles - although modesty prevents them from eulogising on the subject, they have both worked with some of the most innovative artists on the planet!

Hutch is mixing using a Midas H3000 console at FOH which he loves. It also has enough channels to accommodate the opening act.

He uses an SPL Channel 1 valve preamp on Paolo’s vocal in conjunction with the new Shure KSH 9 mic which he thinks is a great combination to emphasise the richness and deep texture of Nutini’s highly acclaimed voice. The mic was originally suggested by Coles as a solution to the artists tendency to cup the mic close to his hand and sing either very close to it - or hold it right away from him! The rest of the band use Sennheiser wired’s.

In creative terms Hutch produces a loud and assertive but not overpowering mix, all the time emphasising its distinctly vintage tone.

A standard ADLIB FOH effects racks sits alongside the H3000, containing two SPX 990s, a Lexicon PCM 70, a TC D2 delay and a TC M3000 reverb - “All the hits and more!”.

Onstage, Rob Coles has a very tidy monitor setup - breaking with convention, he mixes from stage right, utilising one of ADLIB’s Yamaha PM5D consoles and maximising all its onboard processing.

There’s 3 pairs of ADLIB’s popular low profile MP3 wedges for Paolo and the two guitarists, and the drummer has a pair of wired IEMs and a thumper seat. “They play well and he has a great voice” says Coles, adding that this makes his job very straightforward. Monitor amps are Crown Pulse and there’s a dbx Drive Rack for processing.

ADLIB’s Andy Dockerty says, “having met with Hutch thousands of years ago with Del Amitri, it’s been especially nice to be able to make sure he’s been looked after on his return from the U.S. Rob Coles is a gentleman that everybody knows and loves, and we were delighted to be able to service his needs. Having said that, both Rob & Hutch are excellent professionals, and consequently use their skills and are not particularly demanding upon equipment or “must haves”.

“Brendan and I go back a long way too - back to GUN days. Our continuing relationship is fantastic and he knows that we’ll do everything in our power for him & his team. We believe that he’s onto a winner with Paolo and we wish everybody connected plenty of success in the future. Hopefully we can be a part of it.”

Ends.

Date of issue : 19th December 2006.

For more press info. on ADLIB Audio, please contact Louise Stickland on 01865 202679 or 07831 329888 , or Email ‘louise@loosplat.com’, Contact ADLIB direct on 0151 486 2214 or check www.adlibaudio.co.uk.