Among the UK’s largest live sound hire companies, Capital Sound has added a second SSL L500 and an Avid Venue S6L to its console inventory in a recent purchase from professional audio specialist, HD Pro Audio.
‘We purchased our first SSL L500 and L200 consoles earlier this year and have been pleased with their performance in every respect,’ says Capital Sound Operations & Development Director, Paul Timmins. ‘We buy high-end consoles for specific projects to form a solid foundation and the L500 is out on long-term hire with The Killers. The L200 is really interesting in that it meets the needs for our medium price console inventory, at the same time allowing many more clients the opportunity to experience the workflow, high-end performance and sound quality of SSL. Our decision to add the L200 has worked well with it proving very popular for shorter tours and enquiries have been strong.
‘The Killer’s monitor engineer, Marty Beath, has been so impressed with the L500 he wanted to use the same,’ Timmins continues. ‘With the tour still out for 18 months, we were able to invest in the second console and The Killers will now have L500s for FOH and monitors.’
The Avid Venue S6L has been purchased for an Emeli Sandé tour with sound engineer, Gerard Albo: ‘We first saw the S6L at an HD Pro Audio event at John Henry’s 12 months ago,’ Timmins explains. ‘Andy Huffer of HD then brought one along for us to fully evaluate, so we had all the experience we needed. It was just a question of timing and when Gerard Albo wanted it for Emeli Sandé it provided the opening. Engineers of Gerard’s calibre know what they want and we don’t try to switch as we have a strong business model about freedom of choice. Already knowing the console, we took that as an opportunity and made the purchase.’
‘Investing in new gear is changing, moving faster,’ he adds. ‘We’re finding that we’re keeping products a shorter time and are more active with ex-hire equipment sales, including current models. We were particularly busy with consoles at the end of September and find this increased turnover a big plus in our ability to respond in providing clients exactly what they want. Having a supplier like HD Pro Audio is a real bonus in this respect, keeping us properly informed on new products. We’ve had a very long-term relationship with Andy and value the back-up and service he provides. He’ll never tell us to “look in the manual” as so many salesmen do, but will always turns out to explain and train with his outstanding knowledge of the products he sells.’
