Beyond being sound engineers, Peter Vandergoten of 4Ears and Frank Voet of Mono are both closely involved with their artists during production rehearsals, and both deliver a full kit of microphones, wireless systems and mixing consoles to the bands they work with. Currently, the Belgian production companies count Bazart, Adamo, Oscar and the Wolf, SX, Netsky, Absynthe Minded and Warhola betweene them.

With most of the acts, they choose is crucial for connecting with audiences – leading both companies to invest in DiGiCo SD9 mixing consoles, supplied by regional distributor, Amptec.

‘I was new to the DiGiCo family, but was immediately convinced it was the right way to go when the Stealth Core 2 update was announced for SD9,’ says Voet. ‘Stealth Core 2 dramatically increases processing power from the existing 48 channels and 24 buses, to 96 channels and 48 buses, with multiband dynamics, dynamic EQs and DiGiTubes on all inputs and outputs.

‘I also really appreciate the DiGiCo philosophy of adding horsepower to existing products every couple of years and not changing the product line-up itself, which could devalue your previous purchase. But the main reason I chose DiGiCo is the support, and clear and fast communication I get from both Amptec and DiGiCo.’

This is Vandergoten’s second SD9 purchase after decades of working with DiGiCo consoles. He has been a loyal user since the D5 and D1 were released, and values the fact that DiGiCo products are designed by actual sound engineers. ‘Both Amptec and DiGiCo have a Rock ’n’ Roll spirit and understand the demands of today’s live sound industry really well,’ Vandergoten explains. ‘I really like the SD Series’ ergonomics, which allows users to personalise the console layout, while DiGiCo’s macro system allows further customisation and fast operation.

‘Other features I rate highly are the extensive automation options, Snapshot system and the seamless integration of Waves Soundgrid for plug-in processing, and simultaneous recording and virtual soundcheck.’

Since Vandergoten works as a FOH or monitor engineer depending on the project, it is important to him that the SD9 is suited to both tasks. Voet, meanwhile, travels the globe with bands like Netsky, so it is not always possible to bring his own console.  

‘But DiGiCo consoles are available for dry hire all over the world,’ he points out. ‘And they allow no-brainer session transfer between all SD Series consoles,’ Vandergoten adds. ‘When you add all that up, they really are the perfect solution for us.’

More: www.digico.org