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Professional Experience with DiGiCo Mixing Consoles in Theaters and Concerts. Issue 1

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We are excited to present the first installment of our article, based on an interview with Yevgeny Shparenkov, who has over 15 years of experience in audio engineering, with 10 of those years dedicated to the role of sound engineer.

Since 2014, Yevgeny has been the Head of the Project Department at Stage Audio. From 2022 to 2024, he worked as a Project Manager at Protec (Production Technology) in the UAE. In 2024, he joined the Sound Creations team as a presales engineer.

Yevgeny states, "I have had the opportunity to work with various artists, including the American death metal band Cannibal Corpse as a monitor engineer and tour manager, and served as FOH engineer for groups such as Our Last Night and Open Sound Orchestra, as well as for Kirill Richter. I developed reliable sound reinforcement systems with dual redundancy for international summits like BRICS, APEC, 'Russia-Africa', the Valdai Discussion Club, and the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, among others."

In this issue, Yevgeny discusses his background and profession, reflects on the evolution of stage sound engineering, explains why he chose DiGiCo, and introduces us to the unique features of specific models from this manufacturer. He shares insights from his own installations and provides practical examples.

Choosing DiGiCo

DiGiCo mixing consoles quickly became integral to projects and installations at Stage Audio. Yevgeny remarks, "The SD10 model has long been one of the most requested consoles for Western artists, from Limp Bizkit to Lana Del Rey. My journey with DiGiCo began with this console, and it continues to this day."

How to Study DiGiCo Models in Practice

The offline editor enables users to explore the DiGiCo interface even without direct access to the console, and the consistent interface across the SD and Quantum series simplifies acclimatization to various models. Long-term projects hone proficiency with specific equipment that artists demand.

Over the years, Yevgeny has enjoyed extensive collaborations and repeat tours with performers. Working with musician and composer Kirill Richter, who wrote the original theme for the FIFA World Cup 2018, they produced significant projects where the capabilities of DiGiCo consoles truly shone. Each show featured a range of ensembles from trios to large symphony orchestras, sometimes incorporating ethnic musicians (e.g., from Qatar) and unique sound production techniques on classical instruments across diverse venues such as Zachidye Concert Hall and a six-story wooden tower in the Swiss mountains.

Key Features of DiGiCo for Sound Engineers

DiGiCo allows for advanced preparation for shows using the offline editor, giving engineers the time to work on individual scenes and mix details without the pressure of live performance. DiGiCo consoles support MIDI and OSC protocols, enabling automation of various devices, such as controlling elements in immersive systems like L-ISA and launching Playback in QLab. The OSC protocol, which complements the widely known MIDI, is user-friendly and does not require special hardware, being nearly universally supported.

Additionally, there is the capability to integrate sound protocols of nearly any modern format through DMI expansion cards or the Orange Box for the SD series consoles.

The Most In-Demand DiGiCo Model According to the Expert

Yevgeny states, "The Q338 digital console, due to its size and power, can handle nearly 100% of tasks for events of any scale—from corporate meetings to concerts of global stars. At this point, I believe it is the most sought-after console in the Quantum lineup. Of course, for more specific tasks, there are more advanced models like the Q7 and Q5, as well as the new Quantum 852 console."

Recommendations for Setting Up DiGiCo Consoles for Specific Events

For any project, the sequence of actions is nearly identical across various event types and scales—concerts, conferences, broadcasts, theatrical performances. For every show, it's essential to clearly outline the input/output sheet, which defines the number of mixed channels and existing output buses, and to distribute signals across sub-groups in line with the project's technical and artistic objectives. Attention must be given to the preparation of monitor and auxiliary mixes, as well as assigning matrices for PA, broadcasts, recording, and more.

A unique feature of DiGiCo is the ability to use dynamic equalization for adjusting dynamics on any channel without external plugins or restrictions. Yevgeny adds, "A distinct advantage is the ability to utilize DiGiTubes for digitally modeling the characteristics of tube preamps."

Commonly Used Functions and Technologies in Practice

The A/B Master redundancy function is employed in every project to ensure system reliability—both servers and consoles—especially during government forums and conferences where clients have heightened reliability requirements.

Thanks to the deep integration of Waves plugins, DiGiCo consoles can incorporate modern musical effects widely used in live performances. Yevgeny recalls, "Once, the controlling computer in the Q338 console froze at the very beginning of a two-hour show (yes, such things happen—hence, certain projects employ dual systems) with no breaks planned. I had to complete the entire concert using external Waves plugin inserts. Fortunately, unlike many other consoles, this model continues passing signal even when the controlling computer is unresponsive. The show or part of it can go on, even if the console is frozen, allowing for a moment to reboot the unresponsive PC without an audience noticing—for example, between songs or during intermissions. In my experience, I have never faced a situation where a show completely stopped due to issues with DiGiCo consoles."

Professional Tips for Working with Multichannel Sound on DiGiCo

For over five years, DiGiCo has been closely collaborating with L-Acoustics, leveraging their L-ISA immersive audio system. This integration facilitates control over nearly all object parameters directly from the console.

Stay Tuned for Issue 2

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