News

Tom Cat buys into Soundcraft digital

New Zealand - New Zealand is no exception when it comes to the TV phenomenon that is Pop Idol. The show has just completed another run on NZ TV2, where it is known as NZ Idol, and was, remarkably, the testing ground for a new Soundcraft Vi6 digital audio console.

Andy Tait of Tom Cat & Associates, the Auckland-based sound company that provides production and broadcast audio for NZ Idol, has just ordered the second Vi6 in the country. His experiences using the console on a 12-week trial basis during NZ Idol proved so positive that he decided not to give it back to Jands NZ, Soundcraft's New Zealand distributor.

"I only had about an hour to get my head around it before having to use it to mix a live-to-air music TV show," recalls Tait. "I didn't get a chance to read the operators' manual of course; but thanks to the excellent layout and functionality of the console, I managed to get through reasonably comfortably. I know my way round quite well now, but I still haven't read the manual!"

Like other early adopters of the Vi6, Tait is eagerly anticipating the release of the effects/EQ package early in 2007. "With the snake, Lexicon effects and BSS EQ bundled with the Vi6, nothing comes close. I honestly believe that the Vi6 is going to become the world's favourite live digital mixing package; certainly it is the most beautiful and functional digital console I have ever used."

(Chris Henry)

(6 December 2006)