Newark-On-Trent, U.K. (August 12, 2026)—Having a load of plug-ins available for live mixing might seem an issue only major productions and tours deal with, but that’s not always the case, for U.K.-based A1 Audio, favorite go-to plug-ins are always on hand, regardless of whether they’re tackling a corporate event, local fundraisers or high-end wedding.
Chris McAleese, director and lead audio engineer at A1 Audio, can often found at FOH for these gigs, using a DiGiCo console, KLANG monitor mixing system and a Fourier Audio transform.engine—all part of the company’s regular tech spec.
“We choose our kit based on the best equipment that’s available, so we have the DiGiCo Quantum225 and Quantum112 mix desks, DMI-KLANG card, and L-Acoustics’ A Series and other P.A. speakers,” says McAleese. “Every event deserves the best sound it can have—concert-grade sound—and, for us, the transform.engine has become an integral part of making that happen.”
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He’s incorporated a wide range of plug-ins via the transform.engine, including the new Alpha Labs Audio De-Feedback, Waves C6 multiband compressor, Fairchild 660 tube compressor/limiter and a variety of reverbs. “I use all of that for key things like vocals for music, and for speech, to keep both clear,” he explains. “On the conference side, I utilize it to clean up the lectern mics and headsets to ensure that everything is clear and intelligible.”
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“What’s great about the transform.engine is that I’ve got everything I want and like to use right there with me, no matter where the event is, and regardless of what desk is at the site,” he notes.
