Alt-rock quartet Hoobastank has used Audio-Technica mics to perform on stages throughout North America and Europe. Currently on The Reason tour, Hoobastank’s lead vocalist Doug Robb is using the Audio-Technica Artist Elite® 5000 Series Wireless System with an AEW-T3300 capsule. Drummer Chris Hesse has a pair of Audio-Technica ATM63HE dynamics mics on the top and bottom of his snare, the dual-element AE2500 on his kick drum, an AE5100 on hi-hat and ride cymbals and the AE3000 on rack toms. The AT4050 microphones used on overheads are also employed by guitarist Dan Estrin on his guitar amps, while bassist Markku Lappalainen uses the AT4047/SV.
Brendon Brown, Hoobastank’s tour manager and FOH mixer, says the AE3000 is his personal favorite, though he incorporates other A-T mics into the spec list at times. “It’s great-sounding and durable,” Brown notes, adding that, “the AE3000 stays on-axis throughout the whole performance. Chris is a very aggressive drummer live and these mics can deliver the true tonal qualities of his kit without a lot of EQ’ing. They also can take a direct hit with a stick and stay put.”
Brown also likes to work with the combination of the Audio-Technica 5000 Series Wireless System and AEW-T3300 handheld transmitter. “Doug’s live vocal dynamics go from soft and somber on songs like ‘The Reason’ and ‘Disappear’ to full-out screaming on ‘Pieces’ and ‘Out of Control,’” he remarks. “The 5000 Series can keep up with clarity and no capsule distortion. All the A-T microphones deliver a very clear and accurate representation of the instruments they are assigned to. This allows me as an engineer to create a more accurate audio image of the band’s sound.”
For more information on the mics used, please go to www.audio-technica.com. For more touring news, visit mixonline.com/livesound/tours.
