Solotech Behind Little Simz’s Sound
Solotech supplied the audio control package across Little Simz’s UK and European ‘Lotus Tour’ dates, alongside the PA for the UK shows.
The consoles of choice were a DiGiCo Quantum 225 at FOH, alongside a mix of DiGiCo SD12 for the European dates and a Quantum 225 in the UK to facilitate guest acts.
James Pearce, Monitor Engineer, highlighted the advantages of using DiGiCo: “DiGiCo is my console of choice, and being able to keep the show on one file regardless of the surface is ideal. The brand provides reliability and flexibility. It’s second nature to mix on their consoles – it’s muscle memory.”
Pearce managed over 22 mixes throughout the tour.
“Little Simz is using Cosmic Ears and some of the band are on UEs (Ultimate Ears) and JH Audio; some guests were on generics,” he said.
Pearce and Harry Dilloway, System Technician, also looked after RF, choosing Shure ADPSM.
Pearce said: “Overall, it’s a fantastic system – sounds amazing, the RF is super impressive, especially when paired with Shure Axient Digital on guitars and microphones.”
He also highlighted the support provided by Solotech throughout: “One of my first times working with them. Their kit and support are great. It’s an impressive production with a lengthy build before audio setup. The control package was efficient and flexible.”
At FOH, Engineer Claudio Cueni paired the DiGiCo Quantum 225 with an outboard rack, including a WavesAudio PANDORA compressor.
Cueni praised it, saying: “It’s a great-sounding unit that tightens things up. It’s one of those boxes where whatever the setting is, it still sounds good.”
Accompanying the compressor was a Rupert Neve Designs 545 Primary Source Enhancer, which was utilised to control gain when Little Simz interacts with the crowd.
“She walks into the audience at every show. At The O2, we have a catwalk, so I run the 545 into a dbx 520-de-esser using a DPA 3540 mic,” Cueni explained.
Complementing the DPA mics were Shure Beta 91As, Beta 57s, Electro-Voice RE20s, AKG C414 mics and an AKG C451.
Cueni also praised the support from Solotech, saying: “The additional support, service and communication with Solotech is great.”
The mix was delivered through a d&b audiotechnik system, with Cueni’s deployment decisions informed by his previous experience of the system’s coverage and directivity.
“I like the rear rejection – it helps clean up the mix,” he said.
The PA consisted of GSL on the main hangs, KSL filling in the sides and SL-SUBs flown, with the whole system controlled via DIRECTOUT Prodigy.MP.
Solotech’s David Shepherd outlined the biggest challenges of taking over the PA for the two UK shows: “The biggest challenge was that it was a very complicated show for just two one-offs, with 17 trucks of gear. The curved screens meant double cable bridges for the PA.”
“It was my first time working with the engineers… Fulfilling their technical spec and ensuring it aligned with the budget was key,” he said.
He also praised the support of Control Tech Dilloway and System Technician Gary Kenyon.
“We went through multiple stages of system preparation – every day Solotech played a key role. It’s an impressive-looking and impressive-sounding show, especially given the timeframe. Credit to the team for making it happen,” Shepherd said.
To read more about Little Simz’s ‘Lotus Tour’, check out the article from TPi Magazine.
