Jessie Ware calls on Sennheiser for Blended
Published: MEA
UAE: Jessie Ware and her band used Sennheiser microphones and wireless monitors for her recent performance at Dubai’s Blended music festival. The UAE performance followed a UK tour where the manufacturer’s equipment was also put to use.
‘We have always used a 2000 Series wireless system along with a 945 capsule for Jessie until this run of shows, when I changed to a 965 capsule,’ said front-of-house engineer Johnny Dodkin. ‘I love the 945; it’s great as it has a tight pattern and presence with the top end. But when Sennheiser’s relations manager, Mark Saunders, popped by rehearsals for this tour, we started talking about the 965 capsule, as I have created a quiet stage with all amps off stage and the drummer screened, so we switched.
‘The 965 is a lot more sensitive and has an even smoother response around the 4-5k frequencies and Jessie’s mic technique really works with the 965 head,’ continued Mr Dodkin. ‘She always sings on axis and stays very close to the capsule, so I don’t need to gain the mic up heavily, which means feedback isn’t a problem. As a result, I have found myself doing less system EQ because I haven’t needed to compensate for the mic like I have had to with other wider patterned mics. Being able to change the pick-up pattern is also really useful.’
Monitor engineer Steve Donovan was also full of praise for the capsule. ‘I feel the 965 gives a sweeter clarity and better on axis detail,’ he reasoned. ‘Having moved from the 945 during rehearsal it gave me a chance to really compare the two mics. The 945 was working well with Jessie, but the 965 seemed to settle in with her voice and gives a more natural response. Like Johnny, all that I need to do now EQ-wise is high pass and roll off a small amount at 180-200.’
The monitor setup included eight ew 300 G3 IEMs, which are networked along with the radio mics. ‘Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager is an everyday tool, which gets a lot of use on the tour and really helps to reassure that things are in the right place,’ stated Mr Donovan. ‘I’ve been using it on every show I do and it’s a must when touring, with so many variables from place to place. I can’t imagine not having it, as it’s the first port of call for the day. Load in, power up and scan!’
The FOH and monitor engineers are also full of praise for the service they have received from the manufacturer. ‘Sennheiser has been great with service needs, even fixing my road tired microphones. The poor things have seen some miles,’ noted Mr Dodkin. ‘I think they have flown further than your average air stewardess!’
‘Mark’s support has been great,’ added Mr Donovan. ‘We only had one issue and Mark had a replacement to me within 24 hours, which was fantastic. I’ve always used Sennheiser IEMs, from the G2s through to the current G3 model, and have found them extremely consistent.’