APB ProRack provides on stage mixing

The APB-DynaSonics ProRack rack mount monitor board has become an indispensible part of the Punch Brothers live sound rig.

“This mixer is perfect for us,” said Dave Sinko, sound engineer for the Punch Brothers, a progressive bluegrass band, who can count Elton John as a member of their ever-increasing fanbase.

The Punch Brothers comprise of Chris Thile (mandolin and vocals), Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Paul Kowert (string bass), Chris Eldridge (guitar), and Noam Pikelny (banjo). Sinko, referred to as “the sixth Punch Brother”, has become known for an organic approach to sound recording and mixing, both in the studio and in live sound. Sinko has previously worked with artists such as Yo Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Sam Bush.

All of the band members are using JH Audio JH13 ear buds fed from the Sennheiser G3 monitoring system. Controlling this is the APB ProRack, from which the players can hear a variety of mixes, cues, and feeds. Placed on stage, the mixer gives the band access to adjust their individual mixes. Five of the ProRack’s eight stereo outputs are used for the in-ear monitors, leaving the remaining outputs for a unique tuning set-up that was designed by Sinko himself. The instrument in each mix can be muted via a foot switch while the performer tunes on stage.

“Sonically the APB is impressive and it is one of the only rack mount mixers that can provide the capabilities for the stereo in-ear mixes that I need. And it is very reliable,” explained Sinko. “We did a show in Central Park and during load-in the APB fell from the vehicle that was driving gear to the stage. It tumbled in its case end over end but still worked perfectly.”

The Punch Brothers will begin a run of shows with folk rock singer-songwriter Paul Simon in November, before heading off to Europe for a series of shows in January.