Rising Stars: Chris Dennis

Audio Pro International’s focus on the best of the industry’s young audio engineers continues this week with the latest addition to our Rising Stars section.

This week we catch up with engineer Chris Dennis…

Where did you study?
I did not study sound specifically but as a lifelong musician and working in pro audio retail and installation I have ‘acquired’ my skills over time. I have done various courses and training events with manufacturers etc over the years too. I spend much of my time doing research on gear so I have picked up a lot along the way.

Which band/project are you currently working on?
Apart from running sound with some live band projects I have been working with classical vocal duos and jazz bands such as Aurora and Atila Hussein.

Where are you based/working at the moment?
By day I am sales manager for PA & AV installations company DM Music and my evenings and weekends vary but mostly find me in clubs, pubs, hotels etc either playing or sat behind the desk.

Which audio console are you currently using? And how many channels?
I have been using smaller (easy to lug) consoles such as Yamaha, Mackie, Allen & Heath, but other times the venue supply the gear. I currently don’t own any desks or FOH gear so I beg, steal and borrow these and bring my own mics, outboard, hardware etc to suit the job.

What decision process was behind the choice of this console?
I usually grab whatever mixer I can that will suit the job – and I am lucky that I have access to some great gear if I need a favour! Ideally I will go for Yamaha LS9 as it will cover all the outboard requirements too.

Do you use any outboard effects/EQ, and if so, what are they used on and why?
I prefer not to lug too much extra gear so again, the LS9 is great for this!

What is your console of choice?
I still love analogue so I am happy and familiar with mixers such as Allen & Heath GL desks. For digital the Yamaha LS9 and also more recently the A&H iLive systems are great, although I have yet to use iLive in the heat of battle! Pound for pound the A&H Mix Wizards and Peavey FX mixers are great, inexpensive compact desks with loads of features!

If you could tour with any band/artist who would it be?
I would love to have toured with some of the old big bands like Buddy Rich. I am a fan anyway as they were so dynamic and tight musically – I would never have got bored! These days there are the likes of Peter Gabriel or even The Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which would have so much variety so would be great, again from a musical point of view. And Spinal Tap would be interesting! But I would happily tour with any good band or show if we all got on really well.

To get involved in our Rising Stars column, whether you are an engineer who is new to the industry and would like to be featured, or an experienced engineer who would like to nominate a particular student/apprentice, please contact Audio Pro International editor Daniel Gumble on daniel.gumble@intentmedia.co.uk or 01992 535646.