AKG has continued its support of Red Bull Studios for the third series of Launched At Red Bull Studios — the Channel 4 programme featuring conversation and performance by up-and-coming bands and singers, introduced by Annie Mac.
Photo above: Sam Smith
The first of five episodes was aired on January 8 with 150,000 viewers. Building on the success of the first two series, this time Launched interviewed artists like Rudimental, Rita Ora, Mark Owen, Yannis Philippakis (Foals), Malay, Guy Lawrence (Disclosure), Will Kennard (Chase & Status), Tom Odell and Bastille front man Dan Smith about why they were tipping the new talent featured in the latest series.
“The DMS700 V2 and IVM4500 IEM systems proved invaluable during filming and were utilised by the majority of acts on the show,” reports Studio Manager & Head Engineer, Brendon Harding. “The feedback on these systems from both the artists and their tour managers was really positive and the way the systems are put together made them a dream to use in what is an intense working environment.”
Since its launch the DMS700 V2 has become something of a reference digital wireless microphone system, designed to deliver premium digital audio quality and quick-and-easy operation. With a bandwidth of up to 155MHz, the transmitters and receiver give the user the necessary flexibility for even the most crowded radio environment.
The IVM4500 IEM is the only wireless in-ear monitoring system featuring binaural room simulations that provides musicians, vocalists and presenters with a uniquely natural listening experience, while its high-end radio electronic radio circuitry includes a manual radio signal attenuator for more robust radio reception in crowded environments.
The contribution made by both products, and feedback from artistes and production team alike, has resulted in this series being the best yet, according to Harding.
“The IVM4500 rig was introduced especially for the filming as I've noticed more and more performers are utilising them but given the up and coming status of the acts on the show, many don't have the budgets to buy their own rigs yet.
“Having used the DMS700 system before I knew that the IVM4500 rig would work well in the studio and I was confident that they wouldn't let me down.”
However, this is just the latest in a series of AKG solutions which have received heavy usage since 2010, when AKG’s partnership coincided with the opening of the studio. Since then products like the D12e, C414 EB, 451 B, C451 EB and D12VR have become favourites. “The D12VR, in particular, is my kick drum mic of choice and was used for the filming as well as on many other sessions ,” confirms Brendon Harding.
Photo above: Gorgon City
The ten new artists featured in the new series include: Sam Smith, who has already featured on hit singles by Naughty Boy and Disclosure; Ella Eyre, the young Rudimental, Tinie Tempah and Naughty Boy vocal collaborator; singer songwriter George Ezra, also aged 19, who has recently toured with Tom Odell; Joel Compass, the multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer; Royal Blood, a duo from Brighton who will support Arctic Monkeys next year in Finsbury Park; Gorgon City, North London producers who like Joel Compass also hail from the Black Butter crew; Elli Ingram, another 19 year-old vocalist from Brighton who features on Chase & Status’ Brand New Machine LP; Linus Young, an LA based band, formed by Joseph Walker & Iris Belson; Amber Run, a five-piece originating from Nottingham who have played at Leeds and Reading festivals; Max Marshall, the Baltimore-born, east London-based singer.
Photo above: Amber Run
Among the acts to pass through the studio show in its first two series were Brit and Mercury nominated singers Jessie Ware and Laura Mvula, as well as album chart topping bands Bastille and The 1975. Famous ambassadors lending their tips to the show in the past two years include Gary Barlow, Katy B, Ed Sheeran, The Vaccines and Plan B.
Filmed at Red Bull Studios in London, the five half hour episodes of Launched air over five weeks. Each episode showcases two acts and sees Annie Mac delving into each act’s road to success and letting them loose in the world class studio to perform. Launched is the second longest running current terrestrial music series behind Later with Jools Holland.
As part of the Harman Professional brand portfolio, AKG is distributed in the UK/ROI by Sound Technology Ltd.
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For Further information contact: Sound Technology Ltd. Tel: 01462 480000 or visit: www.soundtech.co.uk
