Sledgehammer audio. That’s how Emmy award-winning FOH Engineer Dave Natale describes his approach. I take it to mean no frills, no fancy effects, nothing that gets in the way of a pure, clean, and loud mix.
Since 1981 Dave has mixed some of the top grossing acts of the last few decades starting with Asia’s Heat of the Moment tour. From there, he has gone on to mix for Tina Turner, Motley Crue, Joe Cocker, Fleetwood Mac, Lionel Ritchie, and of course, The Rolling Stones, for whom he has mixed since the A Bigger Bang world tour in 2004.
Dave still mixes on an analog console, preferring to remain true to the tools that he is most comfortable with, and the tools that he feels will serve him the best. When he’s not on the road he can be found behind the FOH desk at any number of award shows throughout the year.
If you need any further information as to just how good Dave is at his job, look no further than page 490 of Keith Richards’ autobiography, Life.
Today’s episode is sponsored by ShoPro Beard Co., & Gig-Gear.com.
Special Mentions:
Keith Richards – Life, Levon Helm - Electric Dirt, Levon Helm – Dirt Farmer, Relix Magazine, The Capital Theater, The Brooklyn Bowl, Tour:Smart: And Break the Band – Martin Atkins, Meat Is for Pussies: A How-To Guide for Dudes Who Want to Get Fit, Kick Ass, and Take Names – John Joseph, Testimony – Robbie Robertson, What’s In my Bag Video, Focusrite Scarlet 2i2, Eyes of the World: Grateful Dead Photography, Telefunken M80 Dynamic Microphone, goStand Portable Mic and Tablet Stand with Boom