The Secrets Of Pink Floyd’s Quadraphonic PA
Updated: November 16, 2024
Summary
Chris Hwit has meticulously recreated Pink Floyd's iconic immersive PA systems from their Pompei and Dark Side of the Moon tour, complete with original loudspeakers, power amps, and microphones. His collection also includes vintage live and recording gear, showcasing a system with 14 base bins, 28 sets of silver horns, and multiple sets of bullets. The video delves into the unique quadrophonic console custom built by Alan and Heath, discussions on quad mixing techniques utilized by Pink Floyd, insights on effects routing and the mixing process, and the innovative design by Charlie Watkins using parabolic dishes for projecting high frequencies. Additionally, details on the transition from front mixing to wedge monitors, introduction of Sennheiser vocal mics, and the conversion of Phase Linear Amplifier for Pink Floyd's use are shared in the video.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reassembling Vintage PA Systems
Chris Hwit has reassembled Pink Floyd's immersive PA systems used at Pompei and on their Dark Side of the Moon tour, including original loudspeakers, power amps, and microphones. He recreated Floyd's unique quadrophonic console custom built by Alan and Heath.
Description of Vintage Gear Collection
Chris Hwit's collection consists of vintage live and recording gear, with a system comprising 14 base bins, 28 sets of silver horns, and multiple sets of bullets.
Overview of Dark Side of the Moon Rig
A scaled-down version of the original Dark Side of the Moon rig is discussed, featuring an Allen and Heath desk based on the same controls as the Allen and Heath minimix.
History of Quad Mixing and Effects
Details about the quad mixing used by Pink Floyd, including effects routing, the azimuth coordinator, and Tascam four-track reel-to-reel for various sound effects.
Mixing Techniques and Effects
Insights into the minimal effects used by Pink Floyd, the mixing process by Peter Watts, Chris Mickey, and Alan Parsons, as well as Mick the Polekazinski's role in managing sliders for effects.
Evolution of Monitoring Systems
The transition from front mixing to wedge monitors for musicians, the introduction of Sennheiser vocal mics, and the Phase Linear Amplifier's conversion for Pink Floyd's use.
Development of PA Over Long Distances
The innovative design by Charlie Watkins using parabolic dishes to project high frequencies over long distances, its effectiveness, and limited production.
Collaboration with Allen and Heath
Discussions on developing the mixing desk prototypes with Allen and Heath, the functionality of the desk's red and green push buttons, and plans for future demonstrations.
PA System Configuration
Details on the configuration of the PA system, including 14 base bins, panning controls for quad sound, and the display of vintage gear at events.
FAQ
Q: What components did Chris Hwit reassemble to recreate Pink Floyd's immersive PA systems?
A: Chris Hwit reassembled original loudspeakers, power amps, and microphones used by Pink Floyd at Pompei and on their Dark Side of the Moon tour.
Q: Describe the quadrophonic console custom built by Allen and Heath for Pink Floyd.
A: The quadrophonic console custom built by Allen and Heath for Pink Floyd was described as unique, and a scaled-down version based on the same controls as the Allen and Heath minimix was discussed.
Q: What vintage live and recording gear is included in Chris Hwit's collection?
A: Chris Hwit's collection consists of vintage live and recording gear, including 14 base bins, 28 sets of silver horns, and multiple sets of bullets.
Q: What insights were provided into the mixing process used by Pink Floyd?
A: Insights were given into the quad mixing used by Pink Floyd, effects routing, minimal effects usage, and the roles of Peter Watts, Chris Mickey, Alan Parsons, and Mick the Polekazinski.
Q: How did Pink Floyd transition from front mixing to wedge monitors for musicians?
A: Pink Floyd transitioned from front mixing to wedge monitors for musicians and introduced Sennheiser vocal mics, along with using the Phase Linear Amplifier.
Q: What innovative design was discussed regarding projecting high frequencies over long distances?
A: Charlie Watkins developed a design using parabolic dishes to project high frequencies over long distances, with limited production but great effectiveness.
Q: What details were shared about the mixing desk prototypes developed with Allen and Heath?
A: Discussions included the functionality of the desk's red and green push buttons, plans for future demonstrations, and the configuration for quad sound with panning controls.
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