Customer Spotlight: Aaron Brody
Aaron Brody is a FOH Engineer who has worked with Kurt Vile and the Violators, Broken Social Scene, Waxahatchee, Alvvays, Wild Nothing, and many others. We first started chatting with Aaron on Instagram during a recent Kurt Vile tour, and he was kind enough to send us the below photos and text. Thanks so much Aaron!
First off, can you tell us a bit about your background?
Roughly 16 years ago I found myself with an internship at a great independent record label out of Toronto, Ontario. They eventually started putting me on the road with their artists. I was a driver, I was slinging merch, and then I became a backline tech. One evening on tour, through a weird set of circumstances I found myself in front of a console having to push faders for my artist under the watchful eye of the headliner’s engineer. I knew nothing about mixing at the time, but I was hooked. The rest was history. I started to absorb as much mix knowledge as I could. I started turning down backline work and jumped in to mix any group that would let me. Eventually I found myself back on tour as an aspiring FOH.
How did you first hear about Rupert Neve Designs, and what was the first RND piece you purchased?
I can’t pinpoint exactly when I first heard of RND, however I do feel that if you’re involved in professional audio, it’s only a matter of time until RND finds you. The first RND unit I purchased was a Master Buss Processor. There came a point after countless rentals, that I decided I wanted my very own. I wanted to have it with me no matter how short or long the tour was.
Can you tell us about the RND gear you’ve used, how it helps you do what you do, and your favorite things about each piece?
My MBP has been my finishing touch for years. No matter where I am, or what PA I’m standing in front of my mix goes through my MBP and a level of consistency is achieved.
My favorite thing about the MBP is its mystery! I’ve used this unit for 5 years now, and we are still getting to know one another. There is complicated magic in this box that offers incredible versatility.
I also own a Shelford Channel. It’s a beautiful unit that I use on the most important input on stage. I just love the power of all the individual elements the Shelford channel offers. Together they create an incredible tool.
Lastly, although I don’t currently own any RNDI’s I rent them whenever possible. There is a lush warmth these DI’s give that set them apart from others.
Any tips for someone interested in getting into live sound?
This is a great question. When I was starting out, one of the first things I did was put a photo of a graphic EQ as my computer background. I wanted to drill those numbers & their sounds into my head. In my opinion, knowing the graph is the first step in becoming a great engineer. At the end of the day everything comes back to the spectrum of sound.
Take the time to learn the basics. Take the time to learn mixing fundamentals. Don’t buy gear until you’ve toured for a couple years at least. I think there is a lot of value in walking into a new situation daily, equipped with nothing but your ears and managing to put on a fantastic show. Start with the basics & don’t over complicate your mix. Then, when you’re ready…buy RND :)
Aaron Brody
FOH Engineer / Tour Manager / Stage Manager / Sailor / Cyclist / Friend
https://www.brodytours.com
https://www.instagram.com/mrbrody/
