Interview with Lance Reynolds
Front of House Engineer for alt-J and Product Ambassador for Contour XO earphones
Meet Sound Human, Lance Reynolds, Front of House Engineer for alt-J and Product Ambassador for Contour XO earphones. Lance has been in the industry for 20 years and with alt-J since 2012. We got a chance to talk with him and he shared with us how he got into the industry, what some of his favorite gear has been while working with alt-J and how the pandemic has impacted him over the past year.
What got you started in the industry?
I suppose I just didn’t want to do anything else. At 17, I started playing drums for local bands which led to touring the country in a Chevy Van heading out to whatever gig we could find. I managed to see the inside of a few legendary punk clubs along the way…CBGB, Al’s Bar, Satyricon, and the Euclid Tavern come to mind.
What led you to become a Front Of House Engineer?
I've always had an affinity for audio production and recording, so sliding into live sound was an easy way to get my hands on some gear and do some mixing. Initially, I would help out a friend who had a small sound company. He started just after High School with a beat-up van and some used gear, doing jobs in bars and clubs. When he got big enough to have 2 gigs in one weekend, I would run one of his PAs while he did the other gig. Around that same time, I got a job as a student stagehand / technician while I was attending Illinois State University. Eventually, all of that led to living in Chicago and hitting the road as the FOH engineer for my friends the Blue Meanies. That led to FOH gigs with the Alkaline Trio, Jets to Brazil, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and then the UK band Ash for a good 8 or 9 year stretch. That one led me directly to alt-J.
How long have you been the Front Of House Engineer for alt-J?
I started with alt-J in 2012, as the FOH / TM for their first couple of North American tours. They were a “baby band” back then, so it’s been amazing to watch them grow.
If you had to name one what would be your favorite show or venue you have worked at?
There are a few contenders, but the alt-J show at Forest Hills Stadium has to be my favorite. I mixed that one on the L-acoustics L-ISA system in 23.1 immersive surround sound. It was an awesome and mind blowing experience.
What is some of your top go to gear when working with alt-J?
So far, it’s been an Avid S6L with stock plug-ins and occasionally a Smart C2 stereo compressor feeding the PA system. I’m using some tried and true familiar mics along with a few nice condensers made by sE Electronics, and I use L-acoustics K1 or K2 for the main PA wherever possible. Other than that, nothing really esoteric apart from the secret sauce that L-acoustics seems to use to make their speakers. Oh…I do have a SoundTools Sniffer/Sender and my trusty RAT Sound DDU2000 (right picture).
What led you to your role as a Product Ambassador for Contour XO earphones and what does that entail?
I was an early user of L-ISA, and the Contour XO is a perfect complement to that system. Namely, the L-ISA desktop software that anyone can run on a suitable laptop. They sound great, and at some point, when I’m finally able to do some shows again, I’ll offer everyone a listen for themselves.
How has the pandemic affected you?
Besides the obvious stress of not having a paycheck, having my schedule cleared in a moments notice was shocking. Really that’s an understatement, and I still don’t think I've gotten my head around it. I’ve remained healthy and positive, but I’ve definitely dealt with new levels of anxiety, sleepless nights, etc. I’ve spent the last 25 years around crowds of people at concerts and have travelled all over the world, so the pandemic restrictions have really been tough. It’s a new reality and I was definitely not prepared for it.
Have you developed any new hobbies during or explored in other job roles?
I’ve done a lot of housecleaning, but no new hobbies. I’ve also worked part time in a hardware store, which has helped keep the bills paid.
What do you miss most about touring and what have you enjoyed while not touring?
I really love seeing a show, and I miss my touring family who are scattered all over the world. But long tours keep me away from my wife and kids a little longer than I’d like, so I’ve enjoyed spending a lot of quality time with my family over the past year.
What is the best sound tip you have ever received or would give to another Sound Human?
Don't try to "fix it in the mix." Always try to get the sound right at the source. It makes mixing a lot more fun.
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