Bits & Bytes

Rolling Stones Get Some Satisfaction

Rock Legends Tour with Sony PC-Controlled Wireless equipment

Given the overwhelming success of “Forty Licks,” the Rolling Stones’ current four-continent
tour, consistency seems to be a winning formula. And while fans are enjoying the band’s combination of classic and recent favorites, many of them may not be aware that they are also benefiting from the Stones’ consistent use of Sony gear, which on this tour includes PC- controlled wireless microphones, receivers and other equipment.

Among the Sony equipment used by monitor engineer Chris Wade Evans WRR-855 receivers, WRR-820 receivers, WRU-8N wireless receivers, a WRR-840 receiver, WRT-867 microphones, a WRT-8B wireless body pack, PC-controlled MB-8N racks, and MDR-V700DJ headphones.

Citing the key issue of maintaining proper sound levels during shows, Evans says Sony equipment continues to fit the bill for the Stones’ touring needs. “The goal is always to find the best equipment available that’s most suitable for the band,” says Evans. “We’re still using the microphones we used last time. I’ve got some new receivers for them, but apart from one stage radio mic, we’re still using the same microphones that we used on the last tour.

“In the process of looking at other products, there was nothing that justified making a change,” says Evans. “There are other microphones that had different features, but nothing crucial. Given the way the [Sony microphones] behave, they’re still the ones that seem to sound closest to cable microphones.” Of note are the recently introduced MB-8N tuner base unit and WRU-8N UHF synthesized tuner unit, which provide PC control and monitoring. With these products