Legendary FOH Brad Divens - Listen and shape the sound

Brad Divens, renowned for his work as a Front of House (FOH) engineer, has forged a legendary career collaborating with major artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Linkin Park, Garbage, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and Jane’s Addiction, among others. Recently, Russ Long from Yamaha Pro Audio caught up with Brad at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to talk during a sound check.

Early Career and Transition to Digital Systems

Divens' journey began with analogue mixers, and over time, he transitioned to various digital systems. His significant shift occurred upon the recommendation of Luke Bryan’s FOH engineer Frank Sgambellone, who convinced him to try the Yamaha RIVAGE PM series. "Frank kept telling me, ‘Look Brad, just plug an SM58 into it and listen to your voice. That's all you need to do, and you will want to check it out.’ We had a long conversation about it because he's one of my peers and I trust his opinion when it comes to mixing," Divens recalls.

Following a demo with Yamaha in Nashville, Divens immediately appreciated the system's capabilities. A major benefit of RIVAGE PM was the elimination of the outboard racks he previously relied on. “When using other digital desks, I immediately felt that I needed to add something because they are a little on the sterile side. But when I tried the RIVAGE PM system, I found there was nothing digital sounding about it,” he explains.

“Once I was only using the RIVAGE PM system, I was like ‘This is it. This is beautiful. It’s exactly what I knew I could do with it,” he says. “I just feel less is more. All I need is the RIVAGE PM, a USB stick with my show file and everything is ready. It justified the decision, and I knew I’d made the right choice.”

Technical Approaches and Favorite Tools

Divens is renowned for his use of the Yamaha RIVAGE console, particularly the P2MB Master Buss Processor plug-in. He shares, "I think my favorite plug-in on the RIVAGE I think would have to be the Master bus processor. I can put it on groups; I can choose blue or red silk depending on what tone I want for the guitar groups." This tool allows him to apply nuanced compression and tonal adjustments, providing flexibility and enhancing the final sound quality.

In addition to the Mix Bus Processor, Divens employs several other technical approaches to achieve his signature sound:

- Dynamic EQ and Multiband Compression: To manage varying frequency content and dynamics, Divens uses dynamic EQ (DynamicEQ4) and multiband compression (MBC4) to keep the mix balanced and clear.

- Parallel Compression: This technique is used to add power and presence to vocals and drums without overwhelming the mix. By blending a heavily compressed signal with the dry signal, he maintains natural dynamics while enhancing impact.

- Reverb and Delay Effects: Divens uses reverb and delay to create space and depth in the mix. These effects help to position instruments and vocals within the stereo field, giving the audience a more immersive listening experience.

Creative Process and Challenges

Divens thrives on the creative process of mixing live sound, noting, "The biggest joy I get out of mixing I would have to say is probably the creative process of taking what the band is giving me and putting the music together and then watching the crowd react to something that I've done." However, managing crowd noise remains a significant challenge. He explains, "The biggest challenge for me is probably the crowd noise. I mix at around 98db, 99 tops, maybe peak at a hundred, and the crowd can be at 105 sometimes, and there's no way I'm competing with the audience. It’s a delicate balance.”

Favorite Features and Technical Approaches

Divens highlights the hybrid mic preamps as a standout feature. "The first and foremost feature I really love is the hybrid mic preamps, because to me the front end of a console is everything," he states. He also praises the onboard Rupert Neve Designs processing, including the Portico II Master Buss Processor, the Portico EQ and compressor, and familiar studio tools like the Eventide H3000 and Bricasti reverb. “It’s things that you know and love from the studio. It’s that familiar sound.”

Divens finds the system comfortable to mix on. “The more you get used to something the easier it becomes,” he adds. “I found that it's a very comfortable system to mix on and get the show to where things just sound good. I never need to look outside of that.”

Advice for Aspiring Engineers

For those new to the field, Divens emphasizes the importance of listening to the music over relying solely on technical tools. "The best advice I can give to somebody starting out that wants to mix and do what I do is don't forget that you have to listen to the music," he advises. By focusing on selecting the right microphone, placing it correctly, and using a good mic preamp, aspiring engineers can significantly improve their results.

Personal Routine and Conclusion

After a show, Divens maintains a simple and healthy routine. "I really stopped eating after-show food. It's probably a handful of almonds and then I go to bed," he shares. Divens emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy level of wellness amidst the demands of his profession, recognizing that proper nutrition and rest contribute to his ability to consistently deliver exceptional performances.

Conclusion

After hanging up his bass guitar in the early days from his time in bands like Kix and Wrathchild America, Brad Divens' experience as a FOH engineer highlights the blend of creativity, technical skill, and adaptability required in live sound engineering. His utilization of the Yamaha RIVAGE PM system along with his advanced mixing techniques, combined with his profound understanding of music, has enabled him to deliver remarkable and inspiring audio experiences to audiences worldwide. Divens' dedication and innovative spirit not only continue to inspire, but also to pave the way for the next generation of sound engineers.