LEGENDARY FOH ENGINEER TERRY “TJ” JACKSON BROUGHT AUTHENTIC SOUND TO AUDIENCES FOR RECENT EARTH, WIND & FIRE TOUR

Jackson was introduced to DPA while on Earth, Wind & Fire’s 2016 tour, and immediately took notice. Upon hearing the DPA microphones he added the d:facto™ 4018VL Linear Vocal Microphone and d:vote™ 4099 Instrument Microphone to his nightly lineup. 

“We chose to add DPA microphones because they have a great, natural sound with excellent noise rejection,” says Jackson. “The microphones capture a fullness that is really impressive. I have noticed how the d:facto™ 4018VL can pick up the vocals from a farther distance compared to the mics we were previously using. When Phillip takes a vocal solo, he will pull back away from the mic and sing at a lower volume for showmanship and personal effects. Using the d:facto™, he was able to work the crowds with his dynamic vocal range. The horn players also noticed a warmer sound in their in-ear monitors when using the d:vote™ 4099’s.”

On the band’s 2017 tour, Jackson used the d:facto™ 4018VL capsules with Sennheiser and Shure receivers, and the d:vote™ 4099’s on the toms, snare and three horn players. There is no processing, Jackson just adds a little reverb and delay for some of the songs and it allowed the audience to hear the natural sound that is created. 

“Another component I really like is how modular DPA’s microphones are,” adds Jackson. “In addition, the clamp-on accessories, compact size and ease of travel has made DPA a great choice. In the short-time we have been using them, we have been really happy. DPA microphones are now on our rider as our preferred microphones. We look forward to using them on our next gig.”