March 11, 2025 - Oxford, UK

Sir Tom Jones, the legendary vocal powerhouse, is showing no signs of slowing down as he embarks on his remarkable "Ages & Stages Tour," celebrating an incredible 60 years in the music industry. This extensive tour features an impressive 74 shows across 24 countries in the U.K., Europe, and North America, showcasing an array of his classic hits and new material alike.

For this monumental tour, the sound production features cutting-edge technology, including the Solid State Logic (SSL) Live L550 Plus at the front-of-house and an L100 Plus console as part of a secondary setup for fast turnarounds during the European leg of the tour. This innovative approach showcases not only the rich history of Sir Tom's music but also the latest technological advancements in live sound.

Behind the sound desk is Gavin Tempany, a seasoned Front-of-House (FOH) engineer who has mixed for the likes of Genesis, Tame Impala, and Hans Zimmer. Since joining the "Ages & Stages Tour" in December 2023, he has seamlessly integrated the SSL consoles into the show, ensuring that each performance is sonically captivating. Tempany notes, "Having two sets of equipment allows us to work efficiently. The L550 Plus offers 38 faders, while the L100 Plus, coupled with an external Fader Tile, provides an additional 26 faders for greater control."

One of the standout features of the SSL Live console system is its user-friendly showfile compatibility. Tempany explains that engineers can easily load their configurations from one model to another without hassle. "You don’t need conversion software, and it adapts dynamically depending on the console's capabilities," he says, simplifying the logistics of a complex tour.

Tempany's experience with SSL consoles began several years ago, highlighting the impressive transient response and audio quality of the preamps. "Comparing mixes with different consoles, the SSL consistently delivers clarity, width, and depth," he asserts. The only external effect used during the tour is a Bricasti reverb, with most effects generated internally by the SSL, showcasing the console's power and efficiency.

He carefully manages Tom Jones' iconic vocals with minimal compression and dynamic EQ adjustments, ensuring that Sir Tom's performance remains as powerful as ever night after night. Tempany's meticulous approach involves programming mixes using VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) groups, allowing him to control various instruments and effects seamlessly.

Moreover, Tempany utilizes a unique store scope feature, ensuring that while channel faders are stored in preset positions, his VCA settings reset to zero, offering enhanced control and easy transitions between setlists.

As the tour continues, Tempany encourages other engineers not to shy away from the SSL Live consoles, asserting that while they may appear daunting, they are manageable and efficient once familiarized. His mantra resonates with many in the industry: keep it simple and let the music shine.

As Sir Tom Jones rolls on with his tour, fans can expect not only emotionally charged performances but also a masterclass in live sound engineering driven by the latest SSL technology. With a legacy that spans six decades, Sir Tom Jones continues to redefine live music, one enthusiastic audience at a time.