Daniel Gonzales

Daniel Gonzales
FOH Engineer

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently touring with Motopony as FOH/TM. FOH for Jeremy Camp at the Harvest Crusade Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA. FOH for Disney D23 expo, mixing Disney acts including China Anne McClain and Disney’s 'Next Best Thing' artist.

What Console do you use?

Avid VENUE Profile, Yamaha MC7L/5D, assorted club consoles

What are your favorite Waves plugins?

CLA Compressors – CLA-76 is my go-to plugin. If I need something quick, I throw that on. It works on everything; it’s the work horse. I like to use the SSL EQ with the CLA-76 on my drums. That combination keeps the drums tight and big. For vocals, I use the V-EQ4 with the CLA-76. I love the options that the V-EQ4 gives you to sculpt a great vocal sound. For electric guitars, I use the API EQs with the CLA-3A. The API keeps the guitar shiny, and I like how it cuts through the mix. And the CLA-3A brings those characteristics to live in a BIG way. For bass, I usually keep it simple and just throw on a CLA-3A or V-Comp.

What do you see as your main goal for the audience?

I want them to not think about the sound. I want them to enjoy the show without any distractions. I truly think that if your mix is great, the people will leave knowing something was different then most shows, but not be able to put their finger on it. It also needs to compliment the actual recorded music the fans have listened to over and over again. It needs to have the energy of a live performance and audible characteristics the artist or band would have recorded.

How does MultiRack help your workflow?

I love using the MultiRack on fly dates when I know the venue may not have the console that supports Wave plugins. It’s been great also going into small clubs with limited dynamics/FX processors and be able to pull the MultiRack out of my bag and have some reverb or delay in a matter of minutes.

What is the advantage in adding Waves plugins to the existing processing tools of the mixer you use?

It takes the mix from being a mix….to being a mix with some LIFE. You’re able to be your own artist and sculpt the sound with the plugins.