スティービー・ワンダーとマックスウェルのモニター・エンジニア、ビル・バーネットが3Dアンビエントを語る
（ Engineer Bill Barnett for Stevie Wonder, Maxwell and others）

シカゴに拠点を置くビル・バーネットは、スティービー・ワンダーとマックスウェルのモニター・エンジニアです。二人のアーティストは３Dを使っています。「スティービーは３Dが本当に好きで、どこへ行くのにも持ち歩いています。」ビル自身も３Dの愛用者です。「サウンドをミックスする時に、イヤモニを外さなくても周囲の人と話しができるモードにできるところが気に入っている。」

“When my artist is using the 3D, I mix using my own 3D system. I don’t use the ambient function while I’m mixing, but if someone comes running up to tell me something, I can just flip the ambience switch to have a conversation. I love the fact that I don’t have to pull an earpiece out.”

【1】

Chicago-based Bill Barnett is in the enviable position of holding down the monitor engineer post for two exceptional artists – Stevie Wonder and Maxwell. Both artists use the Sensaphonics. 3D Active Ambient IEM System.

【2】

“Stevie really loves the 3D, and he travels everywhere with it,” says Barnett. “He really likes the ambience. I usually set it pretty low for him, but usually by the time I get the bodypack back, he’ s gone in there and turned it up. It’s funny, because I never see him do it, but obviously he knows how to get in there and adjust the ambient level to what he likes.”

【3】

Like most monitor engineers with artists on ears, Barnett has his own 3D system that he uses to mix with. “It lets me hear the in-ear mix exactly the same, and that’s important,” he notes. “I don’t actually use the ambient function while I’m mixing, except when someone needs to talk. If someone comes running up and has to tell me something, I can just reach down and flip the ambience switch to have a conversation. I love the fact that I don’t have to pull the earpiece out.”

【4】

Asked what else he likes about the 3D Active Ambient, Barnett mentioned the field-replaceable cable. “The Sensaphonics cables have gotten so much better. They’re thicker now, and if something happens, it’s great to know I can switch it out myself.”

【5】

Barnett has been a Sensaphonics customer since 2001. “I was with 98 Degrees, and they were using Shure E1s and we had Sensaphonics make custom sleeves for everyone. The molds really help with fit and seal. Then later, I moved up to the full custom earpieces, the 2X-S, and they were fantastic. I don’t like to listen to my ears too loud, and the isolation I get actually lets me hear more clearly at lower levels. And that’s important to me, because if my hearing goes, I’ll be working at McDonald’s,” he says with a laugh.

【6】

Sharing that concern with his artists is, of course, a delicate situation. “That is a touchy subject, especially with someone like Stevie. I mean, the man is blind, so to know that I’m in control of his hearing for a twohour show really makes me think. So I’m planning to get a so I’ll know exactly how loud he’s listening.” The Sensaphonics dB Check is a sound level analyzer that displays the exact level and safe listening times, with the earphones in place.

【7】

As 2010 approaches, Barnett is preparing for another busy year. “Maxwell is gearing up for another tour, probably starting the end of January,” he reports. “Stevie, of course, just tours when he wants to, but whenever he calls, I’m ready. These are both great artists to work with. I’ve been very blessed.”