Michael Prowda: A Live Sound Veteran’s Guide to Sonnox Plug-ins on the Road
Michael Prowda is a seasoned live sound engineer whose 30-plus-year career has taken him around the world with a star-studded list of artists, including David Bowie, the Eagles, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Blue Man Group, and many more.
Currently on tour with Nine Inch Nails, Prowda’s expertise in live sound mixing—especially monitors—has made him a go-to professional for some of the biggest names in music. Between shows, he shared insights into his setup, his approach to live sound, and how Sonnox plug-ins have become essential tools in his audio arsenal.
Touring the World and Mastering In-Ear Technology
Throughout his career, Prowda has been at the forefront of live sound technology, adapting to the evolving demands of touring with top-tier artists. “Most of my gigs were long-term touring situations, mainly mixing monitors,” Prowda explains. “I was part of the first wave of in-ear technology, starting with Stevie Wonder in the early 80s. Back then, in-ear monitors resembled something out of Star Trek. Technology has evolved immensely since then, and I’ve always tried to stay on the cutting edge.”
Cutting-Edge Gear on the Nine Inch Nails Tour
For the current Nine Inch Nails tour, Prowda is using a Digidesign Profile console, a setup that allows him to integrate plug-ins like those from Sonnox. “We’re also using Sennheiser G2 in-ear RF systems,” he adds. “It actually looks like an Apple convention on stage, with a lot of the musicians’ sounds sourced from digital domains using computers and advanced software. There’s a ton of new technology on this tour.”
Sonnox Plug-ins: Essential Tools for Live Sound Shaping
Among his favorite tools are Sonnox plug-ins, particularly the Oxford EQ with the GML option. “It’s my go-to EQ in the plug-in toolbox because it just sounds great,” says Prowda. He employs a broadband EQ approach on instruments like electric guitars and keyboards to manage the full audio spectrum effectively. “For example, a piano covers a wide range and can mask the vocal sound in the mix. Too much competition in the critical mid-range frequencies around 700Hz can throw off the balance. The GML curves are perfect for this kind of musical shaping.”
Prowda also utilizes the Oxford Dynamics plug-in on enhancement tracks, helping keep the dynamics within his desired mix window. As for the Oxford Reverb, he describes it as “the most open-sounding spatial tool I’ve heard to date. I use it on the main vocal, and it doesn’t sound like reverb—it feels like a true space.”
Practical Applications of Sonnox Plug-ins on Tour
Prowda’s approach to using Sonnox plug-ins is both practical and precise. “I set the Reverb on one permanent spatial setting,” he explains. “It’s one of the room sounds that I found, adding enough space without making the lead singer sound like they’re performing in a church. It feels like a real space to me.”
He uses the Oxford EQ as a sonic shaper on lead guitars, fine-tuning the sound to fit seamlessly into the mix. For backing tracks with extreme dynamics, the Oxford Dynamics plug-in helps maintain consistency and control. “The simplicity and effectiveness of these plug-ins are what make them stand out—no overly complex algorithms, just intuitive controls that deliver great results.”
Why Sonnox?
Prowda appreciates the uncolored, transparent sound of Sonnox plug-ins, which have become a mainstay in his live sound toolkit. “I’ve demoed a lot of plug-ins over the years, but Sonnox consistently delivers the best results for my needs,” he says. “The Digidesign platform’s ability to demo plug-ins before committing to them is a game-changer. In the old days, we’d be stuck with unused gear sitting in a rack for the entire tour. Now, we can tailor our setup perfectly.”
The Lighter Side of Live Sound Engineering
Always one to inject humor into the mix, Prowda jokes about the aesthetic appeal of his gear: “The blue color of the Sonnox plug-ins attracts the female species like a guy wearing a pink Polo shirt,” he quips. “It’s done wonders for showing my sensitive, caring side.”
Beyond the jokes, Prowda’s commitment to quality and his embrace of cutting-edge technology are what truly set him apart. As he continues to tour with some of the biggest acts in music, Sonnox plug-ins remain a vital part of his toolkit, helping him deliver the best possible sound night after night.