Lighting Designer Benoit Richard specified two High End Systems Hog 4-18 lighting control systems for Rob Thomas’ Chip Tooth Smile Tour 2019 The Hog 4 controls everything in my design and has an extensive use of the pixel mapping engine on most of the fixtures in the rig,” the LD said.
Benoit cut his teeth, so to speak, on Hog consoles. Since his years as a former High End Systems designer and programmer, he’s continued to use Hogs on projects ranging from tours and television specials to blockbuster films. “I was super happy when Bandit Lites purchased the two brand new Hog 4-18s for the tour earlier this year!” he said. “And I love the fact that they are manufactured in the USA”
Hog consoles have been manufactured in the Austin, TX headquarters since 2004. The Hog 4-18 is the flagship version of Hog 4, so named for a few hardware updates such as its two larger 18-inch screens and the removable arms allowing for monitors and other accessories to attach without using valuable table space at the FOH.
Richard programmed the show for the Matchbox Twenty co-founder with Lighting Director Patrick Hayes, who carries out his design on the road. Hayes was introduced to Hogs while participating (and winning) the inaugural Hog Factor USA Collegiate Lighting Programming Competition in 2015. He toured recently on a Full Boar 4 with The Decemberists.
“I really like working with Patrick!” Richard said. “And after being ‘the guy’ who ran the light show for two of Rob’s first three solo tours, it was emotionally difficult for me to let someone else take over. But Patrick was the perfect fit to be on Rob’s touring crew.”
Hayes said, “everything’s been going great” on the tour. “The 4-18 consoles have been rock-solid, and coupled with the latest v3.12 software, it’s provided a fantastic interface. The 4-18 feels just like the last generation of the Hog 4 but better. The larger screens and aluminium encoders give the desk a sleeker, more modern look. However, my favourite addition is the integration of the Kupo arms for external monitors. It’s a great space-saving feature for cramped front-of-house situations.”
They’re also carrying a couple of DMX 8000 Processors as well.
The North American tour kicked off May 28 with dates through the end of September, with Australia in November.