Radiohead Embraces Wireless Technology: A New Era in Live Performance
For teh first time in their illustrious career, Radiohead has taken the plunge into wireless technology during their latest tour, impressing even the moast skeptical members of their technical team.
After a seven-year hiatus, the band returned to the stage for a series of performances across the UK and Europe, thanks in part to a partnership with the American company Sound Devices. This collaboration has not only modernized their live setup but may also signal a permanent shift away from customary cabling.
Innovative Upgrades for Musical Excellence
Simon Hodge, Radiohead’s front-of-house mixer, explains, “The band is not one to change their methods just for the sake of it; they seek enhancements that align with their artistic vision.” Historically, while the band has experimented with RF (Radio Frequency) systems for guitars, there was a prevailing belief that they could not match the sound quality of wired connections.
“In a large venue, numerous elements influence the sound beyond just RF or cables, which is why we dedicate significant time to conducting blind tests to ensure we start from the best possible foundation,” Hodge adds.
Welcoming New Technology
Members Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Thom Yorke, and bassist Colin Greenwood have all integrated the Astral ARX32 Wireless Receivers and Astral TX Wireless transmitters into their performances.
A key component of this transition was the Astral Guitar Cable, which connects electric guitars to the Astral transmitters without altering the tone. Hodge recalls, “We conducted blind tests in Jonny’s studio comparing Astral with their usual cables, and even the most doubtful guitar technicians were taken aback by the results.”
seamless Integration for Multiple Instruments
Managing the numerous guitar changes throughout their set was another challenge. The tech team routed the Astral ARX32 inputs into a Prodigy Audio Processor using Dante and custom Streamdeck controllers, effectively creating a centralized hub for all guitar signals.
“The band travels with a plethora of guitars; Ed O’Brien had 32 available during this tour,” Hodge notes. “For the first time, we could have all 32 guitars accessible and easily switchable through the same interface, allowing either the musician or technician to make selections as needed.”
A Game-Changer for Live Performances
“The Astral Guitar System has truly revolutionized our approach,” Hodge states.
As reported by Rolling Stone in March, Radiohead is shifting towards a more structured touring model, planning to perform 20 shows annually across different continents. Last year, they completed four-show residencies in five European cities, with plans to expand their reach to other regions soon.
In related news,ed O’Brien,who recently announced a solo album,has shared how playing guitar has been instrumental in his battle against depression.
