Pete first started using Sennheiser mics back in the late 1970s and switched to using them full-time in 2005 with Bloc Party.
"I bought two 421s way back in 1978 and I've always loved the 441," he says. "I used another manufacturer's mics for years, without thinking there was a serious alternative, until the point came with Bloc Party when I wanted something tighter and more in keeping with their first record. The Sennheisers worked so well that I got hooked and the sound of the microphones has translated really well to Two Door Cinema Club."
Pete's kit currently includes an e 901 and e 904 on the bass drum, an e 608 beneath the snare, three e 614s on hi-hat and overheads, two e 904s on the toms, four e 606s on the band's guitars and four e 945s for vocals. "It's Sennheiser all the way for me, the only exception is the top snare mic, which is an old 1970s thing I've used for years... and I'm not saying what it is," he grins.
Surviving rough treatment:
While sound quality is obviously the main priority, for a band touring as hard as Two Door Cinema Club, road-worthiness is paramount. "I take the full mic kit everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I even insist on using them for all television and radio appearances," he says.
"They receive some pretty rough treatment - they get dropped, soaked with beer and there are all the usual handling hazards of continually being flown around the world, but I've had very few issues.
"My mic case recently fell out of a trailer onto the highway. The thought of a gig without them was really depressing, but a good Samaritan found them and drove them down to the show. It cost me a lot of beer, but it was well worth it. And of course they worked fine!"
With the band all using in-ear monitors, the mics really help Pete to give them, as well as the audience, the sound they want. "I take a lot of time getting it right at the source, especially drums, but they love what they hear," he says.
Tour highlights:
One of the highlights of Two Door Cinema Club's year was a main stage appearance at the Reading and Leeds festivals, where Pete's Sennheiser kit was as important as ever.
"The Reading and Leeds shows were brilliant, we were all very happy," he says. "The Sennheiser mics are my 'constant' in the festival season, I honestly feel they give me the edge. The 901 is amazing for festivals, when you're in a rush you can just chuck it in, bring it up flat and go. It's so important to me that I carry a spare in my luggage in case the gear doesn't arrive.
"Sennheiser's artist support is also superb. Phil Cummings and the team are lovely guys and nothing is ever too much trouble."
(Claire Beeson)
