ET’s Journey with Yamaha RIVAGE PM and Jason Mraz

Seasoned FOH engineer Ettore ‘ET’ Dedivitiis has been Jason Mraz’s FOH engineer and production manager since 2005. With extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of acoustics and sound reinforcement, ET has become an invaluable asset to the artists he supports. His approach to live sound mixing emphasizes “sound reinforcement,” focusing on enhancing the natural acoustics of each performance to ensure the audience experiences the full dynamic range of the music.

Adopting Yamaha RIVAGE PM

ET has been using the Yamaha RIVAGE PM console series since its release. He praises RIVAGE PM for its intuitive layout, ease of use, and the seamless communication between Yamaha consoles. "The way all the Yamaha consoles talk to each other really makes life easy," ET notes. "I don't know what else to say about it. It's amazing. "This consistency is essential for him, as Jason Mraz's tours vary from solo performances to full band setups and everything in-between, requiring a flexible and reliable audio system.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges ET faces on tour is managing live sound for nearly 62 inputs, all from live mics - there are no loops or playback tracks. "I'm at almost 62 inputs and everything's live. I want to hear the dynamics. I work hard on playing loud and soft, so I don't want to take that away," he explains. ET's approach emphasizes sound reinforcement rather than overpowering the natural acoustics of the instruments. He relies on the RIVAGE PM's capabilities to project the band's sound clearly to the audience while maintaining the subtle intricacies that make each performance special

“I don't know what else to say about it. It's amazing.”

Technical Approaches and Favorite Tools

ET's mic selection is tailored to each tour's specific needs, with a preference for Shure microphones, including the KSM 11 and KSM 9 for vocals, depending on the situation. His collaborative approach with the monitor engineer, Matt Kornick (also on RIVAGE PM), ensures that the mix is comfortable for both the performers on stage and the audience. "We always use Shure. If things go bad, SM57s and SM58s are brilliant, they always work great," ET says. He values the Yamaha RPio head amp’s ability to be sonically matched via transformer emulation and SILK to each unique microphone/sound source combination, helping him achieve the desired sound for each performance.

Outboard Processing

While ET primarily relies on the RIVAGE PM's onboard processing, he also integrates select outboard gear for added flexibility and creativity. "I'm using the Manley outboard processing. I'm using a Manley on Jason's vocals, and we also have a couple of Bricasti M7s to put in the rack," he mentions. This blend of onboard and outboard processing allows ET to maintain control over the sound while adding unique touches that complement the performance.

Advice to New Engineers

ET emphasizes the importance of starting with sound on stage before pushing it through the PA system. "Really listen to the band, you know, first, before you start throwing things out speakers or trying to just get loud for a room," he advises. “Proper instrument tuning and the right gear can significantly reduce the need for excessive EQ and/or compression, leading to a more organic and dynamic sound.”

He also highlights the value of having a sound partner who shares your passion for audio. "Sound Image in Escondido is where we always get our touring audio, consistently going above and beyond to ensure we have the most updated gear and Yamaha consoles. It’s the fantastic team— from the office staff and shop crew to the touring audio professionals— that makes this experience fun and awesome."

“Really listen to the band, you know, first, before you start throwing things out speakers or trying to just get loud for a room.”

Staying Passionate

After nearly 50 years in the industry, ET remains passionate about live sound, attributing his longevity to the relationships he's built with the artists he works with. "I love the people I travel with. My resume's very short. Everybody I've worked with, I've stayed with for a long time," he reflects. ET's advice for staying excited about the job is simple: "You gotta have fun, you gotta enjoy it. You only get to do this thing once, so you might as well enjoy it and have fun.“

ET's journey with Jason Mraz and the Yamaha RIVAGE PM showcases how technology and FOH artistry unite to deliver unforgettable live performances while ensuring audiences worldwide experience the music as intended.