Burton Ishmael: A Sound Engineer’s Journey to Madonna’s Tour
Posted by SoundPro on Jun 2nd 2025
Discovering the Console: The Avid VENUE | S6L
Perhaps the most transformative chapter in Ishmael’s career came with the opportunity to work alongside music icon Madonna. A chance encounter at Madison Square Garden set the stage for a collaboration that would push Ishmael to new heights, both creatively and professionally. As the front-of-house engineer for Madonna's tour, Ishmael found himself at the helm of one of the largest concert audiences in history, a moment that underscored the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
On the Madonna tour, Ishmael’s technical prowess and creative vision were put to the test. Madonna’s discography spans over 40 years, requiring much more than a one-size-fits-all approach. With a long list of hit songs with different sonic signatures recorded all over the world, the goal was to stay true to each record while providing a cohesive experience.
Enter the Avid VENUE | S6L. Captivated by its versatility and intuitive interface, Burton found in the S6L a platform that not only complemented his workflow but also elevated his sonic palette. With its onboard plugins, outstanding processing power, and seamless integration with his preferred outboard gear, the S6L became an indispensable tool in Ishmael’s arsenal.
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