A packed Bridgestone Arena in Nashville was the setting for the 2015 Country Music Association Awards, where Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood hosted three hours of performances for a live ABC telecast. To keep a packed programme on schedule, the production relied on wireless microphones and in-ear monitors for quick set changes, eliminating cumbersome floor wedges and cables. For monitoring, the performers typically brought their own custom earphones, all of which were powered by Shure PSM1000 wireless personal monitor systems.
Shure endorsees were well represented in the winner’s circle, including Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan (SM58), Vocal Duo of the Year Florida Georgia Line (Beta 58A), and Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town, whose ‘Girl Crush’ took both Single of the Year and Song of the Year awards. All used Shure UHF-R wireless systems.
But they were far from the only performers choosing Shure UR2 handhelds. This year’s breakout artist, Chris Stapleton, opted for the classic SM58 capsule, as did Sam Hunt and Shure endorser Kacey Musgraves. The studio condenser sound of the KSM9 was also popular, used by Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, as well as endorsers Kelsea Ballerini and Fall Out Boy. Endorsing artists Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley, who was joined by electric violinist Lindsey Stirling using a UR1 bodypack for a rendition of his single ‘Riser,’ both chose the Beta 58A capsule for performances.
Co-Audio Producers Tom Davis and Paul Sandweiss were in the Music Mix Mobile (M3) for the 5.1 surround broadcast mix, with engineers John Harris and Jay Vicari at the controls. Inside Bridgestone Arena, Pat Baltzell created the production mix, with Rich Shimer doing the music mix at front of house. Tom Pesa and Jason Spence handled monitor mixing for the two stages. The primary wireless supplier was ATK Audiotek.
‘With a majority of the artists on this show requesting Shure vocal mics front and center, it’s comforting to know the audio quality and RF stability is something we can always count on,’ says Tom Davis.
Music mixer John Harris of M3 counts Shure wireless as one of his valued tools: ‘The sound and stability of Shure wireless products play a vital role in this and many other events we are a part of,’ he says. ‘The Artist Relations team complements the products with their consistent support, both for the audio crew and for their artists.’
Shure Artist Relations Manager, Nashville-based Ryan Smith, was on hand to watch it all happen: ‘This year’s CMA Awards raised the bar for outstanding performances, and congratulations are in order for everyone involved, performers and audio crew alike,’ he says. ‘It was again a pleasure to see so many artists using Shure products, and we are looking forward to continuing our support at next year’s 50th anniversary CMA Awards.’
More: www.musicmixmobile.com
More: www.shure.com
