The 45th Annual CMA Awards aired live in 5.1-channel surround sound Wednesday, 9 November, on the ABC Television Network from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and featured over 200 Audio-Technica microphones, including an impressive array of hard-wired mics and Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless Systems.
The team responsible for the audio at this year's CMA's again included a who's who of broadcast audio. The audio was supervised by award-winning audio producers Michael Abbott and Tom Davis; ATK/Audiotek provided the sound system with FOH mixers Patrick Baltzell and Rick Shimer; the broadcast music mix was handled by New Jersey/California-based M3's (Music Mix Mobile's) John Harris and Jay Vicari. Stage monitoring was handled by Michael Parker and Jason Spence.
Several performers used Audio-Technica's Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System during the course of the show. Audio-Technica endorser and winner of Album of the Year Jason Aldean paired the 5000 Series system with the AEW-T6100 Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Transmitter for his lead vocals.
In a medley of Lionel Richie hits with Mr. Richie himself, the members of Little Big Town and Darius Rucker all used the 5000 Series system with AEW-T5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Transmitter for their vocals. Additionally, in a duet, Grace Potter and longtime Audio-Technica endorser Kenny Chesney, who shared the Video of the Year Award, both used hard-wired AE5400 Cardioid Condenser Microphones.
Michael Parker, monitor engineer, stated, "I have used Audio-Technica microphones for years on prominent broadcast award shows, based on their ability to deliver clear, consistent sound. I particularly am fond of their instrument mics, as they are able to reproduce the true timbre and character of the instrument. Their reliability gives me an additional comfort level, which I never take for granted at such high-profile events."
(Jim Evans)
