As in previous years, the live sound design for the show was by Derrick Zieba, with audio equipment for the performances supplied by Britannia Row Productions.
Actress and singer Selena Gomez used a 'custom bling' Sennheiser SKM 5200 mk II with a Neumann KK 105 capsule for her duties as the show's host; further SKM 5200 mk IIs and KK 105 combinations were used by those presenting the awards, including David Hasselhoff, Hayden Panettiere and Jessie J.
All show in-ear monitors were Sennheiser G3, G2 or 2000 series, while some of the highest profile performers to use Sennheiser mics for their performances were Lady Gaga (SKM 5200 with MD 5235 capsule), Snow Patrol (SKM 5200 with KK 105 capsule), Bruno Mars (SKM 2000 with 935 capsule) and Queen and Adam Lambert (also SKM 5200 with MD 5235 capsule).
"As with other events such as the Brit Awards, the RF spectrum of the MTV European Music Awards has become increasingly complex to manage, with the ever growing use of radio microphones, IEM systems and guitar packs," says Zieba.
"It's difficult enough to find clear, interference-free spectrum to satisfy artist demands, which can easily consist of 16 IEMs, eight guitar systems and several radio mics. To multiply that by seven and make the change over time between acts live-on-air a matter of a few minutes is a very bold challenge. Add to that, handheld radio mics for presenters and award winners in between the live performances (who could appear anywhere in the vast Odyssey Arena) and the challenge can become a nightmare.
"Robust, reliable RF equipment is a must and for that reason alone I would choose Sennheiser. However, I can proudly say that not only do they offer the best support from a radio systems supplier, but the best support of any in the pro audio business."
"Mark Saunders and Andrew Lillywhite from Sennheiser UK have consistently supported my work on the bigger multi-artist shows for the past decade and once again they were there to offer much appreciated advice and practical support to my superb RF Supervisor Barry Macleod.
"They were key to ensuring that the show was trouble-free. You could not ask for a better service."
(Jim Evans)
