Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 50 years, supplied more than 140 vocal and instrument microphones for the 51st Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, presented Wednesday, November 8 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, US.
Broadcast live in 5.1-channel surround sound on the ABC Television Network, the awards show featured an extensive selection of Audio-Technica hard-wired microphones, plus Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless Systems with AEW-T6100a Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone/Transmitter. Audio-Technica microphones were chosen for their ability to provide clear and consistent audio quality for live broadcast.
The team of industry veterans responsible for the audio at 2017’s CMA’s included a who’s-who of broadcast audio. Tom Davis served as Audio Producer; Kevin Sanford served as Audio Coordinator; ATK/Audiotek provided the sound system with FOH mixers Patrick Baltzell (Production Mixer) and Rick Shimer (Music Mixer); the broadcast music mix was handled by New Jersey-based M3’s (Music Mix Mobile’s) John Harris and Jay Vicari; J. Mark King served as Broadcast Production Mixer. Stage monitoring was handled by Tom Pesa and Jason Spence, and James Stoffo served as RF Coordinator/Microphone Tech.
Audio-Technica’s acclaimed Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System with the AEW-T6100a Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone/Transmitter was used for lead vocals by Audio-Technica endorser Thomas Rhett, who performed “Unforgettable”; and gospel greats the McCrary Sisters, who performed Chattanooga Lucy with Eric Church and band. Additionally, Annie Clements, background vocalist with Maren Morris and Niall Horan, performed using the 5000 Series Wireless and AEW-T6100a on I Could Use a Love Song/Seeing Blind.
The backline mic complement of A-T wired microphones included the AT4081Phantom-powered Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone on guitars; AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone on overheads and choir; AT4047/SV Cardioid Condenser Microphone on guitars; AE2500 Dual-Element Cardioid Instrument Microphone on kick drum; AE5100 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone on hi-hat and ride cymbals; ATM650 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone on snare; and ATM350 Cardioid Condenser Clip-On Microphone, ATM250 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone, and ATM230Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone on toms.
Co-broadcast music mixer John Harris stated: “At this year’s CMA’s, I chose Audio-Technica’s Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless Systems with AEW-T6100a Handheld Microphone/Transmitter to capture the McCrary Sisters and Annie Clements (who sang with Maren Morris and Niall Horan) in a difficult audio environment, as on stage there was a lot going on during those segments of the performance. The 6100’s performed flawlessly, and their tight pickup pattern helps us isolate their vocals. They worked like a charm.”
Audio-Technica has supplied the CMA Awards for 24 consecutive years. Tom Davis, Audio Producer of the 51st Annual CMA Awards, remarked: “We always look forward to having Audio-Technica’s technical support and artist relations team on-hand at the CMA Awards. A-T is a key supporter, and the mics provide great sound and reliability.”