The 44th Annual CMA Awards aired live in 5.1-channel surround sound Wednesday, 10 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 (front-of-house) mixers Patrick Baltzell and Rick Shimer; the broadcast music mix was handled by New Jersey/California-based Music Mix Mobile's John Harris and Jay Vicari.
Several performers used Audio-Technica's Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System during the course of the show. Taylor Swift paired the 5000 Series system with the AEW-T3300 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Transmitter for her lead vocals. Audio-Technica endorser Kenny Chesney performed with the 5000 Series and the AEW-T5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Transmitter, and fellow endorser Jason Aldean performed with the AEW-T6100 Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Transmitter. Other AEW-T5400 users included Loretta Lynn, The Band Perry and Kelly Clarkson.
Jay Vicari stated, "It is an easy decision for us to use Audio-Technica wired and wireless mics on the CMA's year after year. A-T's sound quality is industry-leading, they are consistent from mic to mic, and A-T has a wide range of products perfect for the singers and instrumentalists featured on the show. Also, their artist relations team and on-site support is second to none, which provides us an additional comfort level when doing a high-profile broadcast event like the CMA's."
(Jim Evans)
