Shure at Brits and Brats

The Brats, or NME Music Awards, held over seven nights at The London Astoria, featured a diverse range of indie bands, all of whom used Shure microphone systems. On drums an eclectic mixture of microphones were used over the course of the shows including Beta91s and Beta52s on kickdrums, Beta98s and Beta56s on toms, Beta56s or Beta57As on snares and SM81s as overheads and on hi-hats. However, the preferred choice for overhead work was a pair of Shure's new KSM44s, which were praised for their smoothness and clarity by all of the visiting engineers who used them. Vocal mics were either Beta58As or Beta57As. Rik Hart, The Astoria's chief audio engineer who oversaw the whole event commented: "Shows like this demonstrate the diversity of the Shure range when it comes to live performance. It's not just SM58s! I was really impressed by the KSM44's and it's interesting to see that, increasingly, front of house engineers are asking for a Beta57A as the main vocal mic. The flat top to the grille lets vocalists get right onto the capsule which helps give some real warmth to the low-mids."

The Brit Awards, for the second year in succession, used Shure wireless microphones and in-ear monitor systems. In total, 13 wireless mic channels and four channels of IEM were used, with a further two channels of IEM being used by the production crew. All frequency management and licensing was taken care of by Hand Held Audio. Live vocal performances included those from Robbie Williams, Craig David, Westlife, Destiny's Child and U2. At the event Derrick Zieba, chief sound co-ordinator for Brits 2001 commented: "It's interesting to note that this year all the acts have chosen to sing live. I think that shows great confidence in the production staff and the choice of equipment, in particular the wireless gear, on the part of the artists."

Latest Issue. . .