USA - In a thrilling showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LIX captivated a record 126m US viewers who tuned in to watch the game. From Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Shure audio gear was instrumental in delivering crystal-clear sound to fans both at the stadium and watching the broadcast.
ATK Audiotek and Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) handled all wireless microphones and IEM systems for the pre-game entertainment, halftime entertainment, and referees, as well as the Bud Light Backyard Concert. This marks the 28th year PWS has partnered with ATK for the Super Bowl.
The audio team included broadcast mixer Tom Holmes, entertainment front-of-house mixer Alex Gussard, entertainment front-of-house music mixer Dave Natale, monitor mixer Tom Pesa, lead RF engineer Cameron Stuckey, and RF techs Steve Caldwell and Kasey Gchachu. The RF team lead for CP Communications was Loren Sherman, supported by a dedicated crew of A2s.
Throughout the event, the production team trusted the Emmy Award-winning Shure Axient Digital Wireless Microphone System, PSM 1000 Advanced-in-Ear Personal Monitoring System, and the newly released Axient Digital PSM Advanced Digital In-Ear Monitoring System.
Shure technology was key to several significant moments, including the pregame show and Bud Light Backyard Concert with Post Malone. Outfitted by experts from Bexel, all FOX Bourbon Street events relied heavily on Shure wireless. The equipment included 40 channels of Axient Digital Wireless, 12 channels of PSM 1000, 24 P10R+ Bodypack Receivers, 31 TwinPlex TL47 Lavalier Microphones, 32 ADX1 Bodypack Transmitters, 17 KSM9 Condenser Vocal Microphones on ADX2 Frequency Diversity Transmitters, one AD600 Spectrum Manager and eight AD610 ShowLink Access Points.
Travon Snipes, monitor engineer for Post Malone noted: "Axient Digital PSM sounds phenomenal. I was blown away by the fidelity and warmth of these packs. I could hear the intricacies of reverb tails and stereo width like never before. Once we made the swap, it felt like I could hear the changes I wanted to make within my mix. Monitoring battery life and gain tracking has been a dream come true. These packs allow you, as a monitor engineer, to focus on the mix without any limitations or worries about translation."
During the pre-game, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Ledisi performed Lift Every Voice and Sing with a Shure KSM9 condenser microphone capsule on an Axient Digital ADX2 wireless transmitter. Trombone Shorty’s trombone performance of America the Beautiful was captured by a Shure Axient Digital ADX1 bodypack transmitter and BETA 98H/C miniature instrument microphone, and his vocals were delivered through a Shure KSM9 condenser microphone on an Axient Digital ADX2 wireless transmitter.
Before kickoff, Jon Baptiste trusted Shure Axient Digital for his spectacular live performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. Baptiste used an all-white frequency diversity handheld microphone transmitter with a KSM9 capsule.
Bryan Mengy, production manager for Jon Batiste mentioned: “The Shure AD2/KSM9 has been the staple for Jon’s live vocal for the past few years. We shot out quite a bit of capsules before our 2024 tour, and we still kept going back to the KSM9. It’s open, and it can really take the intensity and power of Jon’s vocal. The top end cuts through the muck and will remain our 'must have' to all of our performances.”
Referees used two Axient Digital ADX1 bodypack transmitters working together in Frequency Diversity mode and paired with Shure’s premium subminiature TL47 model TwinPlex omnidirectional lavalier microphones.
Sideline reporters relied on the Axient Digital ADX2FD wireless handheld microphone with a talk switch and mic flag extender featuring Shure’s patented Quadversity technology for player interviews and commentary from the field.
“For high-stakes events like the Super Bowl, reliability is essential. Shure’s Axient Digital Wireless System delivers low latency, clear frequency response, and a wide dynamic range, ensuring consistent, high-quality audio throughout the FOX broadcast," said Jamie McCombs, senior broadcast A1 at FOX.
An additional 24 channels of Axient Digital, a Shure KSM9 Condenser Microphone on a AD2 transmitter, and 16 ADX1 Bodypack Transmitters, were deployed inside at the FOX studio desk for pre-, half-, and post-game commentary. All gear used Quadversity and was provided by Digital Black and JetWave.
At halftime, Shure Axient Digital PSM advanced digital in-ear personal monitoring systems ensured performers heard clear audio during Kendrick Lamar’s set.
“We felt confident using the new AD PSM due to Shure’s reputation of product integrity and reliability. Not to mention the audio quality,” said Charles Ross, monitor engineer for Kendrick Lamar. “The low end is punchy and responsive. The highs are smooth and natural. A complete game changer for my mixes.”
Once again, the NFL Honors Awards relied heavily on Shure gear for the show’s live audio and broadcast this year. The handheld microphone used for NFL Honors was a Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone on an AD2 transmitter.
Shure’s entertainment relations manager, Jenn Liang-Chaboud, added: "Supporting and being present for the sound engineers the week leading up to the game was incredibly valuable. With trusted support from Shure, our goal is to ensure they have everything needed to deliver an exceptional audio experience."
