Audio-Technica Sets Up Shop at CMA Awards for 26th Straight Year

Audio-Technica supplied nearly 100 vocal and instrument microphones for the 53rd Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, presented Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. 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 5000 Series UHF Wireless Systems with ATW-C6100 Hypercardioid Dynamic Microphone Capsule. Audio-Technica microphones were chosen for their ability to provide clear and consistent audio quality for live broadcast.

The CMA Awards presentation is recognized as Country Music’s Biggest Night and represents the pinnacle of achievement for those involved in country music. The team of industry veterans responsible for the audio at this year’s CMA’s again included a who’s-who of broadcast audio. Tom Davis served as Audio Producer; Paul Sandweiss served as Audio Coordinator; ATK/Audiotek provided the sound system with FOH (front-of-house) mixers Patrick Baltzell (Production Mixer) and Rick Shimer (Music Mixer); the broadcast music mix was handled by New Jersey-based M3 (Music Mix Mobile) with co-music mixers Jay Vicari and John Harris; 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 third-generation 5000 Series UHF Wireless System with the ATW-C6100 Hypercardioid Dynamic Microphone Capsule was used for lead vocals by event co-host Dolly Parton (performing “Those Memories” in the opening segment spotlighting women in country); female vocal trio Runaway June (as part of the Kelsea Ballerini & Friends segment, performing Little Big Town’s classic “Girl Crush”); and Dolly Parton (again) and For King & Country, performing “God Only Knows.” Additionally, Keith Urban performed “We Were” using a hard-wired AT5047 Cardioid Condenser Microphone for his vocals and the ATM350GL Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone with Guitar Mounting System for acoustic guitar, running through the 5000 Series wireless with belt pack.

The backline mic complement of A-T wired microphones included the AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone on overheads; AE2500 Dual-Element Cardioid Instrument Microphone on kick drum; AE5100 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone on hi-hat and ride cymbals; ATM350a Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone on strings; and ATM250 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone on toms.

“Audio-Technica continues to be a key supporter of the CMA Awards, and their microphones and wireless systems provide consistent reliability and great sound,” said Davis. “We always look forward to working with their technical support and artist relations team on-site.”