Shure Amplifies Audio for 59th Annual CMA Awards

At the 59th Annual CMA Awards, held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Shure microphones and wireless systems delivered the audio.

This year’s production team relied heavily on Shure Axient Digital Wireless and PSM 1000 in-ear monitoring systems to deliver sound to the crowd, artists, and those tuning in to the broadcast around the world.

Wireless support was provided by ATK, with 34 channels of Axient Digital, and 24 channels of PSM 1000, powering 116 belt packs per side.

The show featured Shure KSM11 microphones for host duties and live performances, including Luke Combs, who also paired the KSM11 for his collaboration with BigXthaPlug.

“I have been using the KSM11 for over three years for both speech and performance applications. They have a smooth, natural response and are consistent across many voices,” shares Paul Wittman, Production Sound Mixer for the CMA Awards.

“I still continue to be amazed by the rock-solid performance, operating range and tolerance to interference (of Axient Digital). One diversity set of antennas upstage centre covered an entire arena from the stage to the back of house. When the transmitters were anywhere in the arena, I had completely pegged RF indication at the receivers. Exactly what you want to see,” says James Stoffo, RF coordinator for the CMA Awards.

Other artists who used Shure Axient Digital and microphone capsules included Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Riley Green, Zach Top, Little Big Town, Ella Langley and Patty Loveless. Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tucker Wetmore, Miranda Lambert, and Kenny Chesney used Shure Axient Digital wireless.

The behind-the-scenes audio team included audio producer Tom Davis, audio coordinator Paul Sandweiss, production mixer Paul Wittman, monitor engineers Jason Spence and Chris Daniels, house FOH Rick Shimer, house production mixer Patrick Baltzell, RF coordinator James Stoffo, and music mixers John Harris and Rob Macomber.

“This show is such a joy and honor to attend,” says Ryan Smith, Artist Relations Manager at Shure. “Many great performances. I am proud to see so many artists and crew members who trust and rely on Shure for their wireless needs. Congratulations to all the performers and winners at this year’s show.”