Audio-Technica Provides Over 170 Vocal and Instrument Mics for the 37th Annual CMA Awards Show
(Audio-Technica | Posted 2003-11-22)
For the tenth year in a row, Audio-Technica has supported the Country Music Awards by supplying the majority of vocal and instrument microphones for its annual awards show in Nashville, Tennessee. Held on November 5th at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, this year’s event featured over 170 hard-wired and wireless Audio-Technica microphones. From backline vocal and instrument mics to frontline wireless systems for top country artists such as Kenny Chesney and George Strait, Audio-Technica was chosen for its clear and consistent quality for this star-studded live broadcast.
The 37th Annual CMA Awards show, hosted by 18-time CMA-winning artist/songwriter Vince Gill, featured more than 22 landmark performances and collaborations from many of today’s top artists in country music and other genres. Once again, Audio-Technica microphones were featured overwhelmingly for their accurate and consistent sound reproduction — characteristics that have dictated Audio-Technica’s strong presence as a fixture at all Grand Ole Opry shows. Performers using the acclaimed Audio-Technica Artist Elite® 5000 Series Wireless System, utilizing the AEW-T3300 microphone and AEW-R5200 true diversity frequency-agile dual receiver, included CMA-nominated artist Kenny Chesney and long-time country favorite and 15-time CMA winner George Strait. Hard-wired microphones from
Audio-Technica were also employed for the broadcast, including microphones for the eight drum kits used throughout the evening. Audio-Technica Artist Elite Series mics, including the AE2500, AE3000, AE3300, and AE5100, were utilized onstage along with a wide array of
A-T’s enduring favorites such as the AT4033, AT4040, AT4050, ATM23HE, ATM25, and ATM35 models.
“This is really one of the biggest nights for country music, and one that represents this music to one of our largest audiences,” stated Marc Repp, Audio Coordinator and a broadcast music mixer for the event. “This broadcast was one of the most watched CMA shows in recent years and continues to be the second most watched of all television award shows due to the caliber of artists and genres represented. So besides demanding the highest quality audio for both the broadcast and the musical legends performing that evening, we also need to be able to rely on a smooth and consistent overall sound throughout the show and between the twenty-plus performances. The Audio-Technica mics have provided that in the past and were the first mics of choice when it came time to do this show,” Repp commented. “Often at these events, we’re not aware of what specific mics or wireless systems the artists will be requiring until the last minute. The advanced features of the Artist Elite 5000 Series Wireless Systems were great when it came time to set up and go, giving us that extra edge that really complemented the mix,” Repp concludes.
The 37th Annual CMA Awards show was broadcast live on the CBS Television Network to an estimated audience of over 50 million viewers worldwide. For more information on the CMA Awards, please visit www.cmaawards.com.
