With the support of Shure’s Axient Digital Wireless Microphone System and PSM 1000 In-Ear Personal Monitoring System, the ACM Awards’ audio team ensured that the show ran seamlessly for the live audience and the broadcast.
The audio equipment was supplied by ATK, and the antenna infrastructure and coordination managed by Soundtronics. The Radio Frequency (RF) Coordinator for the event, Steve Vaughn, weighed in on the Shure gear utilised: “At high-stakes, live broadcast events like the Academy of Country Music Awards, Shure Axient Digital and PSM 1000 always deliver, despite the challenging RF environment and high channel count. With Wireless Workbench, frequency planning and coordination is seamless, saving time and energy when it matters most. We had two instances of Wireless Workbench set up on both sides of the stage, so A2s could monitor frequencies throughout the show as well.”
The FOH production was managed by Barry Warwick and FOH Music was overseen by Jeff Peterson. Meanwhile, the production broadcast mix was helmed by Mark King, along with music mixers Eric Schilling and Biff Dawes. Monitors were handled by Tom Pesa and Andres Arango.
Arango shared his praise for PSM 1000, “PSM 1000 is still the #1 choice and still the most requested IEM for award shows.” Overall, 120 P10R bodypack receivers were deployed.
The evening also featured Shure’s newest microphone, Nexadyne with Revonic Dual Transducer Technology. Both Gwen Stefani and Thomas Rhett trusted Nexadyne to deliver their performances at the ACM Awards’.
“The Nexadyne 8/C Capsule has quickly become a valuable tool for our show. Its rejection and balanced response provide confidence that Thomas Rhett’s voice will be represented consistently each night, even in challenging situations,” said Trey Smith, FOH Engineer for Thomas Rhett.
“Shure’s new Nexadyne mic capsule made it easy to keep Gwen (Stefani)’s vocal on top of the mix. When her voice reaches viewers tuning in to the broadcast, I know it’s going to sound as clear and impactful as it does for every corner of the audience here at the ACM Awards,” added Dawes, broadcast music mixer.
Beyond Nexadyne, a host of Shure capsules were also utilised the ACM Awards stage. For their duet of Think I’m in Love With You, Chris Stapleton sang into a vintage SM58 while Dua Lipa performed with a Shure KSM11. Entertainer of the Year winner, Lainey Wilson performed God Blessed Texas and Hang Tight Honey with the stalwart SM58. Tigirlily Gold performed I Tried A Ring On and Parker McCollum performed Burn it Down with SM58s.
The awards show relied on 11 Shure AD4Q Four-Channel Digital Wireless Receivers, a Shure AD4D Two-Channel Digital Wireless Receiver, and three Shure UR4D Dual Wireless Receivers.
“It’s always a pleasure to work with the team that brings the ACM Awards to life. Congratulations on another excellent production,” said Ryan Smith, Manager of Artist Relations, at Shure.
