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Audio-Technica Provides Microphone Solutions For 2011 CMA Awards

More than 200 A-T mics deployed, including an array of hard-wired models as well as Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF wireless systems

Audio-Technica celebrated its 18th year of supporting the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards by providing an extensive selection of vocal and instrument microphones for its annual awards show.

The 45th Annual CMA Awards aired live in 5.1-channel surround sound on November 9 on the ABC Television Network from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and featured over 200 Audio-Technica microphones, including an array of hard-wired mics and Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF wireless systems.

Audio-Technica microphones were chosen for their ability to provide clear and consistent audio quality for performers ranging from some of country music’s biggest stars to pop and rock acts on collaborations.

The audio was supervised by award-winning audio producers Michael Abbott and Tom Davis; ATK/Audiotek provided the sound system with front-of-house mixers Patrick Baltzell and Rick Shimer; the broadcast music mix was handled by New Jersey/California-based M3’s (Music Mix Mobile) John Harris and Jay Vicari. Stage monitoring was handled by Michael Parker and Jason Spence.

Several performers used Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF wireless systems during the course of the show. Audio-Technica endorser and winner of Album of the Year Jason Aldean paired the 5000 Series system with the AEW-T6100 hypercardioid dynamic handheld transmitter for his lead vocals. Aldean also won musical event of the year for his duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson.

In a medley with Lionel Richie, the members of Little Big Town and Darius Rucker all used the 5000 Series system with AEW-T5400 cardioid condenser handheld transmitter for their vocals. Additionally, in a duet, Grace Potter and long-time Audio-Technica endorser Kenny Chesney, who shared the Video of the Year Award, both used hard-wired AE5400 cardioid condenser microphones.

The backline mic complement of A-T wired microphones included the AT4080 phantom-powered bidirectional ribbon microphone on guitars; AT4050 multi-pattern condenser Microphone on guitars and bass; AT4040 condenser microphone on overheads; AE2500 dual-element instrument microphone on kick drum; AE5100 condenser instrument microphone on hi-hat and ride cymbals; AE5400 condenser microphone on rotary speaker top and AT4050 on rotary speaker bottom (used by Gregg Allman with the Zac Brown Band); ATM650 dynamic instrument microphone on snare; and ATM350 condenser clip-on microphone on toms and fiddle/violin.

Monitor engineer Parker states, “I have used Audio-Technica microphones for years on prominent broadcast award shows, based on their ability to deliver clear, consistent sound. I particularly am fond of their instrument mics, as they are able to reproduce the true timbre and character of the instrument. Their reliability gives me an additional comfort level, which I never take for granted at such high-profile events.”

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