Country Music Association Awards Uses Shure Microphones for Annual Show

The 51st Country Music Association Awards show, which took place on Wednesday, November 8, used dozens of Shure wireless microphones, including UHF-R and the new Axient Digital systems. 

The production team included audio producer Tom Davis, production mixer Mark King, and James Stoffo.

All wireless in-ear monitoring systems were powered by PSM 1000, while 15 Shure P6HW units were used for hardwired in-ear applications. The primary sound system and backline supplier was ATK Audiotek.

With all artists being free to select their preferred microphones, “Female Vocalist of the Year” Miranda Lambert used the Shure 5575LE to sing her single “To Learn Her.”

“The iconic style of the 5575LE was a beautiful complement to Miranda’s classic performance,” said music mixer John Harris.  “I had plenty of gain, which allowed its warm sound to sit perfectly above the mix.” 

Luke Bryan also used a new AD2/SM58 wireless for his performance of “Light It Up.” The classic SM58 capsule sat atop UR2 handhelds used by New Artist of the Year and new Shure endorser Jon Pardi, as well as those used by Darius Rucker and Single of the Year winner Keith Urban.

SM58 capsules were also paired for the duet between Shure endorser Maren Morris and One Direction vocalist Niall Horan. The supercardioid Beta 58 was the choice for Kelsea Ballerini and for Alan Jackson, among others. These popular Shure models were used together on several of the show’s legendary vocal events, including performances by Tim McGraw (Beta 58) and Faith Hill (SM58), Rascal Flatts (SM58) with Dierks Bentley (Beta 58), and host Brad Paisley (Beta 58) with Kane Brown (SM58).

“Vocal Group of the Year” and Shure endorsers Little Big Town also performed on UHF-R wireless systems, with Karen and Jimi using SM58, Phillip on Beta 58, and Kimberly using the condenser Beta 87. Old Dominion rounded out the Shure wireless lineup, using the UR2 with KSM9 condenser mic elements.

“The 51st CMA Awards show was filled with many emotional performances,” said Ryan Smith, Shure’s Nashville-based artist relations manager. “It was an honor to be there with so many music industry friends to honor those lost, and to celebrate life.”