Audio-Technica, a world leader in transducer technology, is celebrating its 20th 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 47th Annual CMA Awards aired live in 5.1-channel surround sound Wednesday, November 6, 2013, on the ABC Television Network from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and featured over 150 Audio-Technica microphones, including an impressive 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 live broadcast. The CMA Awards presentation is recognized as Country Music’s Biggest Night™ and represents the pinnacle of achievement for those involved in country music. Once again, Audio-Technica microphones were featured for their accurate and reliable sound reproduction — characteristics that have dictated A-T’s long-standing presence with country music artists. The team of industry veterans responsible for the audio at this year’s CMA’s again included a who’s-who of broadcast audio. The audio was supervised by award-winning audio producers Tom Davis and Paul Sandweiss; ATK/Audiotek provided the sound system with FOH (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’s) John Harris and Jay Vicari. Stage monitoring was handled by Tom Pesa and Jason Spence. Audio-Technica’s acclaimed Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System with the AEW-T6100 Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone/Transmitter was used for lead vocals by A-T endorser Jason Aldean, who performed “Night Train.” The 5000 Series wireless was also used by Darius Rucker, who performed using the AEW-T5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Transmitter. Rucker performed “The Gambler” as part of a Kenny Rogers Tribute and later performed the closing number, “Wagon Wheel.” 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 Cardioid Condenser Microphone on overheads; AE2500 Dual-Element Cardioid Instrument Microphone on kick drum; AE5100 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone on hi-hat and ride cymbals; AE5400 Cardioid Condenser Microphone on rotary speaker top and AT4050 on rotary speaker bottom; ATM650 Dynamic Instrument Microphone on snare; and ATM350 Cardioid Condenser Clip-On Microphone on toms and strings. “Audio-Technica supplies an enormous amount of support for us during the CMA’s,” stated Paul Sandweiss, co-audio producer of the 47th Annual CMA Awards. “Their wired and wireless mics sound great, and are consistently reliable — and having representatives from A-T and their gear here at the show makes our lives a whole lot easier!” “I especially liked using the ATM350 on the string section during the George Jones Tribute,” states Jay Vicari, Co-Music Mixer. “The 350 allowed me to capture the sound of the strings very naturally and because of its size, it was unobtrusive on camera.” James Stoffo, RF Coordinator/Microphone Tech, echoes Sandweiss’s sentiments: “We have 36 wireless microphones on the show from various manufacturers in a backdrop of 200 radio frequencies that include in-ears, mics and backstage communications. We love the support we receive from Audio-Technica, and we have never had any problems with interference, drifting or audio quality of their wireless systems. The A-T wireless that we have used, not only on this show but others, has been flawless. I’m always happy to see A-T on the show.” Please visit www.audio-technica.com for more information. Celebrating 50 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry. —For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact Karen Emerson, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224. Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752; Web: www.audio-technica.com