The musical night saw the audio team and other artists use Shures Axient Digital wireless systems and PSM 1000 in-ear monitor systems support RF performances.
From the opening production number to the evenings final award for Album of the Year, Shure wireless systems were selected by the audio team and majority of artists performing on the 61 GRAMMY awards, broadcast live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Reportedly, a majority of the shows 18 musical productions featured Axient Digital wireless mics, demonstrating remarkable industry acceptance of this product, introduced less than two years ago.
Speaking about using Shure products at the prestigious awards, Steve Vaughn of Soundtronics said: Once again, I have had the opportunity to test the new Shure Axient Digital and really push them to the limits. With almost a completely saturated RF spectrum, including IEMs, Backline RF and various other RF microphone manufacturers, I was able to really maximize each and every frequency available. And for the first time in a long time I was able to do the entire show without frequency sharing. Shure has proven to me that along with Wireless Workbench (WWB) and the new Axient Digital that reliability and quality is still their priority and what we can expect from a Shure product.
The 2019 GRAMMYs were executed by audio coordinator Michael Abbotts team of veteran engineers and techs. Key suppliers included ATK Audiotek for sound system design and implementation. ATK again brought in Soundtronics RF expert Steve Vaughn to handle wireless system design and frequency coordination. The broadcast production mixer was Tom Holmes, working from music mixes by Eric Schilling and John Harris in the Music Mix Mobile remote trucks. Inside Staples Center, the FOH desks featured Mikael Stewart doing the production mix, with Ron Reaves mixing music for the live audience.
Notable performances included a tribute to MusiCares Person of the Year Dolly Parton, using an Axient Digital AD2 with SM58 mic capsule for a medley of classic country songs. Parton was joined on stage by Shure endorsing artists Kacey Musgraves (Beta 58A), Maren Morris (SM58), and Little Big Town (Beta 87, Beta 58A, and SM58), all using custom white AD2 handhelds, plus Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.
Another highlight was the nights focus on the iconic Motown label. Shure endorser Jennifer Lopez used her customised Axient AXT200 with KSM8 to lead a tribute of Motown classics, along with Axient Digital users Smokey Robinson and Ne-Yo. Diana Ross used an AD2/KSM9 combination for her own stirring medley, while Chloe x Halle used the AD2/Beta 58A for their homage to the late, great Donny Hathaway. Another soulful performance was the trio of Andra Day, Fantasia, and Yolanda Adams singing (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman all using AD2 handhelds.
Shure products were also dominant in several other critical, though less visible, applications, including multiple wireless guitars and other instrument microphones. Behind the scenes, monitor mix engineers Mike Parker and Tom Pesa used the industry-standard PSM 1000 personal monitor system for every wireless in-ear channel on stage.
A total of 24 transmitter channels were used, feeding 106 P10R bodypack receivers. For hardwired in-ears, 12 P9HW and 24 P6HW systems were also on hand. To top it all, the podium microphone was powered by two Shure UR1 bodypack transmitters.
The Shure artist relations team was at the venue to ensure all artist and production team needs were met. The GRAMMY Awards are always a highlight event for us. Its a great opportunity to meet with musicians and engineers, and see how our equipment helps them realse their artistic vision. We want to congratulate everyone involved for another outstanding production, and to thank them for allowing us to be a part of their world, said Cory Lorentz, Artist Relations Manager, Shure.
