Shure at the 44th Academy of Country Music Awards

UR/SM58 Wireless Stands as the Evening’s Favorite

NILES, IL, April 20, 2009 — Once again filling the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena, the 44th Academy of Country Music Awards drew Nashville’s hottest acts to the glittering desert oasis, where Shure wireless proved to be the choice of a number of artists performing at the annual event.

“From an audio and RF standpoint, Shure’s UHF-R® Series and the SM58® capsule continued to provide us with maximum stability and flexibility,” production mixer J. Mark King said, commenting on the stage blueprint responsible for capturing the night’s live performances. Giving credence to King’s statement, the show opened with Brooks and Dunn, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, and other A-list artists, all using UR/SM58 wireless to sing a medley of hits.

Shure endorser Heidi Newfield and her UR/SM58 mic took the stage shortly thereafter, as did Toby Keith, who broke slightly with the night’s established standards by singing into a UR/KSM9 wireless handheld mic. Falling back into the gravitational pull of the UR/SM58 like iron shavings orbiting a powerful magnet, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Keith Urban, and Shure endorser Montgomery Gentry each took their turn in the spotlight, as did Carrie Underwood, who sported additional dazzle by bringing her custom-studded UR/SM58.

The show’s UR/SM58 highlight, however, came when Trace Atkins relied on the mic to sing “Till the Last Shot’s Fired” accompanied by the West Point Glee Club, who were also captured by UR/SM58s. Rascal Flatts closed the evening with “Here Comes Goodbye,” done with — you guessed it — UR/SM58s.

Certainly no stranger to this awards show, Burbank, California-based ATK Audiotek managed RF coordination and all other logistical aspects of implementing the wireless systems. Comprised of some of Nashville’s best studio musicians, the house band included Brent Mason on electric guitar, Glenn Worf on bass, Paul Franklin on steel guitar, Eddie Bayers on drums, and Steve Gibson on acoustic guitar. Not to be left out of the action, Shure hardwired mics figured prominently in the performances in the form of KSM32s on overheads, Beta 98s on toms, and SM57s on snare and guitar amps. Newcomer Jamey Johnson sang on a hardwired SM58, the same choice of John Rich.

“The strong showing of all these Shure products was gratifying,” noted Ryan Smith, Shure’s Regional Artist Relations Manager, who flew in from Nashville for the event. “I am also thankful to the artists and crews behind the scenes who showcased our products.”