Shure Microphones At 2006 ACM Awards

Shure endorser Brad Paisley, who walked into this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand with nominations in six categories, went home the night’s biggest winner with three wins: His latest album, Time Well Wasted was named Album of the Year, and “When I Get Where I’m Going”, a track that pairs the country superstar with the legendary Dolly Parton, scored dual honors as Vocal Event of the Year and Video Event of the Year.

Paisley, who opened the show with a grand entry from the rear of the hall performing with a UHF-R/SM58 wireless system from Shure, was but one of many Shure endorsers appearing at this year’s 41st annual event, the third to be held in Vegas after departing LA. Among others present who maintain a place on Shure’s roster of allied artists was Sara Evans, who picked up a very big win as Top Female Vocalist, and performed before the ACMA audience using UHF-R/KSM9 wireless.

“Shure’s new wireless KSM9 provided the reliable performance and flexibility a show like this demands,” ACMA production mixer J. Mark King said after the awards had all been given out and the crowd had filed out of the MGM Grand’s cavernous Grand Garden Arena. “It’s a welcome addition to the company’s already stellar line of professional microphones.”

UHF-R wireless was also a favorite at this year’s ACMAs for performing Shure endorsers Montgomery Gentry, Kelly Clarkson, Trace Adkins, and Dierks Bentley, while Martina McBride opted for Shure’s venerable SM58 in its traditional hardwired configuration.

ATK Audiotek of Burbank, CA managed sound reinforcement for the star-studded gathering, supplying a full 24 channels of Shure wireless on a stage dominated almost exclusively by the Niles, IL-based manufacturer. Beyond the official Shure endorsers present who brought the company’s products into the limelight, other Shure performance moments were provided by last year’s American Idol winner Carrie Underwood (UHF-R/KSM9), who gained distinction as Best New Female Vocalist, and took Single Record of the Year honors for “Jesus, Take the Wheel”. Named Top Male Vocalist, Keith Urban relied upon a UHF-R/KSM9 combination for his stage appearance as well.