BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Yamaki, Shure’s distributor in Colombia, worked with Idol audio director Juan Pablo Banchik to support Idol Colombia, the 47th local adaptation of the franchise since Pop Idol was launched in the U.K. in 2001. The show relies on an Axient wireless management network, ULX-D digital wireless and Shure KSM9, SM58, and BETA 58A vocal microphones.
More details from Shure (www.shure.com):
MIAMI — Since debuting in 2001, the Idol reality television franchise has seen rapid growth, with more than 40 regions across the globe launching program adaptions. Premiering as the 47th local adaption of Idol, earlier this year Idol Colombia began its first season. To ensure flawless live broadcasts five days a week, longtime Idol veteran and audio director Juan Pablo Banchik, worked to outfit the show’s studio with pristine audio solutions. Having worked on Idol shows in Latin America since 2006, Banchik knew what he was up against, trying to create an authentic concert feel with numerous contestants, judges, a host, and live audience—all in the confines of a television studio, with shared walls and a congested RF environment. Banchik’s first decision was to integrate Shure equipment.
For the host—where the pressure for constant, reliable audio delivery is high—Banchik worked hand-in-hand with Yamaki, the Shure authorized distributor in Colombia, to acquire and set up the Shure Axient Wireless Management Network. Axient’s dual-channel receiver offers unrivaled RF and audio performance. Most notably, Banchik and his team rely heavily on Axient’s ShowLink Remote Control for real-time wireless transmitter adjustments and frequency diversity for seamless dual-frequency switching. Banchik commented, “For the host, I needed a solution that was 100 percent bullet proof. Axient eliminated any RF concerns, as it essentially provides two mics in one with the dual-frequency capability. One of my personal favorites, Axient’s intelligent rechargeable power system, saves us from burning through environmentally unfriendly batteries.”
With a number of guest performers and contestants, Banchik selected 12 channels of Shure ULX-D Digital Wireless, two dual receivers and two quad receivers to manage the high number of channels required to support performing artists. Similarly, the PSM 1000 Personal Monitor System was selected to ensure contestants had a professional, reliable in-ear solution.
“PSM 1000 has great sound. It’s also user-friendly, which is an important point, as 99 percent of our contestants have never used in-ears before stepping on the Idol stage. We want them to feel comfortable and secure as they embark on their competition journey,” said Banchik.
The judges on Idol Colombia are a pivotal part of the show, but again present audio challenges with a live performance. To capture sound bites at the right time, Banchik created a Microflex Wireless set-up with a combination of gooseneck and lavalier microphones. Pairing Microflex Wireless with the Shure SCM820 Digital IntelliMix Automatic Mixer enabled the engineering team to cut down the floor noise and manage feedback. With the MX418 goosenecks located in front of the PA system, the IntelliMix technology helped distinguish between speech and background noise, preventing ambient dropouts and feedback to let the team focus on larger elements of the show.
“This is a massive production. Delivering a live show creates added pressure and requires premium quality gear that you can trust—equipment you can feel good putting your name behind. We really wanted to turn the TV studio into a concert, and that meant bringing in the best possible equipment to combat RF, manage frequencies, and mitigate the surrounding noise that comes with a live audience television broadcast,” said Banchik. “Shure delivered and was always there to provide support—from teaching the new guys how to use Axient to remote troubleshooting and fielding questions.”
In addition to relying on Shure wireless systems, Idol Colombia is also supported by Shure KSM9, SM58, and BETA 58A vocal microphones.
Idol Colombia is broadcast by RCN Television.
