Grammy Performances Grow, Mic Makers Crow

LOS ANGELES — With the longest roster yet in the number of live performers taking the stage at Staples Center, the 51st annual Grammy Awards gave microphone manufacturers at least a 25 percent increase in bragging rights as the 3.5-hour production mixed musical genres and wound its way through an array of duets, collaborations and solo performances — including the last-minute pairing of Justin Timberlake and Al Green to fill a void left in the lineup by the absence of both Rihanna and Chris Brown.

WACO, TX — After nearly four decades of holding worship services in their original sanctuary, the staff and congregation of Highland Baptist Church in Waco, Texas have now moved their preaching — as well as their playing — into the church’s new multipurpose Life Center, which is equipped with a full loudspeaker and amplifier package from L-Acoustics.

ATLANTA — Kaltman Creations LLC added AirSleuth Pro Bundle V2 to their line of RF spectrum analyzers. The combined software-based 2.4GHz RF spectrum analyzer and a 2.4GHz, 11-channel signal generator is designed for IT managers, enterprise personnel, or 2.4GHz users who need enhanced capabilities to install, test, troubleshoot, analyze, and optimize wireless networks.

Fronted by lead singer Gary Cherone, and featuring guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Extreme decided to tour again following the launch of a new album in 2008 entitled Saudades de Rock. For the band’s recently-concluded European tour, the crew used two Allen & Heath iLive digital mixing systems to manage FOH and monitor sound.

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock used EAW’s array of sound system products for its digitally connected, multi-venue worship facility. Using the system, a single pastor can reach four thematically distinct worship venues, allowing over 3,000 faithful to hear his message but also enjoy four different worship music styles.

LOS ANGELES  — For the 12th year in a row, Audio-Technica supported the Grammy Awards, and for this, the 51st annual show, there was a 25 percent increase in the number of live performances featuring nominees and performers. Audio-Technica supplied over 250 of its microphones at the event, including an array of hard-wired mics and Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless Systems. Shown here, Justin Timberlake performs with Audio-Technica's AEW-T4100 cardioid dynamic microphone/transmitter.

MARION, SC — As part of a renovation of its sanctuary, the Marion Church of God recently completed installation of a new sound system drawing on components from the catalog of WorxAudio Technologies.

AUBURN, AL — With a seating capacity of over 4,000 in the stands alone, Auburn University’s Samford Stadium-Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park isn’t in the minor leagues of college baseball. But the intelligibility and punch had gone out of the field’s sound system over the last several seasons, with problems posed by everything from the local weather to the habits of the local bird population.