Miami, FL, May 19, 2016 - For the first time in its history, Telemundo presented "Billboard Duets" at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, a unique, star-studded compilation featuring never-before-seen collaborations. Juan Aguila, Telemundo Network Audio Supervisor, was entrusted with ensuring a seamless audio productionfrom start to finish-from the red carpet, to the main awards show, the after show, and all network coverage.
With extensive experience at Telemundo's biggest awards shows and more than a decade as Audio Supervisor, Aguila commented that the 2016 version of the Billboard Latin Music Awards was still a challenge: "This was a special edition. We had 15 musical performances during the three-hour broadcast and each performance included two, three, four, and up to five artists on stage at the same time. In terms of sound, it was an intense challenge."
Given the large number of vocalists on stage performing simultaneously, the production team required failsafe, best-in-class audio technology. For that reason, Aguila chose to rely on Axient® Wireless Management Network: "Since its release, we have had the pleasure of trusting Axient; it is a core element to the success of our shows." He explained that due to Miami's RF congestion and the increased number of artists, the team had to add even more wireless microphones to their inventory. "Axient played a crucial role. We had some performances in the middle of the audience which would have been very difficult to pull off if we had used a different wireless system." Personal monitoring was entrusted to 24 channels of Shure PSM personal monitor systems in addition to the 36 wireless microphones employed throughout the night. Aguila continued, "PSM®1000 is like Axient: nothing out there compares to it." As for vocal microphones, the recently-introducedKSM8 Dualdyne™ Microphone also made an appearance in addition to awards show veterans, the KSM9 and SM58. "The KSM8 was the MVP," declared Aguila, "I believe that the artists who had the opportunity to use the KSM8 for the first time at Billboards fell in love with it. The KSM8 surpassed my expectations. We used it on different types of vocals, and it was amazing. I believe it will be part of our standard specification from now on."
The Telemundo broadcast took place at the Bank United Center and showcased performances from Shure users Nicky Jam, Marc Anthony, and Jesse & Joy as well as Shure endorser Juanes, along with more than 51 participating artists, including renowned vocalists, actors, actresses, and TV legends. Jam, one of the biggest winners of the night, took home six awards, including Hot Latin Song of the Year and Latin Rhythm Song Artist of the Year for his solo work. Another standout moment was the tribute to Latin American women performed by Shure user Ha*Ash, who excelled under the duet concept. Juan Gabriel delighted fans with his special performance of the hit "Querida" together with Juanes, during which all backing vocals used the KSM8. Other successful collaborations included Gerardo Ortiz with Shure user Alejandra Guzman, who both delivered an incredible, harmonious fusion of Mexican regional music and rock.