The spectacle of Super Bowl LX, held on the field of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA required more than just athletic prowess and a massive production. Behind the scenes, a critical and often under appreciated element ensures that every cheer, every call, and every musical note reaches millions of viewers worldwide: reliable, high-quality audio.
This year, once again, the production relied heavily on wireless technology from Shure, a recognized leader in the audio industry. The complex RF environment of a packed stadium during a major sporting event presents unique challenges. This is where Shure's Axient Digital wireless systems and PSM 1000 in-ear monitors proved invaluable.
The Halftime Show, a highlight of any Super Bowl, took on an extra layer of difficulty with the headline act, Bad Bunny as he opted to use a headset microphone instead of a traditional handheld, a choice that caused some concern for Tom Holmes, the Broadcast Audio Mixer. "For a big show in such a large stadium, and literally tons of speakers on the field, a handheld mic is usually what I want to hear," he admitted.
However, any apprehension quickly dissipated. The Shure SM39 headset, paired with an Axient Digital ADX1 bodypack transmitter, delivered a flawless performance. "Much to my surprise, this mic was the perfect choice," continued Holmes. "It handled his quite-loud singing voice, no problem. It kept leakage from the field PA to a negligible amount, had little to no popping, and delivered really nice sound quality for being in such close proximity to the mouth."
Alex Guessard, the Front-of-House Mixer for the event, echoed this sentiment, stating, "The SM39 is my go-to headset mic for vocalists. It delivers excellent tone, rock-solid mechanical stability, and outstanding rejection." Bad Bunny’s FOH Engineer, Jose Angel Rivera Jr., added, "It’s been dependable, comfortable for the artist, and delivers a clear and present sound each night."
The reliance on Shure was not limited to the halftime show. Throughout Super Bowl LX, countless Axient Digital transmitters and receivers ensured crystal-clear audio for everything from referee communication and in-stadium entertainment to pre-game and post-game ceremonies. Shure's TwinPlex omnidirectional lavaliers were also used extensively for various broadcast applications.
The successful seamless execution of audio across the entire week of Super Bowl events underscores the importance of choosing dependable and innovative equipment for such high-stakes environments. “When you’re on the biggest stage in the world, with millions of people watching and listening, there’s no room for error. Our focus is always on understanding what artists and engineers need and making sure the technology supports their vision. During the Super Bowl LX, Shure’s wireless audio did exactly that”. Said Jenn Liang-Chaboud, Shure Entertainment Relations Manager at Shure. “For Bad Bunny’s performance, Axient Digital and the SM39 gave the team total confidence, so everyone could focus on delivering the show they had planned”.
Watch the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show here.
Bad Buny photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
