Tough Act To Follow

Shure wireless KSM9 chosen for PBS special with Mormon Tabernacle Choir

 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, March 15, 2007—Having quickly established itself within a front-and-center position among the microphones most commonly used by soloists and guests singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Shure's reference-quality, wireless KSM9 will play a starring role among the components seen and heard in a PBS special set to air later this year. The program captures the legendary choir performing with Norwegian classical crossover diva Sissel, and is one of many PBS has produced in Salt Lake City's Temple Square, the site of the choir's weekly radio and television broadcasts.

 

"This is the first mic I've used that doesn't sound like a mic at all," says Trent Walker, senior audio engineer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the man responsible for managing the choir's sound reinforcement needs. "When you hear it, it sounds like you're standing directly in front of the performer. The vocal quality has impressed everyone, especially our conductors and visiting recording engineers, who are some of the biggest names in the business."

 

Walker, who takes care of sound reinforcement for the choir both on the road as well as for its appearances at home in Salt Lake City, maintains a total of 72 channels of Shure wireless for use in Temple Square. Of these channels, 56 are UHF-R. With an ever-increasing inventory of KSM9 microphones finding its way into his hands, during the PBS production 12 wireless handheld units were available for use along with six hardwired models.

 

"It's very natural sounding, and that is exactly what we're looking for," he adds. "When I use it, I hear the artist, not a harsh high-end or other coloration of any kind. This mic is very smooth and transparent. I've used Shure's SM58 forever, and it's always been the measure by which all else is compared. I really believe the KSM9 is going to set a new standard. For everything else still to come in the world of microphones, it's going to be a tough act to follow."


The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. Many husbands, wives, and entire families have been members for generations. Under the direction of Craig Jessop, the choir's sound has been refined in tone, enunciation, and repertoire, and now also includes The Orchestra at Temple Square, which gives voice to 110 instruments.

 


Release 38