MIAMI, FL — When the hottest names in the Hispanic entertainment industry converged at the BankUnited Center in Miami for the 11th annual Premios Juventud awards show, Professional Wireless Systems’ (PWS) expert team was busy managing frequency coordination for the star studded gala. PWS has been providing custom RF equipment and handling wireless frequency coordination since the 2004 inaugural show.
Broadcast by Univision, Premios Juventud (Youth Awards) is an awards show that nominates Spanish-speaking celebrities to celebrate their artistic achievements in unique categories within the areas of film, music, sports, fashion and pop culture. The awards show relies on the public to nominate their favorite singers, athletes and actors for award consideration and to then subsequently choose the winners through an online voting portal. Past winners include high-profile pop culture celebrities such as Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Antonio Banderas.
As the wireless equipment provider for the show, PWS and independent lead RF coordinator Aaron Morris managed a total of 157 frequencies with close to 30 dedicated microphone channels. The team utilized wireless packages from Shure and Sennheiser, which included Shure UHF-r’s and Sennheiser 3732-II receivers with 5200-II handhelds. The crew also employed a Shure Axient® Wireless Management Network. PWS supplied eight Telex BTR-800s for its wireless communications as well as three Radio Active Designs UV-1G wireless intercom systems. IFB’s consisted of Comtek BST25 and Lectrosonics T4’s. In-ear monitors consisted of nine PSM 1000s and two Sennheiser G2s.
The RF team turned to a host of PWS support equipment, including a combination of its Domed and Helical Antennas, DB Series – Multicouplers for microphones, as well as GX-8 Combiners used for intercom, IFB and in-ear monitors. PWS’ own Intermodulation Analysis Software System (IAS) was also utilized on site, as it provided a complete solution in managing the shows’ frequencies. PWS’ IAS software cuts down on setup time by combining a database of wireless performance equipment and access to local television frequencies in use.
“We did the preproduction coordination based on last year's scan and then took a fresh scan on arrival and made a few adjustments,” says Morris. “The most serious obstacle that we faced this year was antenna placement. The set featured LED walls on three sides, so we had to find holes to aim antennas through and then be very careful with gain structure so as not to absorb too much spurious RF emission from the LEDs that would render the noise floor unacceptable.
“The LED set was a challenge this year, but as always, it was something we were prepared for and were able to overcome,” says Jim Van Winkle, general manager of PWS. “Each year Premios Juventud continues to grow making our job more complex, but the crew did a great job and the show went off without a hitch.”
For more information about Professional Wireless Systems, visit http://www.professionalwireless.com.
About Masque Sound
Founded in 1936 by a trio of Broadway stagehands, Masque Sound evolved into one of NYC’s most successful theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design companies specializing in theatrical, house of worship, sporting, corporate, TV broadcast and live concert events. Celebrating more than 75 years in the industry, the company is led by President Stephanie Hansen and the firm’s third generation owner, Geoff Shearing. The company also operates Florida-based Professional Wireless Systems, a leader in the development and implementation of wireless technology. Credits range from major Broadway shows and tours including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Lion King,” “Jersey Boys,” “Memphis,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Newsies,” “Once” and “Kinky Boots” to yearly Super Bowl broadcasts and installations of varying sizes, including New York’s New Victory Theater and historic St. Bartholomew’s Church. Masque Sound’s 70,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters and main assembly facility is located at 21 East Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ, 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan. For more information, call (201) 939-8666 or visit www.MasqueSound.com.
