The Billboard Latin Music Awards, held at the James L. Knight Centre in Miami on 23 October, not only celebrated the best in Latin music but also showcased the latest advancements in audio technology. The event, broadcast live on Telemundo, featured performances from notable artists and was supported by a team of skilled professionals who ensured every note and beat was captured with precision. Among the key figures were broadcast mixer Anthony Portillo, music mixer Carlos Alvarez, FOH engineer Raul Gonzalez, house production mixer Raphael Alkins, and monitors engineer Joe Lizano.
One of the standout technological deployments at the event was the Shure DCA901 microphones, used for the first time. Positioned strategically in the venue, the DCA901’s eight lobes served as the centerpiece of the event’s audience sound design. JC Aguila, network audio technical manager at NBC Universal, shared his thoughts on the impact of Shure’s technology: “For more than two decades, Shure has been an invaluable part of our broadcasts, consistently providing cutting-edge audio technology that elevates our sound quality and enhances the viewer experience. Once again, Shure played a key role in our production, delivering the latest advancements in audio innovation. The Shure DCA901 added remarkable depth and dimension to our mix, creating a beautifully balanced spatial image in our final broadcast. Combined with the deployment of 24 audience microphones, the two DCA901 units completed the immersive sound environment we aimed to achieve.”
Anthony Portillo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ease of use and agility of the DCA901: “The DCA901 is a game changer for the broadcast and audio industry. The interface was easy to understand and made [the arrays] quite agile to rearrange.” The event also featured 20 channels of Shure Axient Digital Wireless Systems and 16 channels of the Shure PSM 1000 In-Ear Monitoring System, provided by Frequency Coordination Group, ensuring pristine sound quality throughout. Shure KSM11 capsules were used to keep host commentary clear and audible.
Artists at the Latin Billboards 2025 also relied on Shure microphones. Laura Pausini captivated the audience with a black bling ADX2 coupled with a Nexadyne 8/S capsule. Daddy Yankee brought his signature energy to the stage with an AD2/K11N microphone, featuring a PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch. Ozuna chose the KSM9HS capsule. Los Pleneros De La Cresta performed with four SM39 headsets on ADX1 packs. Musza and Beéle both used the Beta 58A. Medley performances showcased diverse configurations: Toño Rosario used a nickel Nexadyne 8/S, Elvis Crespo illuminated the stage with a gold KSM9, La Insuperable added flair with a red bling microphone featuring a Nexadyne 8/S capsule, and Ebenezer Guerra’s performance was delivered with a blue KSM9, each artist benefiting from Shure technology tailored to their performance needs.
Ryan Smith, manager of artist relations at Shure, expressed his pride in the event: “It’s an honor to attend this beautiful show to support so many artists who use Shure and the crews who help make it all happen behind the scenes. Congratulations to all the performers and winners.”
The integration of advanced audio technology at the Billboard Latin Music Awards highlights the growing importance of immersive sound experiences in live broadcasts. As the industry continues to evolve, the deployment of innovative solutions like the Shure DCA901 could set new standards for audio quality and audience engagement. This event serves as a testament to the potential of technology to enhance the viewer experience and support the creative vision of artists and production teams alike.
