Latin America. From the stadium to millions of spectators around the world, Shure wireless technology once again played a pivotal role in the Super Bowl, showcasing the latest innovations from the audio leader, including the SM39 headset microphone. These solutions delivered reliable, high-quality audio at all stages of the broadcast, live show, and fan experience.
For Super Bowl LX, ATK Audiotek and Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) supplied all wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems for the stadium's entertainment, Apple Music halftime show, referees and additional live productions throughout the week, continuing their long-standing partnership for the NFL's biggest event.
Wireless Trust in Complex RF Environments
Throughout the Super Bowl, the production team relied on Axient® digital wireless microphone systems, advanced PSM® 1000 in-ear personal monitoring systems, TwinPlex™ lavalier microphones, and Shure SM39 headset microphones to meet the demands of an extremely complex RF environment.
The wireless infrastructure included the AD4Q receivers, configured in Quadriversity ™, with additional Axient Digital receivers supporting communications for entertainment, broadcasting, and umpires. Shure Wireless Workbench and Wavetool were also used as software tools for real-time RF and audio monitoring, ensuring performance integrity throughout the big game.
Hands-free performance on the biggest stage
One of the most technically demanding moments of Super Bowl LX was during the Apple Music halftime show, where global superstar Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) opted for a Shure headset microphone, instead of the traditional handheld microphone.
"When I heard that Bad Bunny wanted to wear a headband at the Super Bowl LX halftime show, I was pretty worried," said Tom Holmes, Super Bowl LX broadcast audio mixer. "For a big show in such a big stadium, and with literally a lot of speakers on the field, usually what I want to hear is a handheld microphone."
Despite this concern, Bad Bunny performed using a Shure SM39 headset microphone paired with an Axient Digital ADX1 bodypack transmitter, offering full vocal power, while maintaining freedom of movement throughout the performance.
"To my surprise, this microphone was the perfect choice," Holmes continued. "He handled his voice quite loudly without a problem. It kept field PA leaks to a negligible amount, had little to no noise, and provided really nice sound quality for being so close to the mouth. Now this is my preferred large diaphragm headset microphone, tailor-made for singers who use hands-free in large or small venues. He works like a champion and stays stable enough to withstand anything from climbing telephone poles to throwing himself into a crowd of dancers. "Well done, Shure."
"The SM39 is my go-to headset microphone for vocalists," said Alex Guessard, FOH mixer. "It offers excellent tone, solid mechanical stability, and exceptional rejection."
"We were very happy with the Shure SM39 headset microphone on this tour. " It has been reliable, comfortable for the artist and offers a clear and present sound every night," added José Ángel Rivera Jr., FOH engineer for Bad Bunny.
All of the halftime performers relied on Shure's PSM® 1000 in-ear personal monitoring systems, ensuring clear, consistent mixes in one of the world's most challenging live audio environments.
Artist-specific wireless solutions
Super Bowl LX featured a wide range of artist-specific wireless configurations, including Charlie Puth, who relied on the frequency-diverse Axient Digital ADX2FD portable transmitter, with Quadversity-configured receivers. Both Charlie and Coco Jones, who performed a stunning rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," were equipped with Shure PSM 1000 in-ear monitoring systems.
Live Broadcast, Referees & Fan Engagement
Beyond the halftime show, Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment used 16 Axient Digital wireless channels, supported by Shure ANX4 receivers for on-field entertainment and broadcast production.
"Using the ANX4 was a wonderful experience; Having access to a broadband tuning range left us without worries. We could bring in a team and place ourselves in the most ideal place in terms of frequency without having to make sacrifices due to device limitations," said Matthew Bell, RF technician. "The flexibility to route each channel to two different internal Dante outputs of the ANX4 made building redundant and communication paths easier than ever. Finally, the ability to enable Quadversity selectively on a per-channel basis is a huge advantage in being able to maintain flexibility and respond to challenges as they arise, without impacting the rest of the RF signal chain."
The referees once again relied on the Axient Digital ADX1 bodypack transmitters combined with TwinPlex TL47 lavalier microphones, which ensured intelligible and uniform communication throughout the game. The ADX1 bodypack transmitters took advantage of frequency diversity to help maintain uninterrupted audio in one of the most RF-congested live broadcast environments. Two TL47 microphones were implemented per referee to provide redundancy.
Shure's wireless technology also powered Whatnot's live streaming, using 16 Axient Digital channels to support live fan engagement during Super Bowl week.
A trusted partner for the world's largest event
"Supporting the engineers and production crews during Super Bowl week is always a priority for us," said Jenn Liang-Chaboud, Shure's entertainment relationship manager. From rehearsals to game day, our goal is to make sure they have reliable tools and trusted support to deliver exceptional audio, no matter how challenging the environment.
With decades of Super Bowl experience, Shure continues to set the standard in wireless reliability, audio quality and spectrum efficiency, helping engineers deliver unforgettable moments on the world's biggest stage.
