The 2003 BRIT Awards at London's Earls Court featured engineering skills courtesy of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) and wireless microphone technology courtesy of Sennheiser.

Specialist hire company Hand Held Audio supplied an extensive inventory of Sennheiser technology to the show production, including 12 SKM 5000N wireless microphones and evolution In-Ear Monitoring systems.  

Technical back-up was provided by three Sennheiser UK support staff including Director of Engineering, Dave Hawker, Chief Engineer Andy Lillywhite and Service Engineer Sam Davison. The team supported a range of equipment, including 12 dedicated RF channels for the Sennheiser SKM 5000N handheld transmitters, for use by main show presenter Davina McColl, the celebrity presenters and performers Kylie Minogue and the Sugababes. 

Sound Designer for the event was the vastly experienced Derrick Zieba. "We'd already tried these mics out on the Jubilee and then Fame Academy on our experience suggested that they would be especially good for speech reinforcement.  A number of key artists such as Kylie and the Sugababes were using them anyway. There's no doubt that the SKM5000 Ns were a great success for those who used them. They really sound very transparent, very dynamic."

Meanwhile former LIPA staff and students provided key members of the production crew. Sennheiser is an official sponsor of the world famous arts and technology school, where, among other funding and support activities, it operates the Sennheiser International Sound Technology Scholarship for students studying for the Sound Technology BA Degree.

Front of house engineer for the Awards was former LIPA lecturer Tim Dalton, reunited with former LIPA student Stephanie Thompson, who was one of the stage techs for the event. Dalton lectured at LIPA for over three years and still values greatly the quality and breadth of education and training that students receive there. "It's always reassuring to know there's someone up on stage that you know has had a good training and is familiar with industry standard equipment like the Sennheiser RF." commented Dalton. "I usually make a point of working with LIPA people whenever possible for the simple reason that they should know what they're doing. It's an indication of how much LIPA has achieved that former students like Stephanie are working at the top level on shows like the BRITs."

"My role at the BRITs revolved around making sure everyone had the right radio mic at the right time and that everything was working OK," explains Thompson. "All the Sennheiser wireless experience you get at LIPA makes using the equipment second nature. When you get out into the business for real, it's good to find out that the professionals use the same gear you trained on."

Multi-platinum selling Avril Lavigne performed using her ever present evolution wireless ew 565 while her twenty drummers used the supplied Sennheiser evolution 300 series In-Ear Monitors. Lavigne's band was also hooked-up via Sennheiser evolution e100 wireless guitar and bass systems.

The BRIT Awards is one of a number of high profile projects where Sennheiser UK is working closely with wireless specialists Hand Held Audio to develop further markets for its wireless products, including the much acclaimed SKM 5000N. 

EDITORS' NOTES

About the Sennheiser SKM 5000N

The SKM 5000N hybrid Sennheiser / Neumann condenser RF microphone system is already widely recognised as the world's best handheld wireless microphone. The combination of top of the range Sennheiser 5000 Series transmission technology and classic Neumann sonic performance has made it an instrument of choice with leading international performers and a featured specification for major tours and at high profile live events.

The specially designed KK 105-S super-cardioid, condenser head is coupled with an advanced version of the Sennheiser SKM 5000 handheld transmitter. A unique multi-layered capsule grill assembly eliminates popping and breath noise, without sacrificing high-frequency clarity and transient detail. The KK 105-S is optimised to suppress handling noise and survive the rigors of live touring. Advanced RF features include transmission of battery status to compatible receivers, quick-change accupack or battery packs, 5 step switchable sensitivity, Sennheiser's HiDyn plus companding system, and 16 switchable frequency operation. The unit is available in classic Neumann nickel or black finishes.

About LIPA

Sennheiser funds a number of on-going sponsorship initiatives at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, principal among them the international scholarship for students studying for the Sound Technology BA degree. There are currently three Scholarship students studying at LIPA. Further support is provided by the donation of professional theatre and studio equipment to assist in expanding the resources available for teaching and production activities. The Sennheiser Student Achievement Awards are made throughout the academic year in recognition of personal achievement and innovation in the field of sound and performance arts related technology.

	web: http://www.sennheiser.co.uk/

For further information: 

Sally Milne                                                                          

SENNHEISER UK LTD                                                     smilne@sennheiser.co.uk                                            

tel: 01494 551 551 

Editors' Contact:

Pete Jones

KGa press+communications
info@kgapress.co.uk

tel: 020 7836 8088