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NBC Use Audio-Technica Mics for Winter Olympics
Audio-Technica microphones were used by NBC Universal for the broadcast of the recent 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.
Audio-Technica’s AT815ST stereo shotgun, which was designed specifically for the Games in 2000, was selected by the NBC team, “to capture the intimate moments that are such a big part of what we want to bring to our viewers, with a sense of depth and a feeling of ‘place’,” explains Bob Dixon, manager, sound design for NBC Olympics. Other industry-standard models chosen for the NBC broadcast from Turin included the AT4050 multi-pattern condenser and AT4047/SV cardioid condenser microphones.
Michael Edwards, Audio-Technica product manager, explains Audio-Technica microphones are ideal for operating under adverse weather conditions, like those that are being experienced this winter in Turin: “Prior to Salt Lake in 2002, Audio-Technica arranged for considerable independent environmental testing of the microphones under severe winter operating conditions. The technicians need to know that the microphones will be able to withstand the conditions they’ll be subjected to, providing a clean, clear signal without fail.”
This year, NBC selected the AT4050 to capture the audio signal for 5.1 surround sound. “We used the AT4050 to capture the ambience at virtually every venue,” says Dixon. “Any sport that will go on the NBC Standard-def Network, and as a result, the NBC Hi-def Network, will have AT4050s employed to capture the feeling of ‘the place’.”
Dixon says the microphone was selected to give viewers the front-row experience: “It’s becoming a rather hackneyed expression now, but really, we do want the viewer to get a sense of what it’s like over here. When you sit in the middle of the stadium filled with people, music and song (as with the opening and closing ceremonies) it’s very dramatic. Surround is a great way to let the viewer get a sense of all of it.”
To capture the sounds audiophiles expect with HDTV, clarity is key: “Experience has shown me that to do a wonderful job with surround sound, you need clarity,” says Dixon. “The sound has got to be clean, clear and open. So I thought, why not go for the best you can get? Use the same very-high-quality microphones all around to really go for it. The AT4050s were chosen for their sound.”
This was not the network’s only use of the microphone in Turin. “The AT4050 and AT4047 were first chosen for use in our voiceover rooms,” says Dixon. “They were definitely chosen for their sound characteristics.” With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity.
NBC also used Audio-Technica microphones in stereo sound capture at the 2006 Winter Games. Says Dixon: “We had a lot of hand-held cameras that got close in to some very dramatic moments. For example, a coach with the skaters as they came off the ice. The drama at those moments is wonderful. An AT815ST on top of the camera gives us a very nice feeling of what is going on. We get to hear their soft-spoken words, but with a sense of place as well. I can’t imagine ever using mono shotgun microphones on hand-held cameras any more. The built-in X-Y converter of the M/S stereo makes using the microphone so simple and easy. It’s a wonderful tool.”
At 14.96" (380.0 mm) in length, Audio-Technica’s AT815ST stereo shotgun microphone is engineered for long-distance pickup in broadcasting and film/TV production. The AT815ST features internal matrixing innovations that allow for professional quality stereo audio with or without an external matrix. Its compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use. The microphone also features switchable low-frequency roll-off and independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight condenser elements.
The Turin Winter Games featured 2,500 athletes from more than 85 countries competing in 15 sports at seven venues. An estimated 10,000 media representatives covered the 17-day event before an estimated one million spectators and for a worldwide broadcast audience of billions.
http://www.audio-technica.co.uk.
2nd March 2006
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