Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Tech Focus: Immersive Audio, Part 1 - A Toolkit Focused on Capture

04/12/2024

Tech Focus: Immersive Audio, Part 1 - A Toolkit Focused on Capture Manufacturers are making the mics more accessible and easier-to-use By Dan Daley, Audio Editor

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 7:00 am

Print This Story | Subscribe

Story Highlights

Conversations around immersive audio for broadcast have a tendency to focus on the outputs: mostly, the number and placement of loudspeakers, especially the four overhead. With Dolby Atmos the dominant immersive-audio format in the U.S., it's usually a foregone conclusion. However, getting sound into the immersive machine and processing its audio is a more complicated proposition. Microphones to capture it and consoles to process and mix it offer a small but growing array of increasingly necessary options. This month's Tech Focus looks at both, starting with microphones.

Multichannel Mics The 2024 Paris Olympics were a case study in immersive capture. NBC Sports deployed 3,680 microphones, including multichannel mics, as part of its immersive-sound strategy to, as Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) Senior Manager, Audio, Nuno Duarte described it at SVG Europe's Sports Audio Summit 2024 in November, provide a consistent product across every sport, all in 5.1.4, for two weeks straight.

Interest in the multichannel-microphone category is accelerating, says Joel Guilbert, audio specialist, Dale Pro Audio. Citing several examples, including the Voyage Spatial Mic and Shoeps ORTF-3D array, he points out that network capabilities are making these multi-capsule mics easier to manage.

We're seeing more traction with [Power-over-Ethernet]-equipped multichannel mics, he says. We see this as coming from a number of fronts. One is that, with Dante and PoE connections, it's more plausible to connect four-plus mic capsules without having a massive snake or one with tricky smaller connectors. Also, more and more network infrastructure is available. Camera CCUs and most consoles have some kind of Dante connectivity, or most trucks or facilities have some kind of fiber available to use. The necessary accessory items are becoming available without being super-specialty items. We've put together kits with solid, relatively off-the-shelf PoE injectors with fiber converters for pretty low cost. These tools all make it easy to work with these [kinds of] mics in a real-world environment.

Single-Point and Multichannel Approaches DPA Microphones 5100 mobile surround microphone

An early stalwart of the category, DPA Microphones 5100 mobile surround microphone is a self-contained plug-and-play solution. It was introduced in 2008 for 5.1-audio capture (priced at $3,780) but has been deployed in immersive applications as well. Among its applications for sports are Winter Olympics ice skating and Wimbledon Court 1 in 2023.

However, according to DPA Global Support and Business Development Manager Paul Andrews, use of multiple single-point microphones in arrays, the original technique for capturing surround sound, remains a valid approach to capturing immersive sound as well, offering more-flexible configurations. Some of our users - Sky Sports, for instance-prefer using single-channel microphones in multiple places to get a more immersive field than just [a single multichannel microphone] might provide.

But, even within those arrays, he points out, the multichannel 5100 has been used to provide the four height channels of the Atmos format. There are a number of combinations [of single-point and multichannel mics] you can use to achieve immersiveness, depending on the kind of sound you want.

It's All About Technique That's also how Sennheiser envisions its new MKH 8030 ($1,499) figure-8 polar-pattern microphone. The latest in the 8000 series are being deployed for immersive capture.

Sennheiser MKH 8030

For sports, says Brian Glasscock, project manager, Sennheiser Pro Labs, we've seen a variety of microphone techniques. For crowd noise, we've seen a lot of benefit from using a dual-diaphragm mic, like the MKH 800 Twin, especially in these kinds of non-coincident microphone techniques. With the 8030, you can achieve that effect with a double-midside [configuration] that's easily placed somewhere and is less complicated for cable running. Choosing [specific microphones and techniques] is really about application and the constraints of time and locations or other types of limitations that sports [productions] may face.

Sennheiser also has a single-mic solution for immersive capture: the AMBEO VR ($1,499) with its four matched cardioid capsules in a tetrahedral arrangement. However, Glasscock considers a unit like the 8030 a keystone for the array of microphones already aboard most remote-production trucks.

We see a lot of value in that, he says, because people aren't going to want to buy a different mic array for each application. I think having this toolset of baseline, high-quality microphones and maybe a couple of specialty microphones able to be used in different arrangements makes sense for the immersive application as the way most people will go.

A New Approach Voyage Audio SpatialMic

Voyage Audio is the new kid on a small but growing block, and its SpatialMic has a kind of Millennial-esque flexibility: it's designed to accommodate various output configurations - stereo, 5.1.4, 7.1, etc. - internally and to adjust to future ones, such as 4.0.4 (no LFE channel) via firmware updates.

It's kind of interesting with broadcast right now, says Voyage Audio co-founder Steve Silva. It isn't full Atmos yet, but I think that's the trajectory and the goal for everybody. There's still plenty of 5.1 around sports, like the Olympics, so the goal is to expand on what's being done today. The demand is for a tool to get to those formats quickly, easily, and out of the box, so to
LINK: https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/12/04/tech-focus-immersive-audio-part...
See more stories from svg

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

09/10/2026

Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026

September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026 New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...

23/09/2026

University of Washington's New Sundodger Studios Leverages ST 2110 to Bring Broadcast, Videoboard, and Creative Under One Roof

Four control rooms support B1G+ streams, videoboard shows, creative content, and...

23/09/2026

Mountain West Conference Moves Replay Operations West, Cutting Late-Night Hours

By Andrew Cohen, SVG Coorespondant The Mountain West debuted its new Replay Operations Center at the start of this football season, bringing real-time collabor...

23/09/2026

SVG Students to Watch: Brian Short, Ball State University

The Taylorville, IL, native is pushing creative boundaries at Ball State, gaining reps across directing, technical directing, tape, and more than 100 ESPN+ broa...

23/09/2026

The Musical and the Power of Spiteful Thinking

Alexander Heller, Nevada Jose, Will Brill, and Giselle Bonilla pose with cast members at The Musical premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at Eccles...

23/09/2026

The Crow Hill Company release Children's Choir

Includes natural and processed patches The Crow Hill Company's latest sample library captures a children's choir comprising a troupe of boys perform...

23/09/2026

Kreuzberg Audio reveal Oberton

Plug-in offers six bands of saturation Kreuzberg Audio's product range includes a selection of plug-ins and virtual instruments aimed primarily at hard-...

23/09/2026

SoundBridge 3.2.0 arrives

Latest DAW update now live SoundBridge have announced that the latest update for the remote-collaboration-focused DAW is now available. The release of Sound...

23/09/2026

Koori Knockout returns home exclusively to NITV and SBS On Demand in 2026

Koori Knockout returns home exclusively to NITV and SBS On Demand in 2026 11 September, 2026 Media releases Fans can catch all the live action exclusively ...

23/09/2026

Rohde & Schwarz acquires NEOSAT and PHYTRONIC and strengthens its competencies in sovereign satellite communications

Rohde & Schwarz acquires NEOSAT and PHYTRONIC and strengthens its competencies i...

23/09/2026

NFVF SEDIBA CREATIVE ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

1. ABOUT THE PROGRAMME The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites applications from experienced producers who own or manage a South African product...

23/09/2026

CALL FOR THE SEVENTH PRESIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT STIMULUS PROGRAMME(PESP 7) FOCUSED ON THE AUDIO-VISUAL INDUSTRY IS OPEN

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce the opening...

23/09/2026

NHK Technologies Inc. Chooses Calrec for Sports Production

Download Now! To receive a short case study showcasing NHK Technologies, Inc. (NT) s audio setup, please enter the following details: -- First Name* Fir...

23/09/2026

McDonald's takes top spot as New Zealand's fast-food tastes evolve, according to Nielsen

Nielsen CMI data reveals a changing fast-food landscape, with value, convenience...

23/09/2026

AFP, Dalet To Collaborate On News Video Provenance, Authenticity

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

23/09/2026

Spectrum News NECN Launches Across New England

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

23/09/2026

COW Jobs: Blender on Windows - Generalist - Remote

COW Jobs: Blender on Windows - Generalist - Remote Brie Clayton September 23, 2026 0 Comments Application Users - Blender on Windows - Generalist Se...

23/09/2026

Bitfocus wins IBC2026 Best of Show Award for latest Butto...

Version 1.8 recognised for new workflow tools, boosted control panel flexibility and ease of integration into IP networks...

23/09/2026

Hiltron Reports a Successful IBC2026

Hiltron Communications reports a successful 2026 International Broadcasting Convention, held at the RAI Amsterdam. Exhibiting on stand A37 in Hall 1, Hiltron ex...

23/09/2026

LiveU Showcases AI Driven Production Alongside Resilient...

Reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) broadcast market, LiveU is presenting the Q Era at CABSAT 2026, on Stand H1-D35 ...

23/09/2026

AFP and Dalet Partner to Strengthen the Provenance and Au...

Agence France-Presse (AFP), a global news agency, and Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced a partnersh...

23/09/2026

Berklee Connect Unlocks the Power of a Global Network

Berklee Connect Unlocks the Power of a Global Network Katie Vitolins BM '04 knows firsthand what Berklee's alumni community can make possible. Now she...

23/09/2026

Study: Renewals for Streaming Shows Continue to Decline

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

23/09/2026

Study: More Than 4 in 10 U.S. Adults Own or Are Interested in Smart Glasses

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

23/09/2026

Television Critics Association Revises Bylaws to Address AI

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

23/09/2026

eX Celebrates Completion of Holland Mich. FTTP Network

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

23/09/2026

Gray Media Renews Ohio Valley Conference Deal

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

23/09/2026

QuickLink StudioPro Powers Next Generation Student Media...

Westminster Schools, a K through 12 school in Atlanta, Georgia with approximately 2,000 students, has transformed its student broadcast and digital storytelling...

23/09/2026

UK Pavilion Brings Leading British Technology to CABSAT a...

The 2026 edition of CABSAT and SATExpo may have a new home and dates in the diary, but it still retains a strong presence from UK companies in the GREAT Britain...

23/09/2026

Glensound marks 60 years with new audio developments at C...

Glensound will return to CABSAT with new developments in professional monitoring and Dante interfacing, alongside its established commentary, esports and parlia...

23/09/2026

Sky Sports to show England Mens tour of South Africa as part of Cricket South Africa rights deal

Wednesday 23 September 2026 Sky Sports to show England Men's tour of South ...

23/09/2026

Comscore Partners with datafuelX to Bring Seamless Currency Adoption Into a Comprehensive Planning and Stewardship Workflow

Comscore Partners with datafuelX to Bring Seamless Currency Adoption Into a Comp...

23/09/2026

SES Appoints Michel Scholer to Board of Directors

Luxembourg, 23 September 2026 - SES today announced the appointment of Mr. Michel Scholer, Secretary General of the Luxembourg Government and Chief of Staff to ...

23/09/2026

New RT series Ceol le Chile amplifies the multicultural voices of Ireland today

RT One and RT Player, Friday 25 September Ceol le Ch ile, a new series that follows Irish artists as they collaborate with musicians from diverse background...

23/09/2026

RT true crime podcast Unsolved reveals significant new evidence in the case of missing person Philip Cairns

Available now on RT Listen New information has come to light in the case of mi...

23/09/2026

Sakeena Fiza Helps NVIDIA Hardware Succeed at Scale

When Sakeena Fiza describes her work as a validation engineer at NVIDIA, she does so in terms more befitting a detective story than a world-class engineering la...

22/09/2026

Young Journalist Award 2026: Meet the Final 12

From Malaysia to Mexico and from DR Congo to Ukraine, this year's 12 finalists for the 2026 Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year award tell extra...

22/09/2026

ESPN, Precision Lasers Light Up NHL Player Media Tour in Las Vegas

The annual preseason content-gathering event brought 36 NHL players to Las Vegas, where ESPN used 2.5 kilowatts of laser power and a motion-control camera syste...

22/09/2026

Neumann Introduces KK 104 A and KK 105 A Wireless Capsule Heads

Neumann has introduced the KK 104 A (cardioid) and KK 105 A (supercardioid) wireless capsule heads, succeeding the KK 204 and KK 205. The new capsules are compa...

22/09/2026

NFL and TMRW Sports Announce Pro Flag Showcase During Super Bowl LXI Week

The NFL and TMRW Sports have announced a new annual Pro Flag Showcase to be held during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles. The event will feature top flag foot...

22/09/2026

Washington State University Unveils New Daktronics Video Board and Audio System at Gesa Field

Washington State University has unveiled a new end zone video display and audio ...

22/09/2026

SVG Sit-Down: Disney's Dave Johnson on ESPN's New 4K HDR Distribution Pipeline and What It Means for Super Bowl LXI and Beyond

Disney's SVP of Live Operations and Engineering details the technology behin...

22/09/2026

Cosm Promotes Mazen Alawar to SVP of Marketing, Alexis Scalice to VP of Cosm Studios

Cosm has announced two senior promotions. Mazen Alawar has been promoted to SVP,...

22/09/2026

Mississippi State University Extends Camera Relationship with KOKUSAI DENKI

Mississippi State University's University Television Center has purchased four KOKUSAI DENKI SK-UHD7000-S2 cameras since 2024, with plans to add two more, a...

22/09/2026

Net Insight Appoints Christine Kjellvard as Interim CFO

Net Insight has announced that Christine Kjellvard will assume the role of interim Chief Financial Officer on November 1, 2026. Kjellvard has previously held in...

22/09/2026

Net Insight Launches Zyntai TimeNode Access PTP Grandmaster for Edge Sites

Net Insight has announced Zyntai TimeNode Access, a compact PTP Grandmaster designed for distributed edge sites. The product carries secure, precise time across...

22/09/2026

The Weight Explores the High Cost of Freedom in the Depression Era

Sam Hazeldine, Austin Amelio, Padraic McKinley, Julia Jones, and Ethan Hawke attend the premiere of The Weight at The Ray Theatre on January 26, 2026, in Park...

22/09/2026

Avalanche Tones introduce Noise Suite

Second high-gain tone plug-in released Following on from their debut release, Chainsaw Suite, Avalanche Tones have announced the launch of their second plug...