The AT895 digital array system is specifically detailed in the Audio Production plan for coverage of each manager’s bench at every one of the World Cup’s 60 games. Broadcasters are able to book specific circuits to independently access these microphones, which make up the core of the ‘Team A’ and ‘Team B’ feeds, available to broadcast companies around the world through HBS. They are also mixed in as part of the overall World TV feed, and will be used at half time for pitch side interviews.
The off-axis rejection capabilities displayed by the AT895 are well suited to the application, as Edwards explains. "This microphone has a unique place in this high profile world event. The extra audio discrimination available between the crowd noise and the benches was just what the client wanted. Extensive testing in the UK and Japan prior to the event gave the production team full confidence in using this microphone with its ground-breaking technology."
The AT835ST shotgun is also specified as a remote stereo microphone associated with the beauty shot at each of the 20 venues. Having worked with AT835STs before, Edwards found this an easy choice to make. "Reliability was an important factor in our specification, where the camera and microphone are rigged in difficult, high and remote positions. The AT 835STs will be rigged and left unattended for the duration of the various venues’ operation. The excellent audio quality from A-T was rather taken for granted. A real plug and play device."
The 2002 World Cup takes place in Korea and Japan and opens with holders France taking on Senegal in Seoul on May 31, climaxing with the final on June 30 in Yokohama.
(Lee Baldock)
