Stereo sound will play a key role in creating enhanced realism in NBC’s broadcasts. Dixon notes that all of NBC’s handheld field cameras will have AT815ST Stereo Shotgun Microphones mounted on them. "When we cut to one of those cameras and open up the microphones, viewers will hear a stereo image containing not only the left and right placements, but some of the depth of the action as well. We’ll also be using the AT815ST and AT835ST Stereo Shotgun microphones to capture stereo crowd ambience," he adds. "That really gives viewers a much better sense of what it’s like to be at the venues."
The AT849 stereo condenser boundary microphone has been a favourite of Dixon’s for many years, dating back to when he covered hockey in Canada. "The AT849 is wonderful behind the goals, and I’ve been using them in that application for a long time," he explains. "It’s very natural sounding and really follows the players well as they move from side to side around the goal."
In addition, the AT4050 multi-pattern capacitor microphone, which is a leading choice in music recording applications, will be right there in the NBC announcer booths, providing clean and open sound for the event commentators. The AT4071a Shotgun Microphone will be used to gather downhill and cross-country skiing audio as the edges of the skis carve their paths through the snow. "The AT4071a provides very good discrimination between peripheral and on-axis sounds," Dixon explains.
"A-T microphones, with their ability to accurately image and reproduce the sounds of the events, will play a substantial role in our overall sound design. We’re looking forward to an exciting and great-sounding Winter Olympics this year," says Dixon.
(Lee Baldock)
