Shure has announced the launch of the DCA901 Planar Array Microphone, which it said lays the foundation for “the future of experiential audio capture”.
Designed for sports, studio, and live event production, the microphone delivers “front-row” sound to viewers while reducing the number of microphones and cables required.
It features digitally steerable lobes and onboard digital signal processing, enabling engineers to isolate sources, reduce ambient noise, and maintain total control over the mix.
According to Shure, the microphone is able to capture previously elusive elements like talent dialogue and on-set or on-field movements. Its digitally steerable lobes isolate voices and action, minimising crowd noise and bleed.
The DCA901 provides wider coverage than analogue sources and delivers up to eight isolated channels of high-fidelity audio. It can also simultaneously capture 5.1 and stereo conversion.
Shure added that array microphones’ digitally steerable lobes can replace multiple shotgun or parabolic mics. A single-cable Dante or AES67 connection simplifies routing and reduces cable infrastructure, combining audio, power, and control into one source, added the company.
As it can be controlled remotely, the microphone can be used in remote production workflows, as well as alternate feeds, and it has been designed to blend into stadiums, studios, and mobile sets without disrupting camera-ready environments.
“Conventional methods for capturing audio have become increasingly complex as broadcast production standards and audience expectations continue to rise,” said Nick Wood, associate vice president of global marketing and product management, at Shure. “With DCA901, audio engineers can now do more with less, delivering sound that pulls viewers even closer to the action with fewer microphones and cables.”
