From 12 Analog Mics to 2 Digital Arrays: The DCA901 Redefines Audio for Professional Basketball Broadcasts
Customer Profile
Senior Broadcast Audio Engineer Dave Grundtvig has mixed live sound for some of the most complex sports broadcasts on television. With over 25 years of experience as an A1 and sound designer for professional basketball, golf, soccer, and football, his goal is to bring viewers immersive, real-time audio that reflects how the game sounds in the venue.
“My job is to capture subtle sounds in hostile environments. Those small moments like the ball hitting the floor or the chatter between players are what make you feel like you are there.”
The Challenge
Capturing live sports audio in an arena is one of the most challenging tasks in broadcast.
Traditional analog broadcast setups rely on multiple shotgun mics and parabolic microphones, which require extensive cabling, precise placement, and constant adjustments. Any change in audio capture typically means sending someone to move a microphone.
Crowd noise, PA systems, and unpredictable game action often make it difficult to isolate the sounds that matter most.
“Those details that matter most are easily lost when you are dealing with a roaring crowd and constant PA announcements.”
The Solution
For a high-profile professional basketball broadcast, Dave tested the Shure DCA901 Digital Broadcast Microphone Array.
Two DCA901 arrays, each with multiple steerable lobes, provided complete coverage of the court and sideline areas. The arrays connect with a single network cable and fiber strand, allowing adjustments to be made directly from the truck.
“I deployed two arrays and was completely shocked at the amount of coverage. Two DCA901s covered the whole basketball floor. In the past, I would have needed 12 microphones to even attempt the same thing. It was unbelievable.”
Digitally steerable lobes made it possible to focus on specific areas and adjust instantly without interrupting the broadcast.
“With just a few Ethernet cables, a switch, and a single strand of fiber, I can capture the entire venue. Before, it would have taken multiple runs of copper or fiber boxes. The biggest advantage is being able to change something on the fly through the software instead of calling someone to move equipment physically.”
What the DCA901 Delivers for Broadcast Engineers
- Venue-wide coverage through multiple digitally steerable lobes that follow the action in real time
- Consistent, full-frequency sound from every lobe, reducing balancing and post-production fixes
- Direct integration with immersive audio formats like 5.1.7 and Dolby Atmos, with isolated lobe outputs for creative routing
Impact
Producers and announcers noticed the difference in clarity immediately.
The arrays also opened up creative mixing possibilities, with lobes assigned to height channels or isolated for immersive audio.
“The DCA901 has opened up mixes and given me the creativity to mix in different ways because they are so much more flexible in their use.”
Beyond Basketball: Expanding Broadcast Audio Innovation Across Sports
After proving its value on the court, Dave has applied the same approach to golf, soccer, and football.
On a golf tee box, a single array picks up swings, impacts, and player conversations. In large outdoor venues, lobes isolate play while reducing crowd noise.
Key Outcomes
- Two DCA901 broadcast microphone arrays replaced 12 traditional microphones and shotgun mics for full-court coverage during a professional basketball broadcast
- Simplified cabling with a few Ethernet cables and a single strand of fiber instead of multiple analog runs
- Real-time lobe control from the truck without calling someone to move a microphone
- Subtle sounds like ball bounces, shoe squeaks, net swishes, and player communication come through clearly in the mix
- Positive producer and announcer feedback with noticeably clearer and crisper broadcast audio
- Expanded creative flexibility for Atmos and 5.1.7 mixes with isolated lobe outputs and height channels
- Proven results across basketball, golf, soccer, and football
Transform How Your Viewers Hear the Game
The DCA901 broadcast microphone array has already proven itself in professional basketball broadcasts, streamlining setup and bringing audiences closer to the action.
Discover more about the DCA901 broadcast mic array today or schedule a demo to explore how this technology can enhance your workflow.
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