Audio-Technica will provide microphones to NBC during the network’s coverage of the 2008 Olympics from Beijing in August, the manufacturer said.
Among the products planned for use are AT4050 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphones, which will provide the 5.1 audio bed from the venues for surround broadcast, and the BP4027 Stereo Shotgun Microphone set to the XY mode, which will be primary camera mics.
Other models include the AT825 OnePoint X/Y Stereo Field Recording Microphone and the AT892 MicroSet Omnidirectional Condenser Headworn Microphone.
Bob Dixon, director of sound design for NBC Olympics, stated in the announcement, “This is the first Games that are to be produced totally in High-Definition and 5.1. Most households in the U.S. will still be watching on standard-definition TV receivers with stereo sound. Everything we do will have to be ready to provide audio for both settings.” For 5.1, the network will mic each channel separately with an AT4050.
AT officials said they’ve worked with NBC at Games in Torino in 2006, Athens in 2004, Salt Lake City in 2002 and Sydney in 2000.