Key Takeaways

• Senior broadcast audio engineer Dave Grundtvig outlines the challenge of capturing clear, immersive basketball audio in loud, fast-moving arena environments
• During a professional broadcast, Dave tested the Shure DCA901 Broadcast Microphone Array to achieve full-court coverage using steerable lobes
• Two DCA901 arrays replaced more than 12 traditional microphones, enabling real-time adjustments from the broadcast truck without moving gear
• The improvements to on-court audio during the broadcast, including clearer ball bounces, shoe squeaks, and player communication despite crowd and PA noise 

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 broadcast 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 physically position 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 to improve basketball audio capture.

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 audio 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 of the court and adjust audio capture 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 audio coverage through multiple digitally steerable lobes that follow the action in real time
• Consistent, full-frequency broadcast audio from every lobe, reducing balancing and post-production fixes
• Direct integration with immersive audio formats like 5.1/7.1 and Dolby Atmos, with isolated lobe outputs for flexible, creative routing

Impact

Producers and announcers noticed an immediate improvement in the broadcast audio clarity. 

The arrays also opened up new 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 in professional basketball broadcasts, Dave applied the same approach to golf, soccer, and football.

On a golf tee box, a single DCA901 array picks up swings, impacts, and player conversations. In large outdoor venues, steerable lobes isolate key sounds while reducing crowd noise in live sports environments. 

Key Outcomes

• Two DCA901 broadcast microphone arrays replaced 12 traditional s and shotgun microphones to provide full-court basketball audio coverage during a professional broadcast
• Simplified cabling with a few Ethernet cables and a single strand of fiber instead of multiple analog runs
• Real-time steerable lobe control from the truck without calling someone to move a microphone
• Key on court 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.