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With the FCC’s upcoming auctions of broadcast spectrum, wireless microphones not only face technology challenges, but political ones as well over the next few years.
Most audio professionals over 50 years old have lived through an era of extraordinary change. They began their careers using precision hardware-based sonic tools designed to capture and process sound in large studios with real musical instruments. Now, they can work almost anywhere on a portable computer with low-cost workstations and software plug-ins that can emulate the greatest audio technology ever invented.
These days, audio and video recordings can be made by almost anyone. From smartphones to sophisticated studios and sound stages, large amounts of media content are created daily. And as our world becomes increasingly and audibly congested, the rate of ruined recordings is rising in tandem. Human error, unexpected electrical or mechanical interference and unwelcome intrusions from aircrafts, cell phones, pets, people and Mother Nature regularly impact even the most seasoned professional. Many times, it just isn’t possible to record the take over again, particularly when editing coverage of a live event, or working to meet budgets and deadlines.
Headphones continue to be an important tool for accurate audio monitoring.
The Sennheiser Esfera microphone provides 5.1 surround sound from just two channels, making complicated surround microphone installations a thing of the past. The system consists of a high-quality stereo microphone, and uses Sennheiser’s RF condenser technology. An associated 19 in rack-mount processing unit converts the stereo signal into a complete 5.1 signal – anywhere in the production workflow, whether in real time or during post production. The compact size of the microphone unit and the versatile connectivity of the processing unit ensure that Esfera can easily be integrated into existing workflows.
The manufacturing of high-end monitor systems is a complex and highly competitive field. Image courtesy simplyspeakers.com
The short history of video is full of working videographers who solve major problems in their craft and go on to build companies to share their inventions with others in the industry. Ross Lowell of Lowel Lighting and Anton Wilson of Anton-Bauer are two well-known examples working image-makers turned inventors. Now, add Bruce Sharpe to the list.
What best selling pro audio product is used in virtually every broadcast station on the planet and daily by the President of the United States? Answer: the unidirectional dynamic microphone.