ESPN and Fox Sports turned to DPA microphones to help battle the wind and the noise of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Alltel Stadium during Super Bowl XXXIX. Various types of DPA mics were used by the networks for pre, post and live game coverage, according to Gary Baldassari, a DPA technical adviser: “The 4088 Miniature Cardioid headband mics were used by a panel of ESPN commentators at a place called the Freedom Fountain, down on the river,” Baldassari said.
Moreover, DPA headworn mics were also used exclusively on Fox pre-game, halftime and post-game shows with Fox’s commentating crew of James Brown (JB), Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson.
“The networks’ on-air talent love the DPA headband mics for their sound quality, visual elegance and versatility, but unsurpassed rejection is really why the networks trust DPA products,” Baldassari explained. He added that DPA supplied multiple Windpac windshield systems on the NFC side of the field, and on each 20-yard line was a large Windpac used to shield 4011 cardioid microphones. The Windpac system is capable of withstanding wind gusts of up to 85 mph, while still allowing for accurate sound recording and audio transparency.
The DPA 4011 cardioid microphone was employed due to its linear frequency response range and the ability to be pointed to reject stadium P.A. scoreboard sound, enabling a clear audio feed that was used to supply at least 25 other domestic and international networks. Baldassari commented, “At the Super Bowl, there’s a whole lot of noise that you don’t want going out over the air.”
“The mere fact that the major networks choose DPA mics over other brands is testament to the high quality and precision of our products,” said DPA president Bruce Myers. “We’re honored to be part of such a mega-event and to help in making the Super Bowl a sound success.
For more information, go to www.dpamicrophones.com and www.superbowl.com. For more touring news, visit mixonline.com/livesound/tours.
