Topic: New Audio-Technica 8.0 Setup

[DavidPuddy]

Paging Gutbucket 

https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/12/13/dorna-and-audio-technica-8-0-the-immersive-audio-in-motogp/403527

[Gutbucket]

Thanks. I wonder what AT microphones are used, and what pickup pattern.  The array is essentially a direct extension of IRT-cross (a 4 channel quad horizontal-plane array for ambient recording) to 8 channels with height.  IRT-cross specifies 20cm between all adjacent pairs with cardioids and 14cm with supercardioids.  In turn, one can think of IRT-cross as a "double DIN"  arrangement, and it does appear from the photo in the article that any two adjacent microphones are close to a DIN arrangement.  Sure enough, consulting the improved PAS table, a 90 degree SRA results from cardioids spaced 20cm / 8", or supercards spaced 12cm / 5".

It perhaps says something about why ambisonic mics are not an optimal solution for surround envelopment in that MotoGP doesn't simply use available and compact Sennheiser or Rode ambisonic microphones for this, or more-likely, the decision was based in practical reasons of avoiding the need to live-stream decode ambisonic A-format from those microphones into the desired broadcast surround format.  I assume the latter, since I'm not sure this AT array really spaces the microphones far enough apart to achieve really good envelopment if that were the true goal.  I think credible envelopment in the face of practical constraints is the real goal here - seemingly confirmed by this statement in the article: "designed to be lightweight and small enough not just for discreet placement in a field of play..".

[audBall]

Here's a good closeup of the setup ("prototype"). The description mentions 12mm and the capsules are marked with C like some of the smaller cardioids. Perhaps the production model will be scaled down without the preamp bodies with just the capsules and central unit.

https://clynemedia.com/audiotechnica/MotoGP_8_0/A-T_8-0_Prototype_Thomaz_Mendoza.jpg

[Gutbucket]

Somewhat less spacing than optimal for cardioids, but that dimension is likely defacto and driven by the length of the microphones.  I think they'll keep the amplifier bodies in place, both for easy change-out of each complete microphone, and because that body length is used to provide the spacing.  Wonder if they will try supercards with it, an easy and obvious swap.  Also wonder what connector is used between the microphones and central hub with that small diameter collar.

Wouldn't be difficult to fab or 3d print a hub like that which incorporated XLRs into which the microphones of your choice could be pluged, as long as the XLR connection is capable of supporting the microphone on its own.  Without the height dimension that kind of thing could be attractive for tapers. I imagine being able to extend farther from the hub using interchangeable tubes with internal wiring out to caps or full bodies depending on the length of extension.  Could make for a very cool modular system that is super clean.   Wide omnis + center pair or whatever.

[audBall]

Also wonder what connector is used between the microphones and central hub with that small diameter collar.

Judging by one on the top left (and mention of "12mm"), it appears to be similar to mini XLR with a black spherical release bead.

[daspyknows]

Gonna need a big hat.

[justme]

Found a new article about these.

https://www.svgeurope.org/blog/headlines/heavy-audio-presence-audio-technica-takes-the-motogp-challenge-onboard-at-jerez/

SVG has previously covered how Audio-Technica collaborates with Dorna to test prototype kit, such as the BP3600/ 8.0 Microphone Concept, but it has also been working on a modified version of one of its lapel mics, the BP899, specifically for MotoGP bikes.