Shure have long been renowned for producing microphones at levels from budget to professional, and the below digital array microphone now employs technology designed specifically for broadcast audio applications.
DCA901 Digital array microphone
Designed specifically for live sports, entertainment, and studio environments, DCA901 features digitally steerable lobes, immersive 5.1 capture, and remote control for broadcasters and audio engineers.
DCA901 is said to 'recreate the front-row experience' for viewers, by delivering an immersive and natural audio output that 'pulls the viewer closer to the action'. The digitally steerable lobes allow the engineer to capture only the audio they wish to capture, eliminating crowd noise without the need for microphone repositioning. The multi-lobe array architecture provides wide coverage from a single microphone, whilst the integrated DSP allows automixing, EQ, compression, and delay in real-time. A single Ethernet cable allows Dante or AES67 connectivity for control and audio transmission. Once positioned and connected to a compatible device, Shure Discovery software can be installed along with Dante controller to allow access to the microphone from a web browser.
The front facing side of the microphone has a disguised reset button near a status LED - the colour and behaviour of which can be set in the control software. On the rear of the microphone a mounting plate has VESA MIS-D (75mm square) compatibility, along with holes for pole mount and Gripple mount cover screws. Three eyelet screw holes are also provided for ceiling suspension. Accessed from the side/rear of the microphone, and behind a removable cover, a single RJ45 network port is joined by network status and network speed LEDs.
DCA901 has a total of twelve channels, including eight channel outputs, a single mono automix output, stereo left and right automix outputs, and a PFL output. Note: DCA901 does not have a device mute button. The mute option in a channel's automix section is pre-gate and does not affect the status LED, direct outputs, or PFL output.
The low profile design and ability to mount via standard VESA mounting point affords DCA901 to be installed into stadium or studio situations, or mobile setups for audio engineers on the move. The optional A901-JMR windjammer delivers up to 10dB of additional wind noise attenuation, with a draw string for secure fit.
Optional accessories: A901-JMR windjammer.
Frequency response: 100Hz to 20kHz. Sensitivity: -36.4dBFS/Pa, 1kHz. Maximum SPL (at 10% THD): 130.4dB, 500Hz; 128dB SPL, 250Hz; 120dB SPL, 125Hz; 118dB SPL, 63Hz and lower. Signal to noise ratio: 67.1dB, A-weighted, ref 94dB SPL at 1kHz. Latency: 13.5ms, direct outputs; 21.5ms, Automix outputs, not including Dante latency. Self noise: 26.9dB SPL-A. Dynamic range: 103.5dB. Sampling rate: 48kHz. Bit depth: 24. Power requirements: PoE, class 0. Power consumption: 10.1W maximum. Cable requirements: Cat5e or higher, recommended shielded. Dust protection: IEX 60529 IP5X. Plenum rating: UL2043, suitable for air handling spaces. Dimensions (HxDiam): 41.66 x 342.9mm. Weight: 2.3kg.