Audio-Technica introduces two new shotgun mics

Audio-Technica unveiled a pair of new shotgun microphones from its Broadcast & Production series at IBC2018. 

The BP28 and BP28L combine exceptionally low-noise, large diaphragm condenser elements in shotgun models with extremely tight polar patterns, ideal for long-range sound recordings.

Two length options are available, with the BP28 being 355mm long, the BP28L 568mm – both feature a patented acoustic port to maintain directionality across the entire frequency range.

The new models offer market-leading dynamic range, with self noise of just 3dB (BP28L) and 8dB (BP28) in conjunction with remarkable SPL handling (143dB in the case of the BP28 and 138dB for the BP28L). They bring studio microphone-like response to distance miking applications such as on movie sets, location TV, sports broadcasting and more.

The BP28 and BP28L are expected to be available in Europe in Winter 2018 with recommended retail prices as follows:

BP28 €1188 / £1080 inc VAT

BP28L €1366.80 / £1236 inc VAT

Both BP28 and BP28L ship with Rycote transport and protector case included.

Alongside a range of other Audio-Technica broadcast microphones – used for the world’s biggest sporting events – the company will also be showing its latest 3000 Series and 5000 Series wireless systems at IBC. The flagship 5000 Series dual receiver offers the highest-quality wireless live sound, with Audio-Technica’s dual-compander circuitry that processes high and low frequencies separately and True Diversity operation. 

The receiver has been updated with a tuning bandwidth of 230 MHz: 470–700 MHz and users now have the option of selecting a standard receiver with two balanced XLR outputs (ATW-R5220) or a receiver that also includes a Dante output (ATW-R5220DAN). The full-rack receiver chassis holds two independent receivers and offers antenna power, frequency scan, IR sync functionality, a ground-lift switch and a front-panel headphone jack.

The fourth-generation 3000 Series wireless systems give users the power and flexibility to operate within the congested UHF spectrum. With a class-leading 60 MHz tuning range – more than twice that offered by the previous versions – the new 3000 Series systems are available in four frequency bands – DE2 (470–530 MHz), EE1 (530–590 MHz), EF1 (590–650 MHz) and FG1 (650–700 MHz). Frequencies can be easily scanned and selected on the receiver and then synced with the transmitter via IR sync functionality. The 3000 Series even lets users set a backup frequency that can be quickly swapped by pressing the transmitter’s multifunction button in the event of unexpected interference.