Audio for the BBC television coverage of the FIFA World Cup used a combination of three rented Calrec Audio’s digital audio consoles located in Brazil for transmissions in the UK.

At the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Rio de Janeiro, two 24-fader Artemis Light consoles served as the first point of control in the audio signal path, and were used for submixing all sound associated with the matches and creating simultaneous 5.1 and stereo mixes. In addition, controlled commentary and controlled effects were passed on to all other users including the edit suits in the IBC, the various multiplatform control suites in the UK, and the BBC’s studio broadcasting centre (SBC), also in Rio.

At the SBC, a 56-fader Artemis Beam was used to combine the submixes from the IBC with other sources, including studio mics, postproduction playback, contributions from venue reporters/presenters, and audio-only playback such as music, sound effects and voice recordings. These were mixed into final 5.1 and stereo feeds, and then passed to the transmission network in the UK.

‘The BBC is our oldest customer and we have a history of collaboration to ensure the products evolve to meet its needs,’ says Calrec UK Sales Manager, Jim Green. ‘We’re always eager to support major projects like the World Cup broadcast from Brazil, where the BBC has taken advantage of Calrec functionality to make the whole workflow more efficient.

‘Technology and viewer expectations are always moving forward, so each tournament faces new challenges that require better solutions,’ he adds. ‘Since the last World Cup, there has been advancement in surround sound and loudness regulations, and this year the BBC has incorporated augmented-reality visual effects that bring their own set of audiovisual synchronisation challenges. Calrec works closely with its customers to stay abreast of the technology and evolving requirements.’

See also:
GoboSat moves to 4k broadcast for World Cup
Maracana stadium refitted for World Cup final
HBS gets Esfera surround onside for World Cup
Brazil’s World Cup stadia get set for sound
The Sound of Sport: What is Real?

More: www.calrec.com