Shure debuts first digital array microphone tailored for broadcast

Shure has announced the release of the DCA901 Planar Array Microphone – designed for sports, studio, and live event production. DCA901 delivers front-row sound to viewers while reducing the number of microphones and cables required. With digitally steerable lobes and onboard DSP, engineers can isolate sources, reduce ambient noise, and maintain total control over the mix.

DCA901 is the first product in Shure’s new Arqos portfolio, which is designed with the vision of bringing together array microphones, signal processing and software to deliver cleaner and more precise audio acquisition, remote management, and efficiency for productions.

“The DCA901 can completely change workflows in any broadcast sport because it provides ultimate capture flexibility and allows you to change things in an instant if needed. It won’t compromise any element of the show. I deployed them in an NBA game and was completely shocked at the amount of coverage: that two arrays could cover the whole NBA floor. I would have needed 12 mics to try to capture the same thing. It was unbelievable,” explained Dave Grundtvig, senior audio supervisor, remote operations.

Available next year, DCA901 replaces traditional workflows and complex setups with a streamlined, high-fidelity solution. DCA901 expands Shure’s presence in digital broadcast and sports audio capture, aligning with the company’s vision of seamless, scalable, and software-driven audio systems.

“Conventional methods for capturing audio have become increasingly complex as broadcast production standards and audience expectations continue to rise,” said Nick Wood, associate vice president of global marketing and product management, at Shure. “With DCA901, audio engineers can now do more with less, delivering sound that pulls viewers even closer to the action with fewer microphones and cables.”

DCA901 advances immersive experiences and multichannel audio by capturing previously elusive elements like talent dialogue and on-set or on-field movements. Its digitally steerable lobes isolate voices and action, minimising crowd noise and bleed. DCA901 provides wider coverage than analogue sources, and delivers up to eight isolated channels of focused, high-fidelity audio. Additionally, DCA901 can simultaneously and seamlessly capture 5.1 and stereo conversion, supporting both modern and traditional broadcast formats.

DCA901 also provides full command of the audio environment with real-time digital tools that can adapt instantly. Integrated DSP with automixing, EQ, compression, and delay deliver consistent quality audio with minimal post-processing.

Designed for ease of use and engineer-friendly deployment, DCA901’s digitally steerable lobes can replace multiple shotgun or parabolic mics, reducing complexity and onsite setup time. A single-cable Dante or AES67 connection simplifies routing and reduces cable infrastructure, combining audio, power, and control into one source. Remote control capabilities allow audio professionals to adjust pickup zones without onsite intervention, while also supporting REMI workflows and alternate feeds with flexible routing. The low-profile, all-black design blends seamlessly into stadiums, studios, and mobile sets without disrupting camera-ready environments.

Partnership with EDGE Sound enhances sports audio precision and control

Shure is collaborating with EDGE Sound Research to pair DCA901 with the startup’s Virtual Sound Engine software. Working in tandem, the two tools adapt in real-time to follow the movement of players, referees, or the ball, individually or in combination. Together, DCA901 and Virtual Sound Engine reveal moments that were once buried in the mix, giving engineers adaptability and creative control.

"Using Shure’s DCA901 in live sports enables the pairing of world-class capture with our Virtual Sound Engine to advance the future of sports storytelling,” said Valtteri Salomaki. co-founder and CEO of EDGE Sound Research. “Together, we are moving beyond static mixes into dynamic, object-based broadcasts that bring fans closer to the game and enhance the live viewing experience."

The Shure DCA901 will be available next year, at shure.com/DCA901.

Visit Shure on the IBC 2025 show floor at Booth 8.C32 to explore DCA901 and to learn more about the company’s vision.