The choice of microphone was crucial to the success of this programme because RTVE wanted to return the show to its original live format. This meant capturing the atmosphere of a Gala concert by having contestants sing in front of a live audience each week, on a stage with monitors and a large format PA. Given that these were inexperienced performers, it was vital that the microphone used could deliver clear natural sound, high separation and extreme sound level handling.
After testing several options, on-set mixing technician Roc Mateu chose the
d:facto™ 4018V because it offered exceptional sensitivity, directionality and reliability in front of the monitors. DPA’s Spanish distributor Seesound supplied 18 microphones – one for each contestant – and once they were in operation all the technicians on set expressed their delight with the choice. The fact that the microphones always kept the same timbre and dynamics, even when used by inexperienced singers, was a bonus that made everyone’s job easier.