The MotoGP™ Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas roared into Austin, Texas, April 14 – 16, and, as always, Audio-Technica mics were on hand to capture all the thrilling action. Since 2019, A-T has served as the official Microphone Services Solution Provider to MotoGP™, which runs 21 motorcycle racing Grands Prix throughout the world each year.

As at all MotoGP races, two of the key mics set up around the track at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas were the Audio-Technica BP28 and BP28L shotgun condensers. The low noise floor, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and high-SPL capability of these microphones make them an ideal choice for picking up the scream of motorcycle engines while remaining versatile and sensitive enough to capture subtler noises. The 14-inch BP28 microphones are deployed in an X/Y configuration to capture full stereo sound at the fast-moving event. To synch directly with video, the longer 22.4-inch BP28L mics are stationed atop cameras and cloaked in fuzzy windscreens to mitigate wind noise. Sound at other critical spots around the track, including the starting line, is picked up by our innovative BP4027 shotgun mic, which features independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight elements.

Audio-Technica BP28 shotgun microphones with windscreens

In pit lane, MotoGP attaches several U851Rb boundary mics to the overhang, giving broadcast viewers access to detailed, behind-the-scenes audio from each team’s box. These mics are also stationed at the podium to capture sound from the post-race award presentations.

Audio-Technica U851Rb boundary microphone

The latest tool to hit the raceway is our new BP3600 immersive audio microphone. Currently utilized to capture ambient audio for MotoGP’s video archiving, this lightweight, quick-setup, near-coincident array microphone is designed to supply the immersive “I am there” listening experience that motorcycling and other sports fans will increasingly come to expect from live broadcasts.

Audio-Technica BP3600 immersive audio microphone with windscreens

All of these rugged microphones are built to withstand the rigors of the road. They can be transported around the world and operated reliably for several consecutive days outdoors in a variety of climates – qualities that make A-T broadcast mics suitable for a wide array of sporting events.

“The race environment is a testament to our products’ performance and durability,” said Gary Dixon, Director, Broadcast Business Development at Audio-Technica U.S., who was in Austin for the race. “Our products are used in all kinds of environmental and acoustical conditions for MotoGP. They depend on Audio-Technica products to deliver a consistent and detailed sound in every location around the globe.”

After packing up in Austin, the MotoGP Championship moved on to Spain. The A-T mics, of course, went along for the ride.