Audio-Technica makes contact

Drawing audiences closer to the action, Audio-Technica has added a specialised, waterproof contact transducer to its catalogue. Adding a new dimension to sports broadcasts, film productions, field recording, and theatre audio applications, the BP880 is captures impact and surface vibrations for audiences seeking to experience a physical impact.

Rather than capture airborne sound, the BP880R uses a high-sensitivity piezoelectric sensor to detect vibrations travelling through surfaces and structures before converting them into audio, such as a skate blade cutting across ice. Because the BP880R has little sensitivity to airborne sound waves, it can isolate impact and vibration sounds while minimising surrounding ambient noise. Sound designers can use it to capture Foley and location effects, while theatre and live production technicians can install the transducer in stages, flooring, scenery and structures to capture sonic details.

Designed to withstand freezing and high-impact applications, the phantom-powered BP880R combines its high-sensitivity piezoelectric sensor with an internal preamplifier, allowing it to deliver clear signals over long cable runs. The fixed 20 m waterproof cable is terminated with an XLR-M output connector and provides a low-impedance output.

Housed in a low-profile, dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass body with a protective coating, the transducer can be deployed in challenging locations in water or ice, buried underground, or objects within the field of play. Flexible mounting options include four through-holes for securing using screws and nuts or zip ties, and a 1/4-inch threaded hole has been added for mounting with a single screw.