Competing in the ESL Intel Extreme Masters 2025 Esports Tournament
Livestreaming the Esports Action: ESL Intel Extreme Masters 2025
Katowice, Poland (June 9, 2025) - Just like the World Cup, the ESL Intel Extreme Masters 2025 saw 24 of the top esports teams duke it out in the Spodek Arena, Katowice, Poland. While spectators watched the epic battle unfold, millions online were treated to a top-notch livestream, made possible by the innovative recording concept developed by ESL Faceit Group.
The concept relied on immersive technology to capture the electric energy in the arena, with Audio-Technica's BP3600 immersive microphone playing a crucial role. This bad boy, perched up on the ceiling, uses eight hypercardioid capsules to pick up three-dimensional sound, making online viewers feel like they're right in the heart of the action.
To add more depth, Audio-Technica's AT4050ST stereo large diaphragm condensers (four suspended from the ceiling) were employed to boost the stereo imaging and detail of the arena's ambient sound. Then, sixteen BP4025 large-diaphragm X/Y mics were deployed front and center to form a "sonic bridge" between the arena's diffuse ambient sound and the booming roars of the crowd.
Last but not least, Audio-Technica's BP4029 stereo shotgun microphones were mounted on handheld cameras and the Spidercam to grab the pulse-pounding energy straight from the stands.
To objectively evaluate the concept and create a precise acoustic image of the event, a test control room was set up in the arena. Equipped with an Allen & Heath dLive C1500 digital mixing surface with DM32 MixRack, the control room was used to manage all microphone feeds, mix the atmospheric sound from the arena, and transmit it via optical fiber to the ESL studios located 15 kilometers away.
At the ESL studios, an Allen & Heath dLive S5000 surface received and processed the audio feeds, merging them with additional signals to create the final livestream broadcast mix. This setup guaranteed that fans worldwide got not just an immersive atmosphere but clear, booming crowd sound as well.
The Tech Behind the Thrill
- Audio-Technica BP3600 Immersive Microphone:
- Installed in the venue's ceiling.
- Equipped with eight hypercardioid capsules, capturing Three-dimensional sound for a completely immersive experience.
- Audio-Technica AT4050ST Stereo Condensers:
- Four units suspended from the ceiling.
- Boosted the stereo imaging, detail, and depth of the arena’s ambient sound.
- Audio-Technica BP4025 X/Y Condensers:
- Sixteen units in front of the audience.
- Formed a “sonic bridge” between the diffuse ambient sound and the direct sound of the crowd.
- Audio-Technica BP4029 Stereo Shotgun Microphones:
- Mounted on handheld cameras and the Spidercam.
- Captured dynamic, up-close audience reactions.
Audio Mixing and Control
- Test Control Room Setup:
- Located within the arena for real-time mixing and evaluation.
- Featuring an Allen & Heath dLive C1500 digital mixing surface with DM32 MixRack, sending mixed arena audio via optical fiber to the ESL studios.
- ESL Studios (15 km away):
- Allen & Heath dLive S5000 Surface:
- Received and processed the arena audio, merging it with additional signals for the final livestream broadcast mix.
Grip the Controller and Feel the Adrenaline
With this cutting-edge setup, the ESL Intel Extreme Masters 2025 brought esports fans worldwide right into the thick of the action. No matter where they tuned in, viewers could feel the electricity of the arena and hear the roars of the crowd like never before.
- The Audio-Technica BP3600 immersive microphone, installed on the ceiling of the Spodek Arena, captures three-dimensional sound, making online viewers feel like they're in the heart of the ESL Intel Extreme Masters 2025 action.
- To boost the stereo imaging and detail of the arena's ambient sound, Audio-Technica's AT4050ST stereo large diaphragm condensers were suspended from the ceiling.
- To form a "sonic bridge" between the arena's diffuse ambient sound and the booming roars of the crowd, sixteen BP4025 large-diaphragm X/Y mics were deployed front and center.
- Allen & Heath's dLive C1500 digital mixing surface with DM32 MixRack, located in the test control room within the arena, was used to manage microphone feeds, mix the atmospheric sound from the arena, and transmit it via optical fiber to the ESL studios for the final livestream broadcast mix.
