Microphones Capture Record-Breaking Ehrlich Brothers Show

Audio-Technica microphones were used to record audience reactions at the Ehrlich Brothers' No Limits stadium show, with sound engineers adopting an unusual arrangement to overcome difficult acoustics and restrictions on suspended equipment.

More than 41,000 people attended the magic show at Deutsche Bank Park in June 2026. According to Audio-Technica, the performance set three world records: for the largest audience at a magic show, the largest prop used in a stage illusion and the longest friendship bracelet. It was broadcast on RTL in October.

David Heuer and Hansjörg Wenzel of QoSono were responsible for the audio recording. Heuer said: "We had to capture the sound of 40,000 people, excluding the stadium PA, in an acoustically untreated space. We wanted to get close to the people, but also convey the sheer scale."

Suspending directional microphones in the conventional way was not feasible. Heuer said: "That's difficult in a stadium like this. What's more, a Spidercam covers the entire interior, so we weren't able to suspend anything." He worked with Audio-Technica specialists on an alternative arrangement.

AT4050ST large-diaphragm M/S stereo microphones were placed directly beneath the roof to capture the audience as a whole, while BP4025 X/Y stereo microphones were positioned in the stands. Numerous ES925 gooseneck microphones fitted with MicroLine capsules were installed around the central stage to pick up nearby audience reactions. Each signal was recorded on a separate track, giving the team flexibility in post-production.

Heuer wanted the recording to convey both the crowd's scale and its smaller responses. He said: "A good ambient recording gives you clearly audible applause, perhaps some diffused laughter. When it becomes really convincing, you hear reactions from up close – every little chuckle, every subtle response."

The microphone arrangement supplied the signals needed for that work, he said: "That lets you work with real precision, even in post-production."

Heuer added: "I really enjoyed working with Audio-Technica. In particular, the technical input from their special projects specialist and the somewhat 'different' approach gave us fantastic ambient sound recordings with excellent detail and clarity. Despite the stadium's difficult acoustics, they were a pleasure to work with in post-production."

audio-technica.com/