How to Set Up and Use a Crowd or Ambient Microphone for Broadcast Streaming

Introduction

Depending on the content that you are filming or broadcasting, ambient microphones can be a vital tool in the toolkit for creating a riveting broadcast experience. If you’re doing a sports event, worship service or even a keynote presentation, this is where these mics shine. They bring a depth and immersion that brings the live audience to life for the viewer. So let’s go over how to select, position and even mix these mics for the best results possible!

What an Ambient Microphone Is

Ambient microphones play a massive role in creating an immersive, natural and engaging broadcast experience. This applies to most in person live events, this is because they give a connection to the in person venue by allowing for crowd reactions or participation to be included in the broadcast as well as the general sounds of whatever is going on like a hockey player getting checked into the wall. This provides a sense of immersion that would otherwise not be possible without being there physically. 

When to Use an Ambient Mic

Some places you’d want to use an ambient mic would be the following:

• Live sports broadcasts
• Concerts and music events
• Worship services
• Conferences and corporate presentations
• School events and graduation ceremonies
• Any production needing audience reaction or room depth

Choosing the Right Microphone Type

Shotgun Microphone

Ideal for directional crowd capture in settings where isolating one area is beneficial, such as sports sidelines or choir recordings.

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Provides a natural and open sound, suitable for indoor events and controlled environments.

Boundary or PZM Microphone

Excellent for capturing wide ambient sound in large rooms such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, and stages.

Stereo Microphone

Useful for music and concert environments where spatial imaging is important.

Ideal Placement Techniques

1. High and Away from Speakers

Position the microphone high above the audience or stage so it can capture the room evenly while reducing the risk of feedback.

2. Pointed Away from the Main PA

If the microphone picks up too much PA output, the mix will sound echo-heavy or washed out.

3. Use the Room’s Natural Acoustics

Aim the microphone toward reflective or open spaces rather than directly at crowd clusters to achieve a balanced sound.

4. Consider Stereo Techniques

For events requiring a wide, immersive mix, stereo configurations like X/Y or ORTF may be beneficial.

Mixing an Ambient Mic for Broadcast

Keep It Low in the Mix

Ambient channels should complement dialogue and direct microphones, not compete with them.

Apply Light Compression

Gentle compression helps prevent sudden spikes from applause or crowd reactions.

Use High-Pass Filtering

A high-pass filter reduces low-frequency rumble and HVAC noise that can muddy the mix.

Watch for Phase Issues

If you combine multiple ambient microphones, check for phase cancellation by monitoring in mono.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Placing the mic too close to speakers, causing echo or feedback
• Turning the ambient mic up too high in the mix
• Pointing a directional mic at reflective surfaces
• Using only one mic in a large venue when stereo capture is needed
• Ignoring the room’s natural reverberation patterns

Conclusion

When used properly, ambient microphones are a silver bullet for bringing a fantastic experience to your viewers. They enhance the quality of a broadcast much more than most people think, just make sure to pick the right type of mic, place it well and most importantly mix it well and you’ll be on your way to an amazing broadcast.