OUTSIDE BROADCAST (OBs)

Introduction
Outside Broadcasts (abbreviated as OBs) form a substantial portion of programmes radiated from a Radio Station. Major events that occur at different parts of a country, such as sports events, important functions of political, cultural and national important and other such programmes that originate from outside the broadcast studio are covered as OBs.

Different Types of OBs

OBs can be classified into two types : i) Live Broadcast

Events of national importance such as Independence Day Celebrations, sports events etc. are generally radiated as Live programme. ii) Spot Recordings

Most of the OB programmes are recorded at the OB spot with the help of a portable, battery operated OB amplifier and or an Ultra Portable Tape Recorder (UPTR) or a cassette tape recorder. Some programmes, depending on their importance are recorded at the studio end. In this case, it is necessary to book telephone lines, from the OB spot to CR. Normally three such lines are booked. One for feeding the programme to CR, one for inter communication between the OB spot and CR using a magneto telephone, and one as a standby programme line.

Equipments Normally used in OBs

i) OB Amplifier

An OB amplifier is a portable mixing unit. Normally four low level microphone inputs and one high level input from a PTR or UPTR, can be mixed and controlled by this unit. The

Induction Course(Radio) individual channel output levels as well as the level of the programme after mixing can be controlled by rotary step attenuators. A tone generator providing three spot frequencies (75 Hz, 750 Hz or 1 kHz, 7.5 kHz) is incorporated in this unit so that the frequency response of the telephone line on which the programme is fed can be quickly checked at CR end and equalisation done, if found necessary. The auxiliary output can be used for random operation or for feeding a public address system. Thus two OB amplifiers can be cascaded, and nine programme sources can be controlled. A portable mixer has recently been developed by M/s Meltron which can be used with Nagra or Meltron UPTRs. This mixer enables use of three microphones and has a high level input. The main feature of this mixer is that it is of light weight and takes power supply from UPTR itself. ii) Microphones

The choice of the correct type of microphone and its proper handling and placement is very important for the success of an OB. The microphones used in OBs must be robust, insensitive to wind noise and popping effects, and having a good front to back ratio to avoid feedback. Hence, when choosing a microphone, for OB operations the directional characteristics of the microphones should be considered carefully. Suitability of different microphones for OB recording is discussed below. Omni directional Microphones Omni-directional microphones are sensitive to sound from all directions equally and hence they are preferred in studio recordings. But dynamic cardiod microphones are better suited for OB recordings. Short Gun Microphones In OB situations such as cricket test match or athletics coverages, the sound is to be picked up from a distance and hence we require a microphone with a narrow acceptance angle. Gun microphones are used on such occasions. Its constructional structure is such that all sounds other than those from the wanted direction, arrive in such a manner as to produce a very low output from the microphone. Hence, shot-gun microphones are used when the microphone must remain at some distance from the sound or good rejection of sound from the sides and rear is desired. Radio/Wireless Microphones In sports coverages, there may be situations such as in a big stadium where different athletic events take place simultaneously where it is not possible to lay cables. Radio microphones are best suited for these locations. In a radio microphone, the microphone is connected to a miniature FM transmitter (held in hand) and the audio is picked up from the demodulator output of a FM receiver.

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Outside Broadcasting Such radio microphones are used in locations where long cable distances are involved or where it is not possible to lay the cable.

Use of Wind shields When microphones are used out of doors, in windly conditions, wind shields are used. But wind shields tend to have adverse effect upon the frequency and directional response of the microphones. Hence, they should be selected with care, and used only when necessary and suitable corrections are to be made to the frequency response and operational techniques. iii) Tape Recorders

Spot interview and glimpses of the various events taking place in a particular city, are covered by spot recordings done with Ultra Portable Tape Recorders (UPTRs) and cassette tape recorders. They are light weight battery operated recorders and are provided with only headphone monitoring facility in order to avoid the drain on the batteries. Generally two sets of either dry cells or chargeable cells are taken for the OB recordings, so that atleast 30 minutes of recorded programme is made feasible. Major studio centres such as the BH, New Delhi are provided with a number of such UPTRs and cassette tape recorders so that more than twenty different event can be covered with the help of such UPTRs. The recorded tapes are brought back to the BH, and a composite news capsule is made with the help of console tape recorders, in the dubbing room. The edited programme is used in the programmes such as Radio News Reel, Agricultural Programmes, special features etc.

Important Guidelines for coverage of OBs

Cassette tape recorders in our network are not of uniform quality. Each cassette recorder should be thoroughly tested for satisfactory quality before sending it for OB recording. For VIP recordings, Portable tape Recorders (PTRs) are used. A PTR is mains operated, provides good quality and is also sturdy enough to withstand continuous operation. PTRs can also be taken to those OB spots where AC power supply is available. It is preferable to take a variance to take care of power supply voltage fluctuations. Where more than one microphone is needed for an OB, proper phasing, correct placement, proper balancing and mixing of the microphones is essential to get the desired sound quality. Microphones should be so located as to avoid direct pick up from strong external noise sources e.g. public address loudspeakers, generators, viscinity of heavy traffic etc. Strong sources of RF radiation in the viscidity of the equipment will also adversely affect the quality. The commentators mike should be STI(T) Publication 69 004/IC(Radio)/2001

Induction Course(Radio) unidirectional and should have minimum possible pick-up from external sound sources. It should also be kept away from sound reflecting surfaces. The connecting cables for microphones and for other equipment should be carefully laid so that these do not get disturbed during the progress of the OB. Spare cables should be provided wherever possible. If the effects microphones are at considerable distance from the equipments, these may be connected through battery operated booster amplifiers located near the mikes. The equipment should be set-up well before the start of the OB and the entire chain from the microphone to the receiving end should be thoroughly tested for reliability and satisfactory sound quality. The equipment should not be disturbed after testing and any last minute changes and adjustment must be avoided. For the coverage of various functions and sports events etc. it is essential to provide adequate sound effects. If the sound effects are not available in the background of the running commentary, it becomes an extremely dull coverage, uninteresting to the listeners. The engineer on duty should ensure that the sound effect do not override the main commentary and proper balance is maintained. Proper selection of the microphones for coverage of an OB is very important. Apart from good quality, the microphone should be rugged and capable of withstanding transit hazard. It should always be carried in a proper case to avoid damage due to improper handling. It is always essential to take standby equipment, spare batteries, spare components and essential tools for the coverage of an OB. A portable battery operated receiver should also be taken for monitoring purposes.

OB Van
AIR has acquired a few OB Vans recently. The vans are of the size of a matador vehicle and incorporate equipment of latest technology. Each van has been provided with a 6 channel audio mixer 3 UPTRs and a Public Address Amplifier. The interior is acoustically treated and air-conditioned. A portable diesel generator can be housed in the body. It is possible to record talks and interview inside the van. All microphones inputs are terminated on a panel and cable drums provided for laying of the cables for recording the outside programmes and placement of effects mikes in the field. Provision is available to meet most of the requirements of production, recording, editing and dubbing etc. The van can also meet the requirements of a live coverage. Provision will be kept for installing a VHF/FM transmitter and a video camera along with a monitor inside the van in case these are required for certain types of coverage.

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