Shure DCA901 planar array mic delivers 8 channels over single Dante cable

Shure's DCA901 Planar Array Microphone made its first NAB appearance at NAB 2026, having debuted at IBC 2025, and took the TV Technology Best of Show Award during the show's final day.

The DCA901 integrates 78 internal microphones processed across eight independent chains to form digitally steerable pickup lobes, with the full output — eight discrete channels plus stereo and mono automix — carried over a single Dante/AES67 connection that simultaneously handles audio, power, and control. Lobe width is selectable as narrow, medium, or wide, with auto-positioning and manual steering modes available simultaneously. The array can capture 5.1 and stereo at the same time, and when paired with Edge Sound Research Virtual Sound Engine software, it has expanded soccer production coverage from 12 to 96 channels per field.

Shure demonstrated the microphone in a simulated sports production environment at NAB. The device's ability to deliver eight discrete spatially separated audio channels over a single network cable, without requiring multiple wired mics or wireless frequencies, directly addresses coverage complexity in live sports venues. List price is $3,750 (street $2,999), with 2026 availability.