Daniel Blumberg's score for The Brutalist earned him the Oscar for Best Original Score, further cementing the SCHERTLER DYN UNI P48 contact microphones' place in cinematic history.
This victory follows the mics' role in Sound of Metal, the 2019 Oscar-winning film for Best Editing and Best Sound, where the sound team captured the intimate, muffled soundscape of hearing loss.
Now, Blumberg's use of the DYN UNI P48 has contributed to another Oscar-winning soundscape.
Blumberg turned to the DYN UNI P48 to capture the raw, unadulterated sounds of the film's on-set environment, emphasising the crucial role these microphones played in maintaining chronological consistency within the film's sound design.
The Brutalist required a level of sonic authenticity that traditional microphones simply couldn't provide in the context of the set, reports the mic manufacturer. The DYN UNI P48's discreet size allowed them to be easily hidden, ensuring seamless integration with the visuals while delivering exceptional audio quality.
A particular highlight of Blumberg's score is the use of "prepared" piano, a technique that alters the instrument's sound by placing objects on or between the strings. Blumberg reported that the DYN UNI P48 were essential in capturing the intricate nuances of these performances, revealing the subtle textures and percussive elements that define the film's sonic landscape.
Capturing the sound by contact, directly from the vibrating surface, the DYN UNI P48 allowed the production to acquire a detailed and rich recording of the piano's unique sounds, that otherwise would be impossible to obtain.
Beyond the cinematic realm, Blumberg's collaboration with SCHERTLER extends to the world of live performance.
Notably, during the 2022 "sync" performance with Lydia Ourahmane at the KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin, Blumberg utilised the DYN UNI P48 microphones to amplify the audience's heartbeats, creating a deeply visceral and immersive experience.
Photo credit: Universal Pictures