DPA Microphones News and Forum - North America

IBMA World of Bluegrass 2010

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:47:27 +0000

DPA Microphones will be attending World of Bluegrass 2010. We will have a booth showcasing the DPA 4099 instrument microphone for both the business conference and fan fest.

Join us at BOOTH # 140

Live demos of the 4099 on stand up bass, fiddle and mandolin!

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Congratulations to Jeremy Girard!

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:26:45 +0000

Congratulations to Jeremy Girard for being the first winner of the DPA Microphone User Giveaway! His new 4099-G is on its way to a good home!

A few words from our winner:

“I work as a worship pastor full time and also assist with music directing for Up in Lights Productions Inc., a non-profit theater organization. I live in Loveland, Colorado and I am currently working on an album of original compositions which will be released by the end of summer 2010. I have had a great time using DPA microphones to record various parts of my album. Not only did I use the 4011 for my vocals, but I was also able to get some really good acoustic guitar and drum tracks as well. I find that the 4011 has a really large spectrum of use when it comes to studio microphone recordings.

I have tried many other microphones and I am really impressed with the DPA 4011. Thanks so much for a great mic!” – Jeremy Girard

Be sure to check out our USER SUBMISSION page to see how you can be our next winner! Also jump over to the COMMUNITY FORUM and start up some conversations with other audio professionals and enthusiasts!

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Congratulations to Jeremy Girard!

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:26 +0000

Congratulations to Jeremy Girard for being the first winner of the DPA Microphone User Giveaway! His new 4099-G is on its way to a good home!

A few words from our winner:

I have tried many other microphones and I am really impressed with the DPA 4011. Thanks so much for a great mic!” – Jeremy Girard

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New DPA 4081 Directional Microphones

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:35:10 +0000

SMK4081 and IMK4081 Directional Microphone Kits

The DPA 4081 Miniature Cardioid Microphone is a high quality directional condenser microphone. Each 4081 is a complete, integrated system combining microphone, windscreen, shock mount and cable management system.

The SMK4081 Stereo Microphone Kit is a cost-effective and flexible stereo recording solution designed for ultra-low profile, discreet two-channel recording.

The SMK4081 Stereo Microphone Kit contains two microphones with identical sensitivity, matched within +/- 1 dB at 1kHz, to create an optimized stereo pair. Two mounting options are included with the kit, both clip-on and magnet mounts. Both are easily interchangeable depending on the situation for optimal setup.

Included in the SMK4081 kit are two DAD6001-BC adapters with belt clips to power DPA 4081 miniature microphones via standard P48. When used in conjunction with our range of over 35 adapters, the MicroDot connector provides the ability to connect to virtually all available pro wireless systems.

The IMK4081 is a single mic kit which includes one each of the DAD6001-BC, clip-on mount and magnet mount, designed for recording a single instrument.

The DPA 4081 Miniature Cardioid Microphone is a high quality directional condenser microphone. Each 4081 is a complete, integrated system combining microphone, windscreen, shock mount and cable management system.

The SMK4081 Stereo Microphone Kit is a cost-effective and flexible stereo recordingsolution designed for ultra-low profile, discreet two-channel recording. The SMK4081 Stereo Microphone Kit contains two microphones with identical sensitivity, matched within +/- 1 dB at 1kHz, to create an optimized stereo pair. Two mounting options are included with the kit, both clip-on and magnet mounts. Both are easily interchangeable depending on the situation for optimal setup.

Included in the SMK4081 kit are two DAD6001-BC adapters with belt clips topower DPA 4081 miniature microphones via standard P48. When used in conjunction with our range of over 35 adapters, the MicroDot connector provides the ability to connect to virtually all available pro wireless systems.

The IMK4081 is a single mic kit which includes one each of the DAD6001-BC,clip-on mount and magnet mount, designed for recording a single instrument.

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NEW DPA 4098H Choir Microphone

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:48:41 +0000

The 4098H has been designed for hanging applications. This new microphone system represents a breakthrough in discreet, elegant and lightweight design. Extremely low in profile, the integrated gooseneck provides the ability to easily aim the mics, ensuring perfect positioning over the choir with minimal visual impact. The microphones’ slim cable is rendered nearly invisible at typical choir-to-congregation distances.

With its easy to hang and aim design along with its extremely natural sound, the 4098H is truly a hanging mic without equal. Continuing DPA’s heritage of sonic excellence, this series of microphones achieves the purest reproduction of the full range of the human voice.

DPA 4098H Graphs and Preliminary Specifications

Directional characteristics: Supercardioid

Principle of operation: Pressure gradient

Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser

Frequency range, ± 2 dB: 40 Hz – 15 kHz

Sensitivity, nominal, ±3 dB: 20 mV/Pa

Equivalent noise level A-weighted: Typ. 20 dB(A)

S/N ratio, re. 1 kHz at 1 Pa (94 dB SPL): 71 dB

Total harmonic distortion (THD): <1 % up to 123 dB SPL peak; <1 % up to 120 dB SPL RMS sine

Dynamic range: 100 dB

Max. SPL, peak before clipping: 132 dB

Output impedance: From MicroDot: 30 – 40 ohm, from DAD6001: 100 ohm

Cable drive capability: 300 m (984 ft) with DAD6001

Output balance principle: Signal balanced with enclosed DAD6001 XLR adapter

Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): > 60 dB at 50 Hz to 15 kHz with DAD6001 XLR adapter

Power supply: 48 V phantom power ±4 V with DAD6001 XLR adapter

Current consumption: 3.5 mA with DAD6001 XLR adapter

Connector: MicroDot/XLR

Color: Black

Weight: 14 g (0.5 oz)

Capsule diameter: 5.4 mm (0.2 in)

Microphone length: 45 mm (1.8 in)

Gooseneck length: 10cm (4 in.)

Polarity: Positively increasing sound pressure produces positive going voltage at MicroDot pin

(and pin 2 on DAD6001 XLR adapter)

Operating temperature range: -40 °C to 45 °C (14 °F to 113 °F)

Relative humidity: Up to 90 %

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Bluegrass and the DPA 4099

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:30:45 +0000

DPA 4099 on Mandolin

DPA 4099 Live Instrument Mic

DPA Microphones’ new 4099 instrument microphones made their North American debut in Nashville live in the historic Ryman Auditorium and on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Representing years of research and development, the 4099 condenser microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern for superior gain-before-feedback, with sound as accurate as DPA’s other world-class microphones. Steve Gibson, Music Director of the Grand Ole Opry called the debut of the mics “a great success”.

The mics were joined on stage by up-and-coming traditional and contemporary bluegrass unit Mountain Heart, whose members are long time fans and users of DPA mics. Fiddler Jim VanCleve exclaimed “The new microphones are AMAZING!” while banjo player Barry Abernathy attests “We couldn’t get the sound we do without our DPA Microphones.” Bass player Jason Moore feels “anyone using DPA mics really has an unfair advantage, because the mics make the instruments sound so natural”.

The mics were also used at the historic Ryman Auditorium during the International Bluebgrass Music Association Awards show, where outstanding achievements in bluegrass music are recognized. The show was carried live on XM Satellite Radio and recorded live for distribution to stations around the world.

DPA Microphones have long been revered by discerning audio professionals for producing the most natural and un-colored sound possible, and with its flexible design for a wide variety of mounting and positioning possibilities along with its natural sound, the 4099 is truly a musician’s mic without equal.

DPA Microphones’ 4099 instrument microphones made their North American debut in Nashville live in the historic Ryman Auditorium and on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Steve Gibson, Music Director of the Grand Ole Opry called the debut of the mics “a great success”.

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DPA 4099 for Bass and Cello

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:11:09 +0000

The much anticipated mounts for both Bass and Cello are here!

Bassists and cellists both have fallen in love with the 4099 Instrument microphone, and now DPA introduces special clips just for them to use with the 4099. The 4099 is a unique instrument microphone with the same sonic purity as the legendary DPA studio microphones.

The 4099B combines the 4099 microphone and a new mounting system that has been designed specially for the double bass. Together they ensure the best possible mount and audio reinforcement is achieved when performing live. The 4099B attaches to the E and G string below the bridge, allowing the microphone capsule to be placed in the sweet spot between the bridge and fingerboard.

The 4099C combines the 4099 microphone and a new mounting system that is optimized for the cello. This ensures the best possible position and audio reinforcement is achieved when performing live. The 4099C attaches to the C and A string below the bridge and allows for microphone capsule placement in the sweet spot between bridge and fingerboard. This provides a unique combination of natural string sound and high audio separation on stage.

Contact a dealer or give us a call for more information.

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DPA 4099 for Bass and Cello

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:33:18 +0000

The long awaited mounts for both Bass and Cello are here!

Contact a dealer or give us a call for more information.

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Artist Spotlight: Mike Noble

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:14:13 +0000

“I have spent years trying to find a way to get the sound of my acoustic out there when playing in a live situation…from solo gigs to full on band shows. I’ve used saddle piezos…sound hole pick ups, mics mounted inside the guitar, and a combination of all 3…sometimes with a mic pre to improve the sound. I was always left with that “ceramic/metallic” sound that is all too familiar ….if I could get enough volume, the tone was so harsh it made me back off my playing. With the DPA mic…I can mount it easily on any guitar, place the mic in the sweet spot of that particular guitar, and actually put out a real acoustic sound with no equalization…none. It really does actualize the sound of my fine acoustics….and it is so directional, that I don’t have to worry about bleed…even in a full band situation. The DPA is not only better than any other product out there…it is in a class all by itself….it’s the only mic I use.” – Mike Noble

Michael Noble has toured with…Roy Orbison, Dave Loggins, Lynn Anderson, Don Williams, Jack Jones, Sarah Darling. He has appeared on stage with Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Pickler, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Leann Womack, Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, and Merle Haggard. Television show appearances on: ACM Awards, Music City News Awards, Dinah, Merv, The Midnight Special, The Tonight Show and Starsky and Hutch. Recent albums played on….Anna Wilson, Cris Cagle and Jason Aldean…..as well as Restless Heart and Highway 101… He also appeared in the movie “Coal Miner’s Daughter” with Beverly D’Angelo. Michael is an in demand studio musician, and has played on hundreds of publishing demos and jingles……

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DPA 5100 Surround Microphone Array

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:19:26 +0000

DPA 5100 on Stand

From Audio Media, Novermber 2009

The Reviewer- Simon Tillbrook.

Overview-

“The DPA 5100 is a 5.1 discreet analogue array housed in a compact sealed padded enclosure that resembles a large bicycle seat in shape. It is extremely lightweight at 18.7 oz, and touted as an HDTV ‘ambience adder.’

On both the top and bottom of the DPA 5100 is a 3/8-inch screw mounting point for stand or boom, or an optional camera mount. The five microphones within require phantom power to operat. This is supplied and signal is received via a sixteen foot balanced Mogami multi-core cable. A multi-pin Lemo connector fits to the DPA 5100, terminating at a set of six color coded XLR’s. A cover is also part of the kit, giving additional protection against wind and resistance to rain.

Array-

The array of microphones in the DPA 5100 needs a little description to fully understand the array and to see the attention to detail taken by DPA.

All of the five microphones used in the DPA 5100 are pressure Omni directional units. These were chosen as they exhibit a number of traits that lend themselves to the applications that the DPA 5100 is clearly aimed at. Low sensitivity to general wind and handling noise, no real proximity effect to speak of, and very low levels of distortion/coloration lead to a more natural representation of the audio source.

The front three microphones within are arranged using DPA’s DiPMic (Directional Pressure Microphone) technology. The three front channel mics are time coincident allowing for solid stereo and mono feeds. The microphones are given a focused directional quality by a number of small baffles separating each, and the use of interference tubes like those used in shotgun microphones.

The two surround microphones are separated by a small baffle, but exhibit an overall wider pickup. The LFE channel is electronically derived from the sum of the front left and right microphones with a roll off set to 120Hz and 100dB of attenuation.

One of the effects of the use of interference tubes is the heighten the effect of the high frequency response of the microphones, so the LFE acts as a natural fill-in when balanced with these channels.

The simple, but well written, accompanying manual for the DPA 5100 gives very clear polar illustrations for the pickup of each microphone, as well as guides to fold down balances for stereo and mono configurations and rear channel delay settings.

The perferred and illustrated monitoring setup for the DPA 5100 conforms to the ITU-R BS.775 standard, and this was the arrangment I used for final listening of my various recorded sources with which I tested the 5100.

In Use-

I first set up the DPA 5100 within the studio to get a sense of the overall sound produced by each of the feeds and some detailed assessment of the sound space. I had a full surround monitoring system set as previously described to run these initial tests.

One immediate advantage of the DPA 5100 over the other surround arrays is the speed and ease of set up. A simple lead from the DPA 5100 to the preamps and nothing more: a real plug and play arrangement.

The DiPiMic configuration with the front three channels achieves a very tight and defined pattern. Having a sound source mover around the DPA 5100 illustrated great definition without excessive spacing, and a very smooth naturally detailed, and crisp sonic response.

The slightly bright nature of the front channels is superbly supported by the LFE feed derived from the front left and right resulting in excellent balance. Armed with a basic DAW system, and a rack or preamps, I set about running a number of environmental tests with the DPA 5100.

I placed the mic on the touchline to capture a football game, one of the applications that the DPA 5100 will be used for I am sure. The wind noise handling is extremely good indeed with no real effect to speak of, and use of the additional weather protection cover did not significantly impact the detailed sonic characteristics of the microphones.

Great definition and, once again, it is worth mentioning the very natural output of the DPA 5100.

The lightweight DPA 5100 was no real problem with boom mounted with no handling noise transferring through to the microphone. The internal mounting of the DPA 5100, wich is impossible to see without destroying the microphone, must be well dampened I suspect. I would expect that, with the additional camera mounting, noise levels would be equally low.

DPA 5100 on Camera

Conclusion-

The DPA 5100 is a dream in its simplicity of setup, and produces very natural sounding smooth results with great phase coherence and channel definition.

As a straightforward plug and play microphone for broadcast use, I can see the DPA 5100 finding a lot of fans very quickly. As a surround microphone for studio applications, the DPA 5100 may not have the positional flexibility of a separated microphone array, but I did not miss this with such an enveloping performance. “

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