DPA at ProLight + Sound 2012

DPA upgrades popular 4099 instrument mic series to d:vote™
Building on the success of the highly acclaimed 4099 instrument clip mic series, d:vote has been enhanced with a new shock mount to provide even better absorption, and an upgraded cable available in a heavy duty 2.2 mm and a 1.55 mm diameter version, which can now be detached from the end of the gooseneck. Offering further flexibility is an extension unit for the gooseneck supplied with the mic, which extends its length by 50%.

DPA’s 4099 series has been widely taken up by international artists including Sting, Randy Brecker, Wayne Shorter and Bobby Ricketts, as well as becoming an indispensable tool for gigging musicians around the world, who are convinced that no other live instrument mic can accurately captures their acoustic tone so well.

“After a long introduction the 4099s have more than tripled the amount of microphones sold in the last two years and the curve is only going up,” says DPA CEO Christian Poulsen. “We have listened to what our users want, and the new improvements make it even more durable and less sensitive to handling noise. The new extension unit brings maximum to demanding applications, achieving just the right sound from the instrument.”

d:vote condenser mics feature supercardioid polar patterns for highly uniform off-axis frequency response and superior gain-before-feedback. Capable of handling high sound pressure levels, these microphones live up to DPA’s pedigree of breathtaking clarity and richness.

Despite its tiny, discreet size and lightweight design, d:vote is rugged and stable, while the versatile and extendable gooseneck provides stable positioning. The mics can easily be unclipped and repositioned or moved to another instrument with only one hand. d:vote’s microphone mounting system is designed to be extremely gentle, never marring the finish of an instrument.

The MicroDot connector and more than 35 DPA adapters ensure compatibility with just about any wireless system, and the product can also be used as a standard 48V phantom powered microphone via its supplied XLR connector.

DPA unveils expanded range of d:fine™ headset mics
The choice of single- or dual- ear mount allows artists to select the optimum version for their performance. For example, the new dual-ear version is ideal for more active situations where secure mounting is required, as it sits snugly on the neck and is virtually invisible. Like its single-ear counterpart, it is unobtrusive, and so comfortable that users forget they are wearing it. Sound engineers will find great benefit in d:fine’s clear, high-SPL and distortion-free sound and the ease of switching between right and left sides by twisting the boom. An upgrade kit is available to convert single-ear to dual-ear versions.

A new short, 4cm boom is available for the omnidirectional d:fine. Sitting just below the earlobe, this is designed for applications where the mic must not be visible on the face, but where high quality sound is paramount.

“We knew from the start that the first single-ear version would redefine the market for high-end headset mics,” says DPA CEO Christian Poulsen. “d:fine has gained a great many fans since its launch in 2011, and the range is now available in directional/omni versions, single/dual ear designs, long/short microphone booms and in multiple colors. Each performs spectacularly on cable and with all pro wireless systems.

“We have improved the sound quality and created an aesthetic product with a fantastic fit, giving the user optimal comfort. We are sure the new versions will be adopted for the most demanding applications when it comes to aesthetics, sound and freedom of movement.”

All d:fine headset mics offer consistent audio performance at all SPLs, impressive gain before feedback and stable construction. They allow performers the freedom to focus on their performance, while the small capsule gives a discreet appearance. The earpieces are made from a sprung material which is extremely comfortable to wear and automatically adjusts the headset to each wearer, ensuring it stays in place by applying consistent pressure regardless of ear size. It can easily be taken on and off by the wearer, returning to its original shape each time. Repairs no longer require taking a mic out of commission, as d:fine is designed with a detachable cable which can be replaced immediately with a spare.

DPA launches d:facto™ vocal mic
In the d:facto vocal mic, DPA has pooled its years of expertise and resources to bring an eagerly awaited, high quality vocal condenser mic to the market. Bridging the gap between live performance and studio recording, d:facto offers extraordinarily natural sound, high separation and extreme SPL handling. DPA has identified what its users love about the reference standard cardioid 4011 and tailored those qualities to a handheld design. The result is a supercardioid mic with superb definition, excellent separation and breathtakingly natural sound.

d:facto is equally at home in sound reinforcement and recording applications. In common with all DPA mics, d:facto features superior gain before feedback, while the inbuilt 3-step pop protection grid effectively removes unwanted noise. Built to last, d:facto boasts exceptional isolation from handling noise and the ability to accommodate extreme sound levels. The microphone head can be used on the DPA wired handle and can also be unscrewed for mounting onto a wireless handle made by Wisycom, manufacturer of innovative wireless systems, offering a high degree of flexibility.

“For many years the market has been requesting that the high sound quality of DPA’s legendary 4011 mic be available for live performance,” says DPA’s CEO Christian Poulsen. “As a result of the innovative partnership with Wisycom, we have developed the d:facto vocal mic to fulfill those requests. “The option of wired and wireless modes, combined with DPA’s proven technology, has resulted in a stylish vocal mic encapsulating flexibility and unsurpassed sound quality: key elements of equipment of the future.”

d:facto has already been put through its paces on several TV shows for the past six months, among them Voice of Denmark, a standard format TV show broadcast in several countries. “The sound team has been extremely impressed with the d:facto mic,” says Voice’s sound engineer Mads Kærså. “It sounded open at all frequencies, there were no feedback or pop issues and we did not have to worry about handling noise. Finally, a manufacturer has managed to make a handheld microphone that inspires the same feeling a musician gets from a handbuilt instrument. It makes the singer feel more confident and perform better.”