DPA Microphones

The DPA Microphones 4011 is small diaphragm condenser microphone to be used in the recording studio. I wouldn't use the mic outside of the studio under any circumstances considering the high price tag. The 4011 is definitely a popular model, and can also be seen under the name Bruel & Kjaer, which is what DPA was called before I believe. The 4011 has a cardioid polar pick up pattern that will gather frequencies within the range of 40 Hz and 20 kHz. OVERALL OPINION I don't think that I have a bad thing to say about the DPA Microphones 4011, as it's definitely one of the best small diaphragm condenser mics that I've had the pleasure of using in the recording studio. It's suitable for applications of all types, as it's just the type of mic that will sound good on just about anything. I've used it for only two applications - acoustic guitar and hi hat. However, from everything that I've heard from other engineers suggests that this mic sounds great in any application where you'd want a silky high end response without sacrificing body. The 4011's are also some of the most expensive small diaphragm condenser microphones that I've seen around, so chances are that you'll only be seeing these in professional recording studios. I don't know if I'd recommend going with this over something like a Neumann KM 184 or 88, or even a Shure SM81, as although it definitely sounds as good or better than these mics, it costs a good amount more. Having said this, you really couldn't go wrong with the DPA Microphones 4011, so if you can afford it for your professional studio, it's definitely something that I'd consider doing as generally speaking, everything you record with these will sound as good as they can be. Having a pair of 4011's would pretty much eliminate the need for having any other small diaphragm mics in a smaller studio setting as well, but again the price makes them less feasible for smaller studio owners. The bottom line on the 4011's is that they're pristine top tier microphones that you really can't go wrong with...

The DPA Microphones 4060 is a miniature sized condenser microphone for use in the recording studio. Perhaps you could use this to record a live show, but I don't have any experience in doing so. I believe that they sell the 4060 also as a stereo pair, which is the context that I've used it under. If they don't have a stereo pair to buy, I guess it was just two of them unmatched, but for some reason I think they were matched. The mic has a omnidirectional polar pick up pattern and picks up the full frequency spectrum of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The mic is extremely small, making them easy to place in tight places or on a person, although I haven't tried it for that type of use. OVERALL OPINION The only situation where I've used the DPA Microphones 4060s on is for recording acoustic piano in a professional recording studio. It is very easy to place these microphones inside the piano from the top, and doesn't require even opening the lid of a grand piano, which is great if you need to isolate the sound. In fact, you could just leave them in there, barley knowing that they're even in there! The sound of the 4060's are very clean sound and have a great attention to detail. The detail factor is really what makes them so great for recording acoustic piano and other acoustic instruments. I've yet to have the chance to use the 4060s for anything other than acoustic piano, so I can't comment on any other applications. You do need to be quite careful with these microphones, as they are so small that they can be easily broken without even knowing it. However, the good news is that they aren't nearly as expensive as you might think, and are actual quite affordable. I don't know how useful these would be in a home studio, as to me it seems like their main benefits would be most beneficial in a larger, professional environment. If you are looking for a great sounding microphone that has the stealth to slip into places other larger microphones cannot fit, the DPA Microphones 4060s would be one of my first recommendations.

The DPA Microphones 4090 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone designed for use in the recording studio. The mic is uniquely designed, but picks up the standard frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. It has a omnidirectional pick up pattern, making the 4090 great for micing from above. For this reason, I guess it can be used for live shows as well, but I haven't done so and would only recommend it if you're going to be using it to record a live show rather than for live sound reinforcement. OVERALL OPINION In terms of sound quality, the DPA Microphones 4090 is very silky sounding and offers up a lot of clarity. It is definitely suited best for acoustic instruments of all types, as I've had awesome results with it on an acoustic guitar as well as for both banjo and mandolin. Although I haven't yet had the chance to try it with the following applications, I also think the 4090 would work well on violin and as drum overheads or for micing up individual cymbals like a hi hat or something like that. It's sleek design makes it easy to position and especially useful for hanging them from the ceiling or from a similar location. The DPA Microphones 4090 is actually a lot less expensive than I would have thought, as the first time I used it I thought for sure it would be worth more than it is. So in my opinion you're getting a great deal with the 4090, but it still probably won't be cheap enough for home studio owners. In essence this is a professional's microphone, so I'd really only recommend it for professionals looking for a super clean sounding small diaphragm condenser for a number of different applications. All in all the 4090 is a very well made and designed microphone that will give you some great results when used properly in the recording studio.