DPA Shows 4017 Shotgun And 4080 Cardioid Lavalier Mics At European AES

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A highlight of DPA Microphones' stand, number 1314, at AES Amsterdam 2008 is the recently-launched 4017: a short and exceptionally lightweight shotgun microphone offering a highly directional pickup pattern while maintaining DPA's characteristic clarity.

"DPA already has a strong position in TV drama and film environments, due to our broad range of microphones," says sales and marketing director Poul Koza. "With the 4017 we're fulfilling a long-term demand for a high-end shotgun mic to provide strong directional qualities for boom applications in film, TV and applications when suppressing unwanted noise is essential. When a regular cardioid is not directional enough, or a miniature cannot be mounted on the speaker, a shotgun is the answer, and we feel we the 4017 addresses these issues perfectly."

DPA carried out extensive R&D to create a high-end shotgun mic with extremely smooth off-axis responses. The company has also pushed the limits to produce a shotgun which combines high specifications with a remarkably short length of 210 mm (8.3 inches), and a weight of just 71 grams (2.5 ounces).

"If you've ever tried holding a mic boom for more than 10 minutes, your arms will appreciate the low weight of the 4017, while its dynamic range is unsurpassed, offering the clean approach our customers expect from DPA," continues Koza.

DPA anticipates that the largest market for the 4017 will be broadcast, while the product will also appeal to freelance engineers, small radio stations and the top end of the consumer market.

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Another new product, the DPA 4080 is a miniature cardioid lavalier microphone developed to provide optimum speech intelligibility for numerous applications including broadcast, recording, conferences and live performance.

The 4080 draws on the tradition of DPA's proven miniature microphone technology. Designed to be body-mounted approximately 20-25 cm from the mouth, the DPA 4080 is acoustically pre-equalised and offers a 5 dB presence boost which improves speech intelligibility and definition. It comes with a pre-mounted pop-filter in a robust holder with integrated shock mount, and this innovative mounting solution allows the mic to be easily turned in any direction to obtain the best sound.

"Directional miniature microphones haven't traditionally enjoyed the best reputation for sound quality, and we believe the 4080 is a total breakthrough in this respect," says DPA sales and marketing director Poul Koza. "Our main focus has been to retain the sonic balance of a voice while preserving its intelligibility, and consequently the integration of the shock mount into the microphone holder was a high priority when it came to designing this model."

The two newest DPA additions can be seen at the show alongside the company's existing mic range.

For more information, visit their web site at www.dpamicrophones.com.