I have to say "I told you so" for this comparison!!!
I went out and bought a (new) pair of DPA4060 and thought, OK, I'm done. But when I used them they just didn't sound good. Everything was there, the detail, the clarity, and intense realism for ambient recordings. They just did not sound good for music. I found myself listening to "the room" rather than "the music". I found myself preferring other recordings, even with "lowly" mics like the Panasonic WM60/61. This was a big disappointment...
I cannot provide a scientific explanation, but IMO there is something wrong with these mics. If I had to guess, I would say there is something distorting at higher frequencies (perhaps because they use a rectangular non-tensioned diaphragm). The only microphones that I feel have *both* detail and natural sound for music are metal diaphragm units, such as Nevaton and Countryman B3 (both use a stainless steel diaphragm). You'll also notice that DPA made their name by introducing metal diaphragm "measurement microphones" (1/2" and 1") mics to the classical recording folks. Those are the only DPA microphones I've ever liked. Note that the DPA directional mics are not metal diaphragms either (and I don't like the sound).
Richard
That's a bit strong, Richard.
I'll be the first to admit I guessed wrong on this one. But we all know that one sample isn't enough to make a complete judgement. I'm with David on this one in that I've rarely had 4060 recordings turn out sounding anything like the sample here- one reason I was pretty confident about my guess, and suprised at the result.
Tempted to post any number of 4060 snippets that are some of the most absolutely musical recordings I've made, including many made with more expensive and 'lauded' microphones. I made a killer one a couple weeks ago that was in mind when listening to this comp. I'm sure others have similar experiences.
Maybe we get over-influenced by inflated expectations. I was pretty charged up about trying the B3s, but now that I have a few pair I'm a bit underwhelmed. I like them generally and feel they are a good value, but to my ear they are not only noisy enough to bother me but are also sonically- musically- a far cry from whatever it is that works for
me with the 4060s on the recodings that
really shine.
Though I obviously like the 4060, I like to think I keep an open mind and would like to try the Nevs myself. They certainly have more of the right stuff in this comp. Your mileage may vary.