Topic: DPA402X convert to new modular DPA mic series

[phil_er_up]

From another thread:

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        Quote from: justink on July 06, 2021, 06:57:06 PM

            matter of fact, you can have your 4022/4023's converted for a small fee.

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        What's this?
        You can what now?

        This new version for switchable caps is fantastic.

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    From DPA:

    Quote

        Your 4023’s can be updated to modular for a $185 fee per capsule.

        This service will need to be performed in Denmark. Turnaround is typically a week – two weeks depending on their service volume. Shipping is $25.


    If you do the conversion, they will also give you a discount on the new MMP-ER cable/preamp.  I can't remember the dollar amount off the top of my head, but it is like... $100 cheaper, iirc.

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Has anyone sent in their DPA402X and have them Updated?
If yes, was there any difference in sound after the conversion?

Or any other pertinent info would be appreciated.

[scottsch3]

I recently sent in my old 4022 and 4027 pairs for modular conversion and can provide some more current information about the process.

To begin with the price of the conversion has increased from $185 to $250 per capsule - mainly due to some current difficulties they are experiencing sourcing parts from B & K.

For each microphone that is sent in for conversion you are able to select a new modular preamp from their existing lineup at a 30% discount from the retail price.

Before being shipped to the factory in Denmark each microphone is tested at the Longmont, CO office to ensure that they are still operating within specs. If they fail to meet specs then the modular conversion is not offered as it would be cheaper to simply buy a new modular capsule vs. paying for both a new replacement capsule and the conversion process.

Once tested it took a little over two weeks for the microphones to make the round trip to Denmark and back.

During the conversion process the microphones can also be matched at the factory for $287 per pair.

Once converted the capsules come back in a brand new housing with the original serial number a new serial number engraved on the bottom vs. their original position within the mounting ring on the side. The new housing is also labeled with the modern designation of “4011” or “4015” vs. the old “402x” series of nomenclatures.

Edit: Modified capsules are given a new serial number and do not retain the original serial number as I initially stated.

[dactylus]

^
Thanks for the updated info on the conversion process!

[jb63]

I can't find any of this info on the actual DPA pages. I'm assuming we contact someone in Colorado?

[scottsch3]

Just use the Customer Care contact form on the DPA website and the “Service/Repair” option in the “What can we help you with?” pull down menu and someone from the service department in CO will get in touch with you and give you a link to generate a RA number to initiate the process.

https://www.dpamicrophones.com/customer-care

I got some conflicting information about the discount on the new preamps via the initial email discussion but after stopping by their office in Longmont to drop off my mics and talking with them (I live close by and wanted to save money on shipping) the 30% discount was confirmed. They want you to be able to use the modified capsules.

[phil_er_up]

I couldn't find any other info on their site too. That is why I asked the question. Thanks Scott for your detailed answer as always. Was going to talk to you about this last friday...

Also have DPA4022 and 4027 that I am thinking about doing this.

By my calculations from your numbers above scott:
=================================================
4 DPA402X X 250  per capsule = $1000
DPA Microphones d:dicate MMP-ES = $479 X  70% = 335 X 4 = $1340

My 4027 are matched though my DPA4022 are not.
$287 per pair for DPA4022 matched = $287
Total = $2627

Is this around the amount I would need to pay?

How long did the whole process take scott? Over an month...

PS: That is less expensive then buying one DPA new modular series mics and you get 2 new sets of mics. Sounds like a pretty good deal. Plus it gets rid of the DPA402X having a bad cable coming out of the pre-amp. Would not have to send back to DPA the capsule just the cable. Or you could buy a new one.

=================================================

Also, asked about the new sound from the new pre-amp?

Talked to scott about this before and he said the new pre-amp sound quite a bit better then the old ones.
Thinking too it might be easier to sell when I finished my recording career.

PS: My 4027 the capsule unscrews though the 4022 do not. Does DPA still do the 4022 since they do not unscrew the capsule from the pre-amp?

[scottsch3]

I never really noticed a difference between the sound of the newer active preamps (MMP-ER/ES) and the 402x series but I never did a direct comparison either. I was probably referring to the differences between the active preamps and the half-sized (MMP-C) and full-sized (MMP-A) bodies which both offer increased SPL before distortion and extended bass response as compared to their active counterparts.

[scb]

this is what I was told yesterday:

Expected Fees for Capsule Upgrades:
 
-$250 Capsule upgrade fee (per capsule)
-$143.75 testing & calibration fee (per capsule)
-$287 matching fee (per pair) + cost of new capsule if required
-$25 shipping round trip (once they have been received at our US Sales Office)
-Corresponding Modular preamps are offered at a significantly reduced price (ex: $368.00 for MMP-A)
-Turnaround for DK Service is 1-2 weeks (excluding potential shipping delays)

[jb63]

That's the same info I received.
I still have to get back to them about preamp choices.
What I'd really like to know is if I can get them terminated like the 406x series and power them with MMA600 or DAD6001 so I can use them in a few different ways. I need to call them and ask. Gonna be pricey either way!

[aaronji]

^ I assume the upgraded caps would work with the MMP-GR/GS cables. The first post suggests that they can be used with MMP-ER/ES, so I think the microdot cables would also work.

[scb]

^ I assume the upgraded caps would work with the MMP-GR/GS cables. The first post suggests that they can be used with MMP-ER/ES, so I think the microdot cables would also work.

yeah, that's what the mmp-GR/GS is for

i'm debating just selling my 4023s and buying a set of 4011 caps

[phil_er_up]

Sent in my DPA4021 and 4027 and had them converted to 4011 and 4015 modular series. It is pricey though I thought worth it. Bought 2 sets of the MMP-GR cables since I have the "C" preamps already. DPA offer almost 40% off the regular price of the preamp body of your choice. Took almost 2 months due to they were on holiday in europe and then a part was on back order.

Great thing is I can now interchange the caps on the preamp bodies and can use my "C" bodies when I need them. Bought the MMP-GR cables for low profile taping and have shapeway bars for NOS and DIN for MMP-GR and "C" preamps. This ends the short on the DPA402X series that you have to send back to DPA europe ( if the short is on the mic side). Also the new mics fit my old DPA XY/ORFT bar which I use for low profile.

Suggestion if anyone goes forward I only ordered 3 meter MMP-GR/GS cables which is the standard length...might want them longer.

Ran the new 4011 and 4015 this week and love them.

Really glad I did this for many reasons.

PS: Scott and I live close to the DPA store in longmont and can advoid the $25 shipping fee. Also they gave me some DPA swag. A DPA hat, hoodie and a tee shirt. The t-shirt has many DPA mic's on the front of it. Really Cool! The DPA longmont customer service people are so nice. Also when I received the DPA mics back they had DPA stickers in there with a key chain with ear plugs in it. Good Stuff!!!

[scb]

i asked if they could do 5m lengths, and was told they don't do that anymore

[jbell]

I have a 5m set of mmp er cables in route from DPA.  The part number is MMP ER500

i asked if they could do 5m lengths, and was told they don't do that anymore

[scb]

I have a 5m set of mmp er cables in route from DPA.  The part number is MMP ER500

i asked if they could do 5m lengths, and was told they don't do that anymore

what!? they told me no!