Topic: FINALLY: new "DPA 4080" Miniature CARDIOID Microphone, Lavalier, Black

[Arni99]

press release:
http://dpamicrophones.com/page.php?PID=1918


description:
http://dpamicrophones.com/module.php?MID=101&itemid=4080-BM&function=pdescription

specifications:
http://dpamicrophones.com/module.php?MID=101&itemid=4080-BM&function=pspecification
5,4mm(0,2") diameter of capsule(same as omnis) and 30mm(1,2") length(omnis 12mm) .
144dB SPL

[JiB97]

here are the specs:  (from dpamicrophones.com)

Principle of operation:  Pressure gradient
Cartridge type:  Pre-polarized condenser element with vertical diaphragm
Frequency range, ± 2 dB:  250 Hz - 17 kHz with typ. 4 dB soft boost at 4-6 kHz (-5 dB at 100 Hz)
Directional characteristics:  Cardioid
Equivalent noise level A-weighted:  Typ. 23 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 26 dB(A))
Capsule diameter:  5.4 mm (0.2 in)
Total harmonic distortion (THD):  <1 % uo to 123 dB SPL peak  <1 % uo to 120 dB SPL RMS sine
Output impedance:  30 - 40 Ohm
Microphone length:  30 mm (1.2 in)
Max. SPL, peak before clipping:  144 dB
Weight:  15 g (0.5 oz) incl. cable and MicroDot connector
Cable length:  1.2 m (4 ft)
Cable colour:  Black
Colour:  Black
Dynamic Range:  Typ. 100 dB
S/N ratio, re. 1 kHz at 1 Pa (94 dB SPL):  Typ. 71 dB(A)
Connector:  MicroDot
Sensitivity, nominal, ±3 dB:  20 mV/Pa; -34 dB re. 1 V/Pa

and, here are the graphs:

[Humbug]

Hmm..I guess that's suitable for our needs? If so, I want one!

That clip's amazing looking, the way the cable winds round it. I'm concerned that it's replaceable if it breaks (I break Audio Technica clips on a fairly regular basis).

What about if you want to use it without the pop filter?

[ballerusk]

It seems a bit weird to wear...? Wondering how it looks without the windscreen and clip, for those wanting to have a "discreet" rig 

[ilduclo]

anyone see the price?

[Arni99]

It seems a bit weird to wear...? Wondering how it looks without the windscreen and clip, for those wanting to have a "discreet" rig 

it´s only 3cm long(1,2") and hast the same diameter as the known 406x series..5.4mm(0,2").
on the pic it looks huge yes .
MACRO ZOOM .

[bluegrass_brad]

Looks like it has kind of a nasty "presence" bump at around 5k, lows roll off pretty hard as well.  Looks like a graph for a mic predominantly made for vocals to me.

[Church-Audio]

Looks like it has kind of a nasty "presence" bump at around 5k, lows roll off pretty hard as well.  Looks like a graph for a mic predominantly made for vocals to me.

I would have to agree based on the frequency plot.. it looks like this mic has been tailored for speech.. I would also say that DPA frequency graphs tend to be 100% accurate as a "generalized" frequency graph and can be relied on as accurate. DPA makes the best mics in the world but this one looks like it might be better on an actor then for use recording 20 to 20khz music..

Chris

[muj]

that's one nasty frequency curve cotdayum

[JasonSobel]

bottom end of only 250hz??

well, the 250Hz is the bottom range of the +/- 2dB.  based on the graph, it looks like 40 Hz is down at -6 ot -7 dB.
so it still picks up the lower frequencies, its just not as sensitive in that region.

[JasonSobel]

oh, I completely agree with you, 250Hz is very high for a bass roll-off, and it certainly doesn't seem like this will be a good mic for what most of us do.  I was just pointing out the fact that just because the the specs state: "Frequency range, ± 2 dB:  250 Hz - 17 kHz" doesn't mean that it stops on a dime at 250 and picks up nothing below.  it may be  heavily rolled off, but it's still picking up some lower frequencies...

[Church-Audio]

bottom end of only 250hz??

well, the 250Hz is the bottom range of the +/- 2dB.  based on the graph, it looks like 40 Hz is down at -6 ot -7 dB.
so it still picks up the lower frequencies, its just not as sensitive in that region.

I would say more like 3 db at 250... And 8 db or so at 50hz but when you compair it to that "huge" peek its more like 13 db down at 50hz that is substantial I would say this mic would be very Am radio for recording music.. That being said this might be a preliminary frequency plots not accurate who knows what kind of tuning DPA might be trying to do.. But this is why there are not to many subminiature cardioid mics here is another one made by AT the 898 I have used it and it sounds quite nice again I have only used it for an actor and not for music..

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/c56cac8605404472/index.html

[WiFiJeff]

When I spoke with Bruce Myers earlier in the year (today nobody's home at DPA US, just a phone answerer, I left voicemail for next week) he indicated that the 4080 was the first of several cardioids, and was intended as a lavalier mic (as opposed to the earlier mini-cardioid they put out which was meant for mounting an inch or two from the mouth).  The later ones might be better for us, but he indicated that even this model would smoke the micro-mini cardioid competition in sound, so I'll be ordering a pair, I think.  No price or exact date was given to me, maybe next week.

Jeff

[Dede2002]

Hey Arni,

Thanks for the news!

[Roger Gustavsson]

The proximity effect is dependent of the distance from the source. Just look at the DPA 4011. If you have a flat curve at 30 cm, the response will be way down at 1 m at low frequencies. If the drop start at 250 Hz, there will be a serious drop at the lowest frequencies.....