Topic: DPA 4015gs and Line Audio CM4 comparison

[grawk]

dpa/line audio -> Sonosax R4+ 192/24 center balcony rail

https://archive.org/details/whb-20250207.cm4
https://archive.org/details/whb-20250207

[fanofjam]

As expected, DPA have better overall detail at all frequencies and clearly outperform the CM4, but the CM4 hit WAY above their price point and never disappoint, especially in shoot-outs like this when they're comped against much higher end gear.

[HealthCov Chris]

Not really in the same ballpark to my ears.  DPA clearly better sounding.

[unclehoolio]

As expected, DPA have better overall detail at all frequencies and clearly outperform the CM4, but the CM4 hit WAY above their price point and never disappoint, especially in shoot-outs like this when they're comped against much higher end gear.

I concur.  While the DPA's are more even across the spectrum, and have a better sense of depth and dimensionality, the difference in sound quality is much, much less than the difference in price would suggest.

[Billy Mumphrey]

I switched back and forth a bunch of times and the DPA's are another level. Very nice detail without being too bright; the high's are pronounced but natural. and the mids are even and represented nicely. The CM4's are more open sounding. The mids just not as defined as DPA's. Prefer the DPA's.

[SMsound]

I run CM4's, schoeps, and DPA 4060's.

I for one was surprised at how there was such a big difference. Great comp.

DPA's sound clearer and much "sharper" to my ears, like moving into 3D. Also a bit harsher.

This is why, when we record multi-mic orchestras, many people deliberately choose Line Audio for sources where a bit of "chill/relaxing" effect is nice (harsh soprano for example).

[VibrationOfLife]

If it weren't for Roger, there would be a lot of shows that sound pretty damn decent that I wouldn't have been able to capture and no one was there to compare, including tonight.  Bravo.  Now hook me up with some mk41's so I can pair them, not compare them!

[Thelonious]

Wow, thanks for this comp!

DPAs are much clearer and balanced across the frequency range to my ears. Also, the imaging is much more precise with the DPAs.

At ~10% of the cost the CM4s do an admirable job. I would enjoy that CM4 recording all day and not notice I was missing anything if I didn’t have the other recording to compare.

Wonderful recordings of a killer show. Thanks again!