my thoughts on hypers has always been this:
if you need a hypercard, move closer
I've heard that from others, and I totally agree with the underlying theory that proper placement is king. That said, there are just some times when I'm faced with the following choices, and only these choices:
A) Use a hyper or tight pattern cap in a less than optimum area.
B) Be a human mic stand in a dense and/or moving/moshing area.
C) Don't record
Many times, the difference between optimum placement and realistically allowed placement is only 15' but due to other factors, it sounds bad in those rooms. I can even think of one venue in town (that I don't really like) where the optimum placement still sort of sounds like ass due to it being a giant reflective cavern without acoustic treatment. So while I don't particularly look forward to using hyper caps (since, I agree, I don't prefer the sound compared to more open patterns), I also don't particularly like the experience because it means I'm selecting a tool due to a bunch of factors which in reality I have little control over.
Sitting in the balcony about 15 rows back at the symphony tonight, the natural reflections of the room were pleasant and warm. I think there is zero reason to use a tight pattern anywhere in that room for that material. The old theater a block over used for rock shows? Not even close... It's a battle of lesser evils.
My buddy Jeff has this short body set with a range of capsules, including the 4017s and confirmed to me they are basically hypers as far as performance results, not strict shotguns as typically seen by other brands.
I forgot Jeff had a set of the new DPAs, he had them at Donna the Buffalo in the spring didn't he. Do you know if he pairs the 4017s with the tiny bodies? I'd think that would require a stiff(er) shock-mount or something else to counterbalance it. Maybe not.
