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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: Gordon on February 12, 2026, 08:49:38 AM
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https://bit.ly/40bYyPr
DPA 4028 vs MV400x/m43
Source ? DPA 4028 (nos) > Sound Devices MixPre-6 II @ 32/48
Source ? Microtech Gefell MV400x/M43 (nos) > Sound Devices MixPre-6 II @ 32/48
Both sets of mics on same stand using a vark bar inches apart (not blocking each other) onstage
The gain was raised just below 0 and matched on both sources as best I could. MBIT+ dither from 32bit to 24bit. Gain and dither done with iZotope RX 11. No other editing was done.
Foobar users install ABX Comparator
https://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_abx
Once installed load the 2 files you want to A/B, right click > utilities > ABX tracks. Hit OK, you can then toggle between both files.
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Nice, comp! Very similar, but I preferred A over B
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Audacity software users can easily switch between two stereo tracks, by using the built in mute and solo functions in combination.
Pick one track, and click MUTE, and you will only hear the other track.
Then click SOLO on the muted track, and you will hear that one alone.
Keep clicking SOLO to swap back and forth.
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Thanks for this, G.
With preference and suspicion, I await the reveal with intrigue.
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What source did you prefer???
Thanks for this, G.
With preference and suspicion, I await the reveal with intrigue.
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Similar, slightly different strong suits.
From memory, to my ear A has a bit more transient emphasis - chop, snap, clarity, vocal formant crispness.. while B had me focusing more on midrange warmth.
I found A attractive at first listen, after initial acclimation I gravitated to B on more extended listening. A dB or two around 5 or 6kHz made them sound more or less the same. The transient emphasis of A seems somewhat SBD like, so I might lean more toward B when mixing with SBD, and A without it when that bit of clarity will be helpful.
I'm not familiar with the response curves, but based on the above that may indicate which is which.
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Playback: USBPre2 > Rotel AR1592 > B&W 803 S2/Grado SR 60
Interesting stuff there. A picks up the mandolin (left channel) better, B picks up the guitar better (right channel). Wider but inconsistent image on B, A is more stable but not as wide. I prefer A but B is more interesting.
Consider me very interested in the results as I'm thinking about subcards down the line; have heard plenty of Schoeps subcard tapes but less of the Gefell and DPAs.
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I think B has better definition overall, and better sounding upper bass clarity, so I like it ever-so-slightly more.
Added about 3740 samples to start of B to get them to line up a little closer.
Kinda hard to A/B unsync'd sources...
Playback on speakers and with headphones. Could barely tell difference on the speakers. Only slightly more on the Sony V6 cans.
If I gotta guess I'll say B is the DPA but I could easily be surprised.
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I'd love to see a MV400x/m41 vs. MK41v comp.
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guessing a is dpa
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I prefer B. Better low end, more appealing mid range.
My guess would be A is DPA and B is MG