Topic: DPA 4061's...microdot or 1/8" miniplug...does it matter?

[George]

So I got my tax refund and looking for some fancy stxxxthing omni's.  I had the 4061's and loved some of the recordings I've pulled and how insanely tiny they are.  So I had them before with micro dots and the dpa6k preamp, can I also get them terminated to a single 1/8" mini plug?  Would their be any difference in sound quality?  Just curious before I bite the bullet.

tia, G

[aaronji]

A lot of people have had their 4061s terminated in an 1/8" plug.  It might be more convenient depending on what gear you currently have and how you want to run them.  Otherwise, you are limited to either DPA products or a custom-made solution for powering (Chris Church does it, for sure).  I don't know about any sound differences, but I am guessing either none or very slight... 

[Cheesecadet]

I can't hear a difference

[George]

Cool.  So who sells them terminated to mini plug? 

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Before you drop that kind of loot on a pair of mics you might want to check out some other options.

I'm running the Nevaton MCE400's now (Into a Tinybox) and I like them much more than my 4060's > MMA6000 (or at the very least they are equally good and cost A LOT less).

Another option is the Countryman B3 which might even be a hair smaller than the DPA's. You can buy them unterminated so you can get them terminated to 1/8" very easily. I haven't used them but I've heard many people compare them to the DPA's. Also A LOT less expensive.

[Cheesecadet]

Cool.  So who sells them terminated to mini plug?

I don't know if anyone sells them terminated that way originally, once I received mine with lemo connectors, I sent them off to Chris at Sound Professionals and they re-terminated them to 1/8" for $25.  They now look like they cam that way, very good workmanship by Chris' team at SP.  His turnaround time was like 3 days.  The wires on the DPAs are so thin that you really want someone with experience to re-terminate them for you IMO.

When researching mics you really should check out some recordings that have been paired with different pres to get an idea of what you prefer.  I saw the Countryman and Nevaton mics mentioned and both are good mics too.  The Countrymans have been fluffed around here for the last year or two by a few individuals and the Nevatons more recently.

I have listened to many shows recorded by all the mics and prefer the DPAs.  That is just my preference though.  Maybe I'm just used to them since that is what I have run for some time now.  I would highly recommend listening to a few different cources and see what works best for you.

[illconditioned]

I've got some samples of B3 and Nevaton on my website (http://Soundmann.com).  I think I have only one DPA sample there.  Take a listen.  Add me to the list of folks that prefer Countryman and Nevaton over DPA.  I wish DPA were better -- they are robust and perfectly matched -- I just don't like the sound that much.

  Richard

[George]

Thanks for all the comments guys!  I'll definitely check out the Nevaton and Countryman samples on Richard's site and LMA.  I wouldn't mind trying something different.  Although, I do love the dpa sound, I'm always curious to try something different. 

[ashevillain]

Although, I do love the dpa sound, I'm always curious to try something different. 

The Sennheiser MKE series also sound pretty good imo.

[George]

I've got some samples of B3 and Nevaton on my website (http://Soundmann.com).  I think I have only one DPA sample there.  Take a listen.  Add me to the list of folks that prefer Countryman and Nevaton over DPA.  I wish DPA were better -- they are robust and perfectly matched -- I just don't like the sound that much.

  Richard

Some really great samples on here, two favorites so far:

Rob Szabo and Steve Strongman.  2009 Dec 19
Luke Doucet.  2009 Feb 24

Great tracks and fantastic sound.   I'm assuming open taping?

Funny thing is, listening back to some of my dpa recordings some sound pretty good, but seem to lack something compared to these two samples mentioned above. 

[illconditioned]

Yeah, most of the stuff I do is open.  A few are done from the hat, just because I want to get up close, or not disturb the audience.  I think I might be the only one taping, as most of these are not jam bands.

Both the clips you mentioned are from mics hanging over the stage in a small-medium size club (250 or so capacity).  The mics are approx. 6' in front, and a bit above of, the PA speakers.  The mics are a bit above because this also doubles as a dance club, so they have to be above the dance floor (and waving hands).  So, they get the stage sound (usually just guitar amps are heard) plus the PA.

  Richard

[George]

Cool, thanks for the follow up.  I'm definitely learning towards them. It looks like you have yours terminated to one 1/8" directly into your recorder.  Would a M10's pip properly power them as well? 

[rastasean]

How do you mount them that high up? How far is the split on them because I thought the b3s had a four foot cable.

[George]

I'm sure he's running extensions...knowing Richard from reading his previous taping exploits he's probably in the club on a ladder setting everything up.   

[George]

Richard, who would be good for getting the B3's terminated to a single 1/8" mini plug?