Topic: DPA DAO4010/4020 slim XLR cable with Neumann KM100 series

[Pieteker]

Quick compatibility question.

Has anyone here used the DPA DAO4010 or DAO4020 slim XLR microphone cable with Neumann KM100-series bodies (specifically KM140)?
https://prosoundeurope.com/products/dpa-dao4010-4020-microphone-cable-with-slim-xlr-connector-for-pencil-microphones?srsltid=AfmBOopx0YQruJbw2jyoKPLmyti79dNTqJS1CUbEuhY2f9tnZJGJKV-s

I know the DPA slim connectors are designed so the XLR barrel partially recesses into ~19 mm pencil microphones, and the KM100 bodies are a bit larger (~22 mm).

So I’m wondering:

- Do the connectors fit and latch normally on KM100 bodies?
- Does the short barrel cause any seating issues with the recessed connector on the Neumann body?

Considering them mainly for a low-profile/stealth setup, so the slimmer connector is appealing.

Would love to hear if anyone has tried this combo.

Thanks!

[jbell]

They are XLR cables they will work with any mic bodies!

[Pieteker]

They are XLR cables they will work with any mic bodies!

Do these cables pass standard 48V phantom power (P48) without any issues? I would like to confirm they work normally with microphones that require P48.

[grawk]

Any xlr cable that works for audio works for phantom.

[aaronji]

^ When I bought mine, admittedly quite some time ago when they first came out, I contacted DPA and asked if they could make me a short pair. They were very accommodating.

[goodcooker]

I wonder if getting a quote from someone like Gakables for a length that makes more sense for stealthing would be worth the savings after international shipping (or if Ted even ships to the EU, I'm not speaking on his behalf). A cable using chopped shorty connectors and Belden 1804 would be very similar to that and likely half the cost.

Those DPA cables are nice with the tiny little female connector that almost disappears into the mic but the other end is a typical long Neutrik XLR, it's made out of regular small profile Mogami cable (which is great, I use it all the time, but it's not worth 3 dollars a foot at 10m long) and they are really expensive. If it was me I'd call a couple of guitar/pro audio shops and ask if someone could build me something similar for less money.

If the cost is not a hurdle I'd reach out to DPA and get the cost of a short custom made cable. If it is, consider getting a soldering iron or find a friendly tech at a local shop. Before I learned how to make my own cables (and got a side hustle going building them for others) I found a guy at a pro audio shop who would build stuff for me if I brought the parts and gave him some cash.

[al w.]

For me at least, the incredibly tiny connector is the primary appeal here. It would be awesome if those were generally available.

[aaronji]

A disadvantage is that they are difficult to unplug. Definitely don't want to tug on the cable. That problem may be worse with a wider mic (DPA is 19 mm). I actually have a second set with mini-XLRs spliced into the middle so that I could easily leave them plugged in, but that is not as stealthy, of course...

[goodcooker]

A disadvantage is that they are difficult to unplug. Definitely don't want to tug on the cable. That problem may be worse with a wider mic (DPA is 19 mm). I actually have a second set with mini-XLRs spliced into the middle so that I could easily leave them plugged in, but that is not as stealthy, of course...

Did DPA make the custom cables for you or did you have it modified afterwards?

I've never had one of these in my hands. Does the tiny input side of the cable have some sort of locking tab like a typical XLRF?

[al w.]

Yeah, I was able to find some closer photos here (one of them is attached to this post)

I guess it makes sense that they are difficult to unplug since it seems they are intended for permanent installation

[mterry]

These are rad, but at 33' a cable, and that price (per cable)......

granted, I had audio magics and zaollas back in the early 2000's, but still....wish I could buy just the input piece

[aaronji]

Did DPA make the custom cables for you or did you have it modified afterwards?

DPA made the pair of shorter cables for me. The ones with the in-line miniXLRs were purchased second-hand from page, who, you may recall, used to post here frequently. I looked back at our correspondence, and, while there was nothing definitive, he did say that these were a "different order" from the mics I purchased from him that included these, suggesting that he got them from DPA. Shitty photo attached.

I've never had one of these in my hands. Does the tiny input side of the cable have some sort of locking tab like a typical XLRF?

The silver tab in the photo from al w. is the release "button". It is a piece of spring steel, but the internal part looks the same as a Neutrik connector. It requires a bit of force, which, coupled with the minimal grip space, make these hard to disconnect. For me, a righty, if I hold the mic body in my left hand and push the tab with my left thumb, I can wedge my right-hand nails under the connector to remove it. Not easy with freshly trimmed nails and make sure you have a file on hand if you are due for a clipping.