Topic: OKM II R(S) vs DPA 406x

[tchoub]

Hi,
I would to upgrade my stealth recording setup.
I currently run Soundman OKM II K with their battery module (A3) into a stock SBM-1 and a D8.

So far, I've been considering getting a pair of DPA 406x (x=0 or 1) or staying with my Soundman's and "upgrade" to the "Rock" or "Rock Studio" version.

I would like to know if anyone has ever compared Soundman OKM II R(S) and DPA 406x.
From what I could gather, 4060s would only need a battery box while 4061s would need a battery box + preamp.
I have a Sonosax SX-M2 that I could use for that but I still need to buy a battery box.

So, to sum up, which of the following rigs would you recommend ?
[1] OKM II R(S) > A3 > stock SBM-1 > D8
[2] DPA 4060 > Battery box > stock SBM-1 > D8
[3] DPA 4061 > Battery Box > sx-m2 > stock SBM-1 > D8
[4] DPA 4061 > DPA MMA 6000 > stock SBM-1 > D8

[pfife]

From what I could gather, 4060s would only need a battery box while 4061s would need a battery box + preamp.

This is incorrect.  Either will run off a battery box.  The 4060's are more sensitive, so they'll give you higher levels, but I ran 4061>SP battery box a number of times, and it was fine.  I was always in high enough SPL's where I'd have to limit the levels with the SBM-1 anyways.

[Evil Taper]

Werd, you definately do not need a pre unless you're taping something super quiet like an acoustic jazz band.  You could get an R1 and run hot levels with that like I've been doing (and it sounds NICE).

[tchoub]

ok. Thanks for the answers.
So, I can use a pair of 4061s with a battery box and send their signal directly into my sbm-1 line in ?
I didn't know that but this is good news...

[Teen Age Riot]

So, I can use a pair of 4061s with a battery box and send their signal directly into my sbm-1 line in ?

Yes, totally. I've done that with the 4060's and the DPA MPS6020 battery box. However, for really quiet shows you'll have to crank the SBM up all the way - and you still might not get close to the 0dB mark. For average rock conert SPLs - no problem.

I might have a DPA 4060's > MPS6020 > D100 vs. OKM-II R > A3 > D100 comp up for you really soon.

[tchoub]

thanks moon-pix.
I would be really interested in hearing the comp.

[pfife]

So, I can use a pair of 4061s with a battery box and send their signal directly into my sbm-1 line in ?

Yes, totally. I've done that with the 4060's and the DPA MPS6020 battery box. However, for really quiet shows you'll have to crank the SBM up all the way - and you still might not get close to the 0dB mark. For average rock conert SPLs - no problem.

THis is the correct answer.  If you record in lower SPL environments, I strongly suggest the 4060s - and better yet, either the 4060s or 4061's with the MMA6000.

If you record primarily in high SPLs, you'll be fine w/ a battery box.

[sullen]

I might have a DPA 4060's > MPS6020 > D100 vs. OKM-II R > A3 > D100 comp up for you really soon.

This would be really nice to hear  : )

[Teen Age Riot]

I might have a DPA 4060's > MPS6020 > D100 vs. OKM-II R > A3 > D100 comp up for you really soon.

This would be really nice to hear  : )

I have yet to hear it myself. My buddy and I both taped Paul Weller, standing right next to each other. Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of his tape yet. I'll post when I have it.

[Nick's Picks]

having read all of the 40xx series... let me say the 4060's are all you'll ever need, and you'll be better off w/the more sensitive model...which can still handle more SPLs than you'll ever be in front of.

[Cooker]

paul weller kicks all kinds of ass. that's actually the last stealth tape i did too, back in 2002.

[Evil Taper]

having read all of the 40xx series... let me say the 4060's are all you'll ever need, and you'll be better off w/the more sensitive model...which can still handle more SPLs than you'll ever be in front of.

the 4060s might kill you at a super loud show though

[Teen Age Riot]

the 4060s might kill you at a super loud show though

IME, only if you're doing extreme head-in-stack kind of stuff. It did happen to me, but I don't know whether it was actually the mics that couldn't take the levels or if the output of the DPA battery box was simply too high for the line-in of the (stock) SBM1.

[Evil Taper]

do the 4060s sound different than the 4061s though?  in my listening experience they sound the same to me...

[Nick's Picks]

they sound the same.
the 4060s can handle 134db before clipping
the 4061s 144db.  I would guess its a built in -10db pad on these as it would not be cost effective to build a totaly different capsule/electronics.  then again..this is DPA, and they are not known for scrimping on design either.

134db is really loud. 
My last forrey into these were a pair of 4071s, which I ran into a V3.  I always wished they made a 4070 as i thought the 71s needed too much gain.  far too much to stealth effectively w/a little deck that doesn't have 50db of quality and quiet gain (like a jb3 for example).
the MT, being similar in gain structure (digital), I would be hesitant to crank it up, and want to use as little as I could get away with.
IMO