Aquiring some mini DPA's soon and wondering about the differences between the 4060's and the 4061's by those who have actually used both. From the specs I know the difference in sensitivity, max SPL, self-noise, S/N ratio, etc. but how does that translate in real world recording scenarios for quieter acoustic sources and ambience type applications requiring clean gain and low noise levels? From what I've heard, high SPL's don't seem to be too much of a problem for the 4060's.
DPA is now offering a stereo kit (SMK4061) with hand matched 4061's, XLR/phantom adaptors, boundry layer mounts, foams, and multiple mounting clips that seems to be a good deal considering the cost of matching and all the individual components. After a few emails with DPA I'm told that unfortunately the kit is not available for the 4060's, but the same handmatching can be done for an additional fee and of course all the component parts from the stereo kit are available piece meal. Doing it that way would cost a good bit more of course.
The stereo kit seems ideal for my appilcations: dual use as accoustic instrument mics as well as for live music & ambience stereo recording and I'd jump on it if it was available with 4060's. The boundry layer mounts, foams and instrument clips would certainly come in handy. I would'nt need the XLR/phantom adaptors initially since I'll be using a MMA6000, though I may want them in the future.
I'm much less concerned with high SPL handling than good low noise performance in my applications. Assuming I can get enough clean gain with the 4061>MMA6000 chain the only issue I may have is mic self-noise/pre-amp noise for quieter sources. My question is: in reallity how much better is the self-noise and S/N for the 4060's than the 4061's for use on quiet sources? Am I splitting hairs?