Bluegrass Band Gets Picking With DPA Microphones

The Darrell Webb Band bluegrass group are one of many to use DPA Microphones d:vote™ 4099 instrument microphones and d:fine™ headset microphones, according to the company.
Lead singer Webb was the first member of the band to use DPA microphones, having employed them since the band formed three years ago. Last year, he and the rest of the group began using the d:vote 4099s for each of the instruments played in the group. Impressed with the level of precision of the audio, the band members soon added the d:fine headset mics to their mix.
The band members chose to have all microphones arranged in a wireless setup, which gives them the flexibility of movement and ability to put on lively performances that are typically associated with a bluegrass band.
"The d:vote and d:fine mics give us the complete freedom to do whatever we feel like doing on stage, including walking out to the crowd if we want to," says Jeremy Arrowood, the bass player for the Darrell Webb Band.
"The clarity of the mics has also stepped our musicianship up, allowing the personality of our instruments to really show through. You just can’t beat the sound. We’ve received so many compliments on the sound of our instruments; it’s just a great feather in our cap. Now, when we perform at venues that don’t have the ability to support our DPAs, it feels like torture."
Based on DPA’s award-winning 4099 series, the d:vote 4099 instrument microphones feature supercardioid polar patterns for highly uniform off-axis frequency response and superior gain-before-feedback.
Capable of accurately capturing acoustic instruments, all d:vote 4099 condenser microphones reject unwanted noise and the enhanced shock-mount design and extendable gooseneck provides stable positioning. The additional option of detachable cables in varying lengths, make the d:vote highly flexible for all live performance applications. The mics can easily be unclipped and repositioned or moved to another instrument with only one hand. d:vote’s microphone mounting system is designed to be extremely gentle, never marring the finish of an instrument.
Despite its tiny, discreet size and lightweight design, the DPA d:fine is rugged and stable, while still being versatile. The line of headset microphones combines absolute pristine audio quality with unique and simple mechanical solutions alongside an extensive accessory line. Ergonomically designed to adjust to fit the user’s ear and head easily and seamlessly, it also mounts securely, with minimal visibility.
The microphone is available in several colors as omnidirectional or directional and in single- or dual-ear varieties
The Darrell Webb Band performs traditional bluegrass music in the vein of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Dierks Bentley, Doyle Lawson and Ken Mellons, among other greats. Known for its electrifying sets and the high-tenor vocals of Webb, the band features Webb as the lead vocalist and mandolin player, Arrowood on bass, Jared Hensley singing baritone and playing guitar, Jake Joins on the Dobro resonator guitar and Chris Wade on banjo.
The group was nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Emerging Artist of the Year Award and will soon release a new album, entitled "Breaking Down the Barriers," on which it used the DPA microphones. It also used the microphones during performances recorded to DVD, planned for upcoming release.
www.dpamicrophones.com