DPA Introduces Smallest Ever Microphone Capsules

DPA Microphones has introduced its smallest ever high pro audio microphone capsules.

The d:screet CORE 6060 and 6061 Subminiature Microphones and the d:fine CORE 6066 Subminiature Headset Microphone are just three millimetres in diameter – two millimetres smaller than DPA's existing 4000 series of miniature microphone products. All three incorporate the company's recently launched CORE by DPA microphone technology that reduces distortion and increases dynamic range.

Kalle Hvidt Nielsen, DPA's CEO, said: "Giving the market the most advanced technology and the best sound possible has always been DPA's philosophy and compared to our existing 4000 series miniature microphones, the 6000 series represents a significant step forward. Developing these products has been a massive undertaking and the amount we have learned has really strengthened our already exceptional R&D capabilities. We are proud to serve the market with such great tools."

DPA Product Manager René Moerch added: "The sound quality is everything you would expect from a DPA microphone and, despite their small size, their performance is similar to our 5 mm miniature capsules. Indeed, their noise floor is lower and their ability to reach high sound pressure levels without distortion is better than any other 3 mm capsule on the market."

Several years of research have gone into the development of the new capsules and during that time DPA R&D staff have visited theatres, film sets and television studios to learn first-hand exactly what their customers need from a miniature microphone.

"DPA has a big footprint in these industries, especially theatre where our microphones are regularly used on top Broadway and West End shows," Mr Moerch said. "Everyone wants the tiniest microphone possible so that they are less visible when worn as a headset and are completely invisible when hidden in costumes and wigs. Customers also want DPA's exceptional sound quality and durability, especially when it comes to cables that withstand damage and capsules that can be easily cleaned to remove stage makeup and sweat. Our 5 mm capsules already deliver on all these levels, so being able to offer a microphone that is just as good, but even smaller is generating huge excitement within these industries."

Sound Designer and long-term d:screet 4060 user Richard Brooker thought that switching to DPA's new CORE by DPA amplifier technology was a step up in sound quality, but he now believes the 6061 series is even better – and smaller.

"I find it remarkable that we can achieve studio quality sound from a microphone that small," he said. "For me, it is the best miniature capsule DPA have ever made."

In terms of technical specifications, all three 6000 series capsules are omnidirectional and have a frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. The d:screet 6060 lavalier has a noise floor of only 24 dB(A), while the d:screet 6061 lavalier and d:fine 6066 headset have noise floors of only 26 dB(A). This is similar to the company's existing 4000 series miniature mics. All three capsules are available in black and beige and more colours will be added at a later stage.

The d:fine 6066 also benefits from a completely redesigned lightweight, one size fits all headset that attaches over the ears for maximum comfort and has a spring mechanism to help it grip below the ears and to the side of the head for added security. With a fully adjustable boom, the new headset is very easy to fit and also has a redesigned cable attachment that allows the cable to run down the wearer's back, so it can't be seen.

DPA's new Subminiature Microphones will be officially available in November.

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