DPA D:Facto II Vocal Mic Reviewed

DPA Microphones d:facto II is a new line of studio microphones repurposed as live sound microphones. The first model is the d:facto II Vocal Microphone. Using studio microphones for live sound is not new. But expecting them to universally connect to live mixers, work well with “iffy” phantom powering and interface wireless systems easily on-site is quite another thing. Furthermore, getting them to survive the environs of harsh live stages and still sound good is not easy either.

DPA_dfacto II_Mic head and adapterThe d:facto II Vocal Mic uses an electret (pre-polarized) condenser capsule with a super cardioid polar pattern. Its natural sound comes from its on/off-axis linear frequency and phase response, and its extreme sound level handling capability—up to 160 dB SPL.

There is a three-stage wind/pop protection grid protecting the mic’s capsule. Handling noise is limited by a clever, system built within the mic’s body.

The d:facto II Vocal Mic’s head easily switches between either the wired DPA mic body and DPA’s adapter assembly. The adapter kit assembly makes it possible to use DPA’s capsule with many other manufacturer’s wireless transmitter bodies. Currently DPA makes adapters for Shure, Sony, Lectrosonics, Wisycom, and Sennheiser wireless systems.

For more information on DPA’s (Danish Professional Audio) d:facto II Vocal Mic, visit http://dpamicrophones.com.

 

By Barry Rudolph

miniBio: Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer with over 30 gold and platinum RIAA awards to his credit. He has recorded and/or mixed: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and Robbie Nevil. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and also teaches recording engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. http://www.barryrudolph.com