DPA Microphones is a Danish manufacturer of professional condenser microphones. The company was founded in 1992 as Danish Pro Audio by two former employees from Brüel & Kjær. Brüel & Kjær had decided to close its pro audio division, and these employees made a contract with B&K to take over sales, service, and development. DPA Microphones now focuses on manufacturing high-end, precision condenser microphones focused on a clear, natural, and transparent sound. Their primary goal is to capture audio exactly as it truly sounds, while engineering durable, problem-solving solutions for demanding professional audio applications. They are particularly favored for classical music and acoustic recordings that demand pristine, linear frequency responses.
Many of DPA’s products focus on specific audio applications to make the audio engineer’s job easier. From Broadway musicals to touring orchestras, DPA specializes in close-miking instruments using adaptable mounting systems that are particularly suited for live stage and theater to a degree that few other microphone manufacturers concentrate on. DPA makes three different microphone sets aimed exclusively at the task of reproducing piano. MC tested the midline of the three sets, the DPA DPK2015 Piano Microphone Kit, on two different well-maintained and well-known Grand Pianos in two Los Angeles recording studios.
Dennis Moody’s 1937 Chickering 9’ Grand Piano was the first tested. This is a wonderful piano with a very balanced and even response and very articulate low end. Played by L.A. pianist Derek Philips, MC tested the mics magnetically attached to the piano frame. The result was a very neutral, uncolored, and transparent sound which would sit perfectly in a dense track. Next the mics were tested with a classical micing approach, outside the piano a few feet above the strings in a spaced pair at the maximum width allowed by the supplied stereo bar.
John Pratt’s legendary 1979 Yamaha C-3 6’ Grand Piano was next, played by Michael Alemania. This is a very bright rock 'n' roll piano featured on hundreds of recordings at RCA NY and EMI Hollywood Studios, and when Pratt heard the mics his first comment was how nicely they handled the treble without being harsh. Both micing techniques were used and the piano sounded smooth and full with the mics inside or outside the piano. MC agreed that micing the piano inside would be best for a rock ‘n’ roll track and micing the piano outside would be more suitable for a solo track.
The DPK2015 Piano Kit comes in an attractive aluminum Halliburton-style case that houses the two DPA 2015 mics with a bevy of functional accessories made to work with piano. The microphones are small form factor pencil mics that have a wide cardioid pickup pattern.
Mic specifications are excellent. Frequency response is 20 Hz - 20 kHz with an effective frequency range stated at ±2 dB, at 30 cm (11.8 in) 40 Hz to 18 kHz. Distortion is rated at THD < 1 percent 147 dB SPL, 150 dB SPL peak with dynamic range typ. 132 dB and Max. SPL, THD 10 percent with a healthy 153 dB SPL peak and requires P48 Phantom Power.
The DPK2015 Piano Kit is designed for versatile mounting inside or outside the piano, lid open or closed. Accessories include two GM1500 Gooseneck Mounts which feature strong magnetic bases for piano frame mounting and integrated Rycote Lyre shock-isolation suspensions. At 5” tall these mounts can easily be used with the piano lid closed or open and feel very secure. A lightweight 16-inch carbon fiber stereo bar allows dual microphone mounting standard XY or ORTF configurations with alignment markings at every 45°. Additionally, two foam windscreens minimize unwanted air movement.
Due to the wide pickup pattern of the 2015s, DPA further states that the mics are useful for overheads on drums, horn groups, vibraphones, xylophones, large marimbas, and other large instruments. The DPK2015 Piano Kit comes only with piano mounting accessories, but DPA makes a variety of mic clips and shock mounts that are available separately.
$2,800 MSRP
dpamicrophones.com
