8
M-2b
A WORD ABOUT DPA (Brüel & Kjær) MICROPHONES
At present, Danish Pro Audio (formerly Brüel & Kjær Pro Audio Division) manufactures two
families of 4000-series professional recording microphones. One family is +48 VDC phantom
powered, the other is +130 VDC direct powered. A primary difference between families (4003/
4 vs. 4006/7) is that the high voltage microphones are transformer-less whereas the phantom
powered varieties are transformer coupled. Millennia Media has used both varieties exten-
sively with symphony orchestra, choir, jazz ensemble, pop recording, and so forth. We have
found the transformerless high voltage omni version to perform substantially better than its
transformer-coupled omni counterpart. The transformerless version (4003) sounds generally
"clearer" and more true to the source; especially during frequency and amplitude extensions.
And this is saying a lot considering that DPA's transformer-coupled microphones sound ex-
tremely pure.
The following is a brief summary of DPA high-voltage microphone products and specifications.
Most of this material is taken directly from DPA's documentation and is thought to be accu-
rate, however, Millennia Media assumes no responsibility for errors or subsequent changes in
the following specifications. Those desiring up-to-date information concerning DPA microphones
should contact DPA directly.
Model
4003
4004
4012
Pattern
OMNI
OMNI
CARDIOID
Self-Noise
15 dB (a)
24 dB (a)
19 dB (a)
SPL (max)
154 dB SPL
168 dB SPL
168 dB SPL
Freq Response
8 Hz - 30 kHz
8 Hz - 45 kHz
35 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance
< 30 ohms
< 30 ohms
< 30 ohms
Sensitivity
50mV / Pa
10 mV / Pa
9 mV / Pa
A number of options are available for the 4003 microphone. One grid, the 0777, provides
superior omnidirectional response throughout the high frequencies. Another grid, the 0297,
provides a high frequency presence boost. The standard grid provides the most accurate re-
sponse on-axis. A development called the APE (acoustic pressure equalizer) tailors the 4003
to respond like vintage M-50 or newer TLM-50 microphones. The various APE attachments
boost mid to high frequencies arriving on axis without exhibiting proximity effect at lower
frequencies. When used with various grids, numerous polar patterns and response curves can
be achieved.
DPA offers a service of factory-matching new pairs of high voltage (+130 VDC) microphones
for tight stereo tracking of sensitivity and frequency response curves. Millennia Media highly
recommends this service and can assist customers in obtaining these microphones. A high
voltage microphone preamplifier upgrade is available for your M-2b at any time. Please call the
factory for details.
Summary of Contents for M-2B
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