DPA have announced the release of two new small-diaphragm capacitor microphones, the 2012 Compact Cardioid and the 2015 Wide Cardioid. Aimed primarily at live sound applications, both models promise to deliver the company’s renowned natural and precise sound reproduction, and are housed in a durable reinforced body that has been designed to withstand the rigours of touring.
2012 Compact Cardioid
The DPA 2012's polar patternDPA say that the 2012 is a reliable microphone that is well-suited to a wide range of instruments, from sources such as horns, drums and percussion, through to acoustic guitars, guitar and bass cabinets and more. As the name suggests, the microphone features a cardioid capsule and exhibits the flat off-axis response that DPA have become known for, allowing engineers to manage bleed from other instruments more easily and providing higher gain-before-feedback than many alternatives. Additionally, the 2012 is capable of being used to close-mike extremely loud sources, and will withstand a peak SPL of 156dB before clipping.
2015 Wide Cardioid
The DPA 2015's polar patternThe 2015 is identical in appearance to the 2015, but features a wider polar pattern that DPA say is helpful when a conventional cardioid pattern is not quite open enough. Recommended for applications such as grand pianos, vibraphones and xylophones, drum overheads and groups of instruments, the wider pattern allows the 2015 to be placed closer to the source than a standard cardioid microphones whilst still capturing the entire instrument (or ensemble) and minimising spill from other sources.
The company say that although the microphone can be purchased on its own, it really shines when used as a stereo pair with an additional 2015. When purchased in this configuration, DPA ensure that the two models’ sensitivity tolerance are matched to within ±1.5dB.
Key Specs
2012 Compact Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Effective frequency range ±2 dB at 30 cm: 40Hz to 20kHz
- THD < 1%: 148 dB SPL (151 dB SPL peak)
- Max SPL, THD 10%: 153 dB SPL (156 dB SPL peak)
- Weight: 83 g
- Diameter:19mm
- Length: 94mm
2015 Wide Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Effective frequency range ±2 dB at 30 cm: 40Hz to 18kHz
- THD < 1%: 147 dB SPL (150 dB SPL peak)
- Max SPL, THD 10%: 150 dB SPL (153 dB SPL peak)
- Weight: 83 g
- Diameter:19mm
- Length: 94mm
Pricing & Availability
The 2012 and 2015 are both available now, with pricing starting at €625 for a single microphone, and €1190 for a stereo pair.
