Recording - October 2020 - 33

due to the microphone's size. It results in
a more even tonal response arriving from
all angles. The APEs are passive add-on
devices that affect how sound diffracts
around the capsule, ultimately resulting in
a midrange and high frequency boost for
on-axis sources.

In Use

The 4011A and 4006A give a new
meaning to the phrase true to the source.
While both mics have unique characteristics that lend themselves to different
uses, the common thread between them
is accuracy, precision, and realism.
I started with the Free Field Grid on the
4006A, close miking a variety of sources.
Its omnidirectional polarity provides a
natural and smooth response from both
on-axis and off-axis sources, and reaches
noticeably further down than its cardioid
sibling. It captures stringed instruments
beautifully, with a level of realism and
depth that is difficult to achieve with
directional microphones. Its high sensitivity and low self noise make it ideal
for recording quiet instruments, such as
nylon string guitar. The round character
of nylon-stringed guitars benefits from

the open and detailed high frequency
4011A on grand piano. When I had
response of the 4006A, especially with
the wonderful opportunity to sit down
the Free Field Grid in use.
with the late Ed Cherney last summer,
While I didn't have an opportuniI remember he specifically mentioned
ty during my testing period to try the
the DPA 4011 as one of his favorites for
4006A in a concert hall (global panmiking piano. When I put it to the test, I
demic and all), based on my experience
found it sounded incredibly detailed and
with it in-studio, it would be at the top of
natural, with a smooth response throughmy list to grab for an orchestral or enout the spectrum.
semble recording. The omnidirectional
polarity paired with its ruler-flat 'in the
Conclusion
room' response makes it an incredible
The impact these mics have had on
option for ambient placement on larger
the industry is significant; there's no wonsources. Three 4006A mics in Decca
dering why they are often utilized in sitTree formation would do the trick for just
uations where quality, balance, and auabout any room miking need. I set up a
thenticity are needed. If I had to choose
4006A with the Diffuse Grid about 15'
only one, it would be the 4006A, as its
away from a drum kit, which blended
Grid system provides a flexible palette
with the close mics of the kit beautifully,
to work with, and I love utilizing omni
giving a greater sense of depth.
mics whenever possible. Sonic precision
The 4011A lends itself to close miking
of this magnitude does command a subof all varieties. It has low self noise with
stantial price tag. Either mic is a worthy
impressive max SPL handling, making it
investment though, and I think it's safe to
suitable for anything you throw its way.
say that, after 30+ years of being in proIts cardioid polarity also makes it just as
duction, the DPA 4006 and 4011 microviable on-stage as it is in-studio, somephones have stood the test of time.
thing that would be trickier to get
Price: DPA 4011A $1799; DPA 4006A $2339
away with for the 4006A.
I was very excited to try the More from: dpamicrophones.com

http://www.dpamicrophones.com http://www.colemanaudio.com

Recording - October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - October 2020