DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone

Product overview

The DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone is designed to excel at the challenging requirements of the broadcast industry: a reliable shotgun with durable construction, exceptional ease of use and a unique combination of crystal-clear, authentic sound and stable performance under harsh conditions.

The 2017 is extremely directional, with an effective interference tube in a compact housing. It attenuates around -10 dB at 90° and more than -20 dB around 125°, and its off-axis response is balanced and uniform: the heavily attenuated off-axis sound stays clear and lifelike, sounding like the on-axis input, just damped. Sound from the primary source combines effortlessly with natural sound captured off-axis.

It is built to withstand rough handling, cold climates and humidity. The encapsulating structure has no moving mechanical parts, with just the right material thickness and a uniform pattern of slits on the grid, making it extremely resistant to mechanical impact. The capsule materials and electronics resist moisture, temperature and condensation, and the thick, robust brass body with a protective black chrome finish resists corrosion and metal fatigue. In testing, it kept working after repeatedly rolling off shelves and tipping over onto its tip on a hardwood floor, survived direct rain showers and dried quickly back to perfect operation.

The 2017 performs in fixed positions, on camera systems and on booms. Its compact size fits smaller wind protection units, and with no buttons to push it can be placed in its protection and left there. The uniform 360° grid gives consistent results even if the microphone is rotated around its axis. With 143 dB SPL peak before 1 % distortion, a low self-noise of 13 dB(A) and a 130 dB dynamic range, it suits quiet sources and set-ups with many open microphones.

Key features

• Accurate, clean sound from the primary source that combines effortlessly with natural off-axis sound
• Extraordinary durability, reinforced to perform in challenging environments, including high humidity
• Outstanding off-axis rejection for optimal isolation of the desired source
• Extremely directional pick-up, with an effective interference tube in a compact housing
• Easy to set up, position and use in fixed positions, on booms and on camera systems
• Low self-noise for quiet environments or many open microphones
• Brass body with protective black chrome finish; no moving mechanical parts
• Impedance balancing with Active Drive; 60 Ω output

Made for

• Broadcast production
• Camera-mounted audio
• Boom operation
• Fixed microphone positions
• Outdoor work in cold, rain and humidity

In the box

• 1 x 2017 Shotgun Microphone
• 1 x microphone holder
• 1 x windscreen
• 1 x practical zip pouch for storage and transport

DPA 2017: frequently asked questions

How directional is it?

Extremely directional: around -10 dB at 90° and more than -20 dB of rejection around 125°, with a balanced, uniform off-axis pickup.

Can it handle rain and humidity?

Yes. It is built for cold climates and humidity, survives direct rain showers and dries quickly back to perfect operation; its capsule materials and electronics resist moisture, temperature and condensation.

Where can I use it?

In fixed positions, on camera systems and on booms. Its compact size fits smaller wind protection units, and with no buttons it can be left in its protection.

Does it have a low-cut filter?

It has a permanent third-order high-pass filter at 60 Hz; the effective frequency range is 70 Hz to 18 kHz ±2 dB at 60 cm.

How is it powered?

With P48 phantom power through its XLR-3M connector, at 1.8 mA; it drives cables up to 100 m (328 ft).

Where can I buy the DPA 2017 in India?

The DPA 2017 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: On a camera system

Camera operators and ENG crews.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the microphone in the supplied holder, keeping the holder clear of the slits.
2. Mount it on the camera and aim it at the scene.
3. Switch on P48 and set the level.

Tip: Compact and light for its long interference tube.

Workflow 2: On a boom

Boom operators in broadcast production.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the 2017 in a wind protection unit; there are no buttons to reach.
2. Aim the tube at the speaker.
3. Monitor the level.

Tip: The uniform 360° grid keeps the sound colour consistent if the mic rotates.

Workflow 3: Fixed position

Broadcast engineers with permanently placed microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the microphone and aim it at the source.
2. Run the cable to the console.
3. Set the gain.

Tip: Outstanding off-axis rejection isolates the desired source.

Workflow 4: Harsh weather

Outdoor broadcast crews.

Connections

Setup

1. Protect the microphone from wind.
2. Record in cold, rain or humidity.
3. After rain, let it dry; it returns quickly to perfect operation.

Tip: Capsule materials and electronics resist moisture, temperature and condensation.

Workflow 5: Quiet sources

Engineers capturing soft sounds.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone close to the source.
2. Raise the gain as needed.
3. Monitor for a clean, quiet signal.

Tip: Typical self-noise of only 13 dB(A).

Workflow 6: Many open microphones

Broadcast mixers handling large set-ups.

Connections

Setup

1. Aim each microphone at its source.
2. Balance the channels.
3. Rely on the natural off-axis sound when microphones overlap.

Tip: Off-axis sound stays clear and lifelike, just damped.