DPA 4011 Cardioid Microphone

Product overview

The DPA 4011 is a cardioid condenser pencil microphone renowned in recording studios and live applications around the world, made to sound like the original.

State-of-the-art components have been carefully selected to provide optimal neutrality, accuracy and extremely low distortion. The principal appeal of the 4011 is its directional quality and attention to detail: it makes everything sound like the original. The first-order cardioid pickup pattern provides superb separation between sound sources, and it can handle incredibly high sound pressure levels. A flat on-axis frequency response and excellent phase response deliver a faithful reproduction of the original sound; the off-axis response is similarly smooth, so any leakage is an accurate reflection of the original, attenuated according to the true first-order cardioid pattern.

The 4011A is equally suitable for close-up work on acoustic guitar, grand piano, overheads, percussion, wind instruments and vocals, as well as spot-miking symphonies, and includes a 20 dB pad switch in the centre of the XLR connector. The 4011C compact version is designed to be hidden from view and is the worldwide reference standard for extreme sound level handling: for television, film, theatre, concert and studio performances, spot-miking larger orchestras, off-camera voice and Foley work, with a matte black finish that reduces the effect of lighting reflection. The 4011ER and 4011ES are ultra-compact, only 3.5 cm (1.4 in) long, with an integrated cable at the rear or the side for hanging or table use.

Like all DPA modular pencil microphones, the capsule combines with any DPA pencil microphone preamp: the ultra-transparent, transformerless MMP-A, the ultra-compact MMP-C with a slightly softer character, the MMP-ER / MMP-ES, and the slim MMP-E (XLR output) and MMP-G (MicroLock output) modular active cables; the MMP-G even matches the microphone directly to a wireless transmitter.

Key features

• Accurate, colourless sound: optimal neutrality and extremely low distortion
• True first-order cardioid with superb separation between sound sources
• Flat on-axis response, excellent phase response and a smooth off-axis response
• Great for high sound pressure levels: 159 dB SPL peak at THD 10 % (4011A)
• Modular flexibility: the capsule combines with any DPA pencil microphone preamp
• Ultra-compact spot or hanging versions (4011ER / 4011ES)
• Four versions: 4011A, 4011C compact, 4011ER rear cable, 4011ES side cable

Made for

• Acoustic guitar, grand piano, overheads, percussion, wind instruments and vocals
• Spot-miking symphonies and larger orchestras
• Television, film, theatre, concert and studio performances
• Off-camera voice recording and Foley work
• Hanging or table spot miking

In the box

• DPA 4011 Cardioid Microphone in the chosen version (4011A, 4011C, 4011ER or 4011ES)

DPA 4011: frequently asked questions

What makes the 4011 sound accurate?

Carefully selected components give optimal neutrality and extremely low distortion, and a flat on-axis response with excellent phase response delivers a faithful reproduction of the original sound.

How does it handle bleed from other instruments?

The true first-order cardioid pattern gives superb separation, and the smooth off-axis response means any leakage is an accurate, attenuated reflection of the original.

Which version should I choose?

The 4011A for studio and live close-up work with a 20 dB pad; the 4011C to hide the microphone for television, film, theatre and concerts; the 4011ER / 4011ES, only 3.5 cm long, for hanging or table use.

Can it handle loud sources?

Yes. The 4011A reaches 136 dB SPL RMS at THD below 1 % and 159 dB SPL peak at THD 10 %, and the 4011C is the worldwide reference standard for extreme sound level handling.

Is there a stereo pair?

Yes. The 4011A is also available as a matched stereo pair, the ST4011A, and the 4011C as the ST4011C.

Where can I buy the DPA 4011 in India?

The DPA 4011 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Acoustic guitar and grand piano

Studio and live engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Aim the cardioid at the instrument.
2. Connect and switch on P48.
3. Set the gain.

Tip: The 4011 makes everything sound like the original.

Workflow 2: Overheads and percussion

Engineers miking drums and percussion.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone over the source.
2. Use the 20 dB pad for very loud playing.
3. Connect and set the gain.

Tip: Great for high sound pressure levels.

Workflow 3: Spot-miking an orchestra

Recording and broadcast engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place a microphone at each section to be spotted.
2. Connect.
3. Blend with the main pickup.

Tip: The cardioid minimises bleed from other instruments.

Workflow 4: Hidden microphones for TV, film and theatre

Production sound teams.

Connections

Setup

1. Hide the compact microphone near the source.
2. Connect.
3. Check the level.

Tip: The matte black finish reduces the effect of lighting reflection.

Workflow 5: Off-camera voice and Foley

Film and TV post-production studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at the source.
2. Connect.
3. Record.

Tip: The 4011C is excellent for off-camera voice recording and Foley work.

Workflow 6: Hanging or table spot microphone

Engineers needing repeatable positions.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose rear (ER) or side (ES) cable entry.
2. Hang or place the microphone.
3. Connect the XLR.

Tip: Only 3.5 cm long, for precise and repeatable positions and angles.