DPA 4015 Wide Cardioid Microphone
PRICE - Rs. 2,67,923
DPA 4015 wide cardioid pencil microphone: fill-in between omni and cardioid, totally linear off-axis response, rich on voices, two versions. Available in India from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
VISUAL GUIDE — See Every Photo, Spec & Setup Step (PDF)
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Acoustics (4015A)
| Directional pattern | Wide cardioid |
| Principle of operation | Pressure gradient |
| Cartridge type | Pre-polarised condenser |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Effective frequency range ±2 dB, at 60 cm (23.6 in) | 40 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz | 10 mV/Pa; -40 dB re. 1 V/Pa |
| Equivalent noise level, A-weighted | Typ. 18 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 20 dB(A)) |
| Equivalent noise level, ITU-R BS.468-4 | Typ. 25 dB (with the attenuator at 0 dB or -20 dB) |
| Distortion, THD < 1 % | 136 dB SPL RMS, 139 dB SPL peak |
| Dynamic range | Typ. 121 dB |
| Max. SPL, THD 10 % | 159 dB SPL peak |
Electrical (4015A)
| Switchable attenuator | 0 dB / -20 dB |
| Rated output impedance | 200 Ω |
| Cable drive capability | 100 m (328 ft) |
| Output balance principle | Impedance balancing with Active Drive |
| Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) | > 60 dB |
| Power supply (for full performance) | P48 phantom power |
| Current consumption | 2.8 mA |
| Maximum output voltage, RMS | > 5 V |
| Connector | XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, pin 2: signal + phase, pin 3: - phase |
| Polarity | +V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure |
Physical (4015A)
| Weight | 158 g (5.6 oz) |
| Microphone diameter | 19 mm (0.75 in) |
| Capsule diameter | 19 mm (0.75 in) |
| Microphone length | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Temperature range | -40 °C to 45 °C (-40 °F to 113 °F) |
| Relative humidity (RH) | Up to 90 % |
| Colour | Matte black |
Versions
| 4015A | Wide Cardioid Mic |
| 4015C | Compact Wide Cardioid Mic |
Product overview
The DPA 4015 is a wide cardioid condenser pencil microphone: a perfect fill-in between an omnidirectional and a directional microphone, with totally linear off-axis characteristics.
Sometimes a conventional cardioid pattern is not quite open enough. Recording orchestras and other ensembles can call for a balance between blending in the room reverberation and more precise localisation, and for instruments with complex radiation patterns the wide cardioid (also known as hemispheric) design covers a greater sound angle. The off-axis characteristics are totally linear, so any leakage from off-axis sources is still a faithful reproduction of those sounds, just softly attenuated.
It is the ideal microphone for grand piano, guitar, marimba and percussion, as a spot microphone for groups in a symphony orchestra, and as a speech, dubbing or vocal microphone whose enhanced richness in the bass complements many voices.
The 4015A suits acoustic instruments and voices with a rich and open sound, handles extremely high sound pressure levels before clipping and includes a 20 dB pad switch in the centre of the XLR connector to prevent overloading of the microphone amplifier. The 4015C compact version is an excellent spot microphone, easy to position and visually discreet, for choirs, percussion set-ups, grand pianos, wind instruments and much more. The capsule combines with any DPA pencil microphone preamp.
| Pressure gradient | Wide cardioid |
| Max. SPL peak, THD 10 % (4015A) | 159 dB |
| Equivalent noise, typ. (4015A) | 18 dB(A) |
| Dynamic range, typ. (4015A) | 121 dB |
Key features
- Low profile, wide pickup area
- Totally linear off-axis characteristics
- Natural reproduction and directional ambience pickup
- Exceptional for vocals: enhanced richness on the bass end
- Modular flexibility: the capsule combines with any DPA pencil microphone preamp
- Two versions: 4015A with 20 dB pad, 4015C compact
Made for
- Grand piano, guitar, marimba and percussion
- Spot miking groups in a symphony orchestra
- Speech, dubbing and vocals
- Choirs and wind instruments (4015C)
In the box
- DPA 4015 Wide Cardioid Microphone in the chosen version (4015A or 4015C)
DPA 4015: frequently asked questions
What is a wide cardioid microphone?
A wide cardioid (also known as hemispheric) sits between an omnidirectional and a directional microphone and covers a greater sound angle, which suits instruments with complex radiation patterns.
How does it treat off-axis sound?
Its off-axis characteristics are totally linear: leakage from off-axis sources is still a faithful reproduction of those sounds, just softly attenuated.
Is the 4015 good for vocals and speech?
Yes. It is an excellent speech, dubbing and vocal microphone, and its enhanced richness on the bass end complements many voices.
4015A or 4015C?
The 4015A has a 20 dB pad switch and handles extremely high SPLs before clipping. The 4015C is compact, easy to position and visually discreet.
Is there a stereo pair?
Yes. The 4015A is also available as a matched stereo pair, the ST4015A, and the 4015C as the ST4015C.
Where can I buy the DPA 4015 in India?
The DPA 4015 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.
Workflow 1: Grand piano
Studio and concert engineers.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| 4015A | Piano |
| 4015A (XLR-3M) | Microphone preamp with P48 |
Setup
- Place the microphone at the piano.
- Connect and switch on P48.
- Set the gain.
Tip: The wide pattern covers the complex radiation of the instrument.
Workflow 2: Orchestra spot microphone
Recording engineers.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| 4015 | Group in a symphony orchestra |
| 4015 | Console input |
Setup
- Place the microphone at the group.
- Connect.
- Blend with the main pickup.
Tip: Balances room reverberation and precise localisation.
Workflow 3: Speech and dubbing
Voice studios.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| 4015A | Speaker |
| 4015A | Microphone preamp with P48 |
Setup
- Place the microphone in front of the speaker.
- Connect and set the gain.
- Record.
Tip: Enhanced richness on the bass end complements many voices.
Workflow 4: Vocals
Studio engineers.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| 4015A | Singer |
| 4015A | Microphone preamp |
Setup
- Position the microphone for the singer.
- Connect.
- Record.
Tip: Exceptional for vocals.
Workflow 5: Marimba and percussion
Engineers miking percussion set-ups.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| 4015 | Percussion set-up |
| 4015 | Microphone input |
Setup
- Place the microphone to cover the set-up.
- Use the 20 dB pad on the 4015A for loud playing.
- Connect and set the gain.
Tip: The 4015A handles extremely high sound pressure levels before clipping.
Workflow 6: Discreet spot microphone
Engineers and set designers.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| 4015C | Choir, piano or wind section |
| 4015C | Microphone input |
Setup
- Choose the compact 4015C.
- Place it discreetly.
- Connect and set the level.
Tip: The 4015C is visually discreet and easy to position.
