DPA 4017 Shotgun Microphone

Product overview

The DPA 4017 is a shotgun microphone designed for a broad range of applications: camera systems, fixed positions at sports facilities, broadcast, ENG and film booming, and even studio recording.

Its condenser capsule has a highly directional hypercardioid pickup pattern, obtained with a supercardioid design and an interference tube that gives excellent off-axis rejection. DPA has worked to make the sound arriving from the sides and back of the microphone natural, just damped, by minimising the uneven response that side lobes can cause. The high-voltage pre-polarised back plate gives high output, wide dynamics and extremely low noise and distortion.

The 19 mm (0.75 in) condenser cartridge handles peak SPLs of 152 dB before clipping, is immune to RF emission and withstands very humid environments with ease. It delivers clear sound even in very hot or cold places such as the desert and the arctic. All DPA microphones share the same sonic character, so hidden miniature microphones and boom microphones mix easily with a minimum of postproduction work.

Four versions are offered. The 4017B (210 mm, 68 g) has two onboard filters set with two sturdy switching rings: a high boost that adds a 4 dB shelf at 8 kHz to compensate for high-frequency loss under a windjammer, and a first-order bass roll-off below 120 Hz against handling and wind noise; a permanent third-order 50 Hz high-pass filter removes low-frequency disturbance. The 4017C is the compact version at 154 mm and 70 g. The 4017ER and 4017ES use DPA's tiniest preamplifier with an integrated cable and XLR connector, with rear or side cable entry, at only 12.5 cm and 121 g including the 3 m cable; they come with the SM4000 Suspension Mount.

Key features

• Highly directional pattern with uniform off-axis response
• Small and lightweight; sleek shotgun for distant miking
• Impressive accuracy and clarity
• Excellent RF immunity and high immunity to humidity
• 19 mm cartridge handles 152 dB peak SPL before clipping
• 4017B: switchable high boost (+4 dB at 8 kHz) and low cut (below 120 Hz)
• 4017ER / ES: integrated active cable with rear or side entry

Made for

• Camera systems
• Fixed positions at sports facilities
• Broadcast, ENG and film booming
• Booming actors and capturing distant dialogue
• Spot miking of orchestra sections and ambience, suspended from the ceiling (4017ER / ES)
• Studio recording

In the box

• 4017 shotgun microphone in the chosen version
• 4017ER and 4017ES: SM4000 Suspension Mount included

DPA 4017: frequently asked questions

Which 4017 version should I choose?

The 4017B is the full shotgun with switchable high boost and low cut. The 4017C is the compact version, only 154 mm long. The 4017ER and 4017ES have an integrated 3 m cable with XLR connector, with rear or side cable entry, and come with the SM4000 Suspension Mount.

What do the filters on the 4017B do?

A twist of the switching rings adds a 4 dB shelf at 8 kHz to compensate for high-frequency loss under a windjammer, or a first-order bass roll-off below 120 Hz to reduce handling and wind noise. A permanent third-order 50 Hz high-pass filter is always active.

Can it be used in difficult conditions?

Yes. The 4017 is immune to RF emission, withstands very humid environments and delivers clear sound in very hot or cold places, from the desert to the arctic. The operating temperature range is -40 °C to 45 °C.

Will it match my DPA miniature microphones?

Yes. All DPA microphones share the same sonic character, so hidden miniature microphones and a 4017 on a boom give the same timbre, with a minimum of work in postproduction.

How is it powered?

The 4017 runs on P48 phantom power and drives cables up to 100 m. The output is a 3-pin XLR.

Where can I buy the DPA 4017 in India?

The DPA 4017 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: On-camera shotgun

Camera operators and ENG crews.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the 4017 on the camera system.
2. Connect the XLR cable and switch on P48.
3. Aim at the subject; the highly directional pattern rejects off-axis sound.
4. Set the level.

Tip: The compact 4017C is only 154 mm long.

Workflow 2: Film and TV booming

Boom operators on film and drama sets.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the 4017B in its suspension and windjammer on the boom.
2. Twist the ring to add the high boost to compensate for high-frequency loss under the windjammer.
3. Use the low cut below 120 Hz against handling and wind noise.
4. Boom over the actors and record.

Tip: Shares DPA's sonic character, so it mixes easily with hidden miniature microphones.

Workflow 3: Distant dialogue with ER / ES

Sound crews booming actors in tight spaces.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose rear or side cable entry to suit the boom.
2. Mount the microphone and route the integrated cable.
3. Connect the XLR and set the gain.

Tip: Only 12.5 cm long and 121 g including cable and connector.

Workflow 4: Sports facility fixed positions

Sports broadcasters capturing field action.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the 4017 in a fixed position aimed at the action.
2. Run the XLR line; the 4017 drives cables up to 100 m.
3. Set the level at the console.

Tip: Excellent RF immunity and humidity immunity for outdoor venues.

Workflow 5: Orchestra spot miking from the ceiling

Recording and broadcast engineers covering orchestras.

Connections

Setup

1. Hang the microphone from the ceiling with the SM4000.
2. Aim it at the orchestra section or ambience.
3. Connect and set the level.

Tip: The SM4000 Suspension Mount is included with the 4017ER and 4017ES.

Workflow 6: Studio recording

Studio engineers who need a highly directional microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the 4017B on a stand aimed at the source.
2. Use the low cut if needed.
3. Record; sound from the sides and back stays natural, just damped.

Tip: Typ. 13 dB(A) self-noise and 124 dB dynamic range.