DPA 4018 Supercardioid Microphone

Product overview

The DPA 4018 is a supercardioid pencil microphone for a broad range of long-distance broadcast, ENG and film miking, such as booming, dialogue, interview and table or podium use, with superb flexibility through modular accessories.

Part of the flexible DPA pencil microphone series, the 4018 has a highly directional supercardioid pickup pattern with a smooth and uniform off-axis frequency response. The supercardioid shape is frequency independent, giving an identical sound colour around the microphone, and the usual rear lobe is minimised on this capsule, so it is much more isolated without sudden frequency-dependent peaks and dips.

Four versions are offered. The 4018A is designed for music recording and broadcast, ENG and film long-distance miking: booming, dialogue, interview, table and spot recording. The 4018C is even shorter at only 6.4 cm (2.5 in), a great-sounding microphone with a very small footprint, ideal as a spot or hanging microphone for orchestra recording. The 4018ER and 4018ES are ultra-compact, only 35 mm (1.38 in) long, combining the MMC4018 capsule with the MMP-ER/ES modular active XLR cable with rear or side cable entry; with the included SM4000-C Suspension Mount they can be hung from the ceiling for precision spot miking of orchestra sections or ambience.

At any time, and with no tools needed, the MMC4018 capsule can be transformed into a new configuration with another DPA pencil preamp, for example the MMP-G active MicroLock cable, which lets the microphone feed a wireless transmitter directly.

Key features

• Highly directional supercardioid pattern for high isolation
• Low noise and high sensitivity
• Most controlled supercardioid shape with a minimised rear lobe
• Uniform, frequency-independent directionality
• Smooth, uniform off-axis frequency response
• Modular flexibility: capsule and preamps change without tools

Versions

• 4018A: supercardioid microphone with the MMP-A preamp
• 4018C: compact supercardioid microphone, 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
• 4018ER: 35 mm microphone with rear cable, XLR
• 4018ES: 35 mm microphone with side cable, XLR

Made for

• Booming, dialogue and interviews for broadcast, ENG and film
• Table and podium microphones
• Music recording and spot recording
• Spot and hanging microphones for orchestra recording
• Ambience recording from above

In the box

• 4018 microphone in the chosen version (4018A, 4018C, 4018ER or 4018ES)
• 4018ER / 4018ES: SM4000-C Suspension Mount included

DPA 4018: frequently asked questions

Which 4018 version should I choose?

The 4018A for music recording and long-distance broadcast, ENG and film miking; the 4018C (6.4 cm) as a compact spot or hanging microphone for orchestras; the 4018ER or 4018ES (35 mm, rear or side cable) for unobtrusive desktop or hanging use.

Why is the 4018 supercardioid so consistent?

Its shape is frequency independent, giving an identical sound colour around the microphone, and the usual rear lobe is minimised, so isolation is high without sudden peaks and dips.

How is the 4018ER/ES hung?

It comes with the SM4000-C Suspension Mount, which allows it to be hung from the ceiling for precision spot miking of orchestra sections or ambience.

How is it powered?

The 4018ER/ES runs on P48 phantom power with 3.5 mA current consumption and drives cables up to 100 m (328 ft).

Can I change the preamp later?

Yes. The MMC4018 capsule can be moved to another DPA pencil preamp at any time, with no tools needed: MMP-A, MMP-C, MMP-ER/ES or the MMP-G active MicroLock cable for wireless systems.

Where can I buy the DPA 4018 in India?

The DPA 4018 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Booming for film and ENG

Location sound crews recording dialogue.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the 4018A on the boom.
2. Connect the XLR to the recorder or mixer.
3. Aim at the speaker; the supercardioid rejects the surroundings.

Tip: The rear lobe is minimised for high isolation.

Workflow 2: Interview and dialogue

Broadcast and ENG teams.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone towards the speaker.
2. Connect and set the gain.
3. Record; off-axis sound stays uniform in colour.

Tip: The frequency-independent pattern keeps the sound colour identical around the microphone.

Workflow 3: Table and podium

Broadcast desks, podium and table set-ups.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the 35 mm microphone on the table or podium.
2. Run the side or rear cable to the mixer.
3. Switch on P48 and set the gain.

Tip: The low-key appearance keeps the set-up unobtrusive.

Workflow 4: Hanging orchestra spot microphones

Recording engineers in concert halls.

Connections

Setup

1. Hang the microphone from the ceiling in the SM4000-C.
2. Aim it at the orchestra section.
3. Connect and switch on P48.

Tip: Ideal for precision spot miking of sections or ambience.

Workflow 5: Compact spot microphone

Engineers recording orchestras and ensembles.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the 6.4 cm 4018C as a spot or hanging microphone.
2. Connect and set the gain.

Tip: A very small footprint with a highly directional pattern.

Workflow 6: Wireless with the MMP-G

Broadcast and theatre crews using wireless systems.

Connections

Setup

1. Move the MMC4018 capsule onto the MMP-G, no tools needed.
2. Connect through the matching DPA adapter.
3. Set the transmitter input level.

Tip: With the GSM4000 it suits very lightweight booming.