DPA 4060 CORE Omni Lavalier Microphone, Normal SPL

Product overview

The DPA 4060 CORE is an omnidirectional miniature lavalier microphone for normal sound pressure levels, based on the very first miniature microphone DPA developed from technology previously used only in hearing aids and measurement microphones.

Its miniature size gives it an exceptionally accurate omnidirectional pattern, so it does not need to be aimed directly at the source to achieve quality pickup, and it is less sensitive to handling noise as well as pop and wind noise. It is especially suited to capturing speech in all its nuances, can close-mic a wide range of instruments, and handles sound pressure levels up to 134 dB before clipping. With its very low self-noise it is well suited as a lavalier mounted in a clip on the chest, where it gives a good balance of signal versus noise, and it works well where the source is more remote or damped.

Like all 4060 Series microphones it comes with CORE by DPA, a powerful technology at the heart of DPA miniature microphones that minimises distortion across the entire dynamic range, increasing audio clarity and openness. The 4060 CORE is offered with the MicroDot connector, or terminated in 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR or Mini-Jack, in black, brown, beige or white; adapters screw onto the MicroDot connector gently yet firmly until they click.

A 5.4 mm pre-polarised condenser element with a vertical diaphragm, the Double Vent Protection System against humidity and sweat, and an aramid-reinforced cable relief built to withstand constant twists, bends and pulls make the microphone extremely rugged and reliable in the toughest conditions.

Key features

• CORE by DPA minimises distortion across the entire dynamic range
• Exceptionally accurate omnidirectional pattern: no need to aim the microphone at the source
• Less sensitive to handling noise, pop and wind noise
• Exceptional audio quality and uniform, consistent sound between DPA microphones
• Extremely rugged and reliable: Double Vent Protection System against humidity and sweat, aramid-reinforced cable relief
• Small and unobtrusive, for flexible and easy concealment
• Two interchangeable grids supplied: Soft Boost Grid (pre-fitted) and High Boost Grid
• MicroDot connector, or 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR and Mini-Jack terminations
• Large selection of clips, windscreens, grids and other accessories; modular adapter system fits most professional wireless systems

Two grids for head or chest placement

The acoustic response is tailored by choosing the right grid. The pre-fitted Soft Boost Grid gives a 3 dB soft boost at 8 to 20 kHz; it is used when the microphone is mounted on the performer's head and in most other applications where a natural-sounding microphone is needed. The High Boost Grid introduces a 10 dB soft boost around 12 kHz for chest placement. Both grids are made of anodised stainless steel with a tough, scratch-resistant surface, and they can be detached and cleaned of sweat, make-up and the like.

Made for

• Theatre, with wireless systems
• Television and film
• Speech in all its nuances
• Close-miking a wide range of instruments
• Chest-mounted clip use and sources that are more remote or damped

In the box

• 4060 CORE omnidirectional miniature microphone with the chosen termination
• Soft Boost Grid (pre-fitted)
• High Boost Grid

DPA 4060 CORE: frequently asked questions

What does Normal SPL mean on the 4060?

The 4060 has a sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa and handles sound pressure levels up to 134 dB before clipping. With its very low self-noise it suits speech from a chest or head position and sources that are more remote or damped, where a good balance of signal versus noise is needed.

Does the microphone have to point at the speaker?

No. Thanks to its miniature size the 4060 has an exceptionally accurate omnidirectional pattern, so it achieves quality pickup without being aimed directly at the source.

Which grid should I use?

Keep the pre-fitted Soft Boost Grid (3 dB soft boost at 8 to 20 kHz) for head mounting and most natural-sounding applications. Fit the High Boost Grid (10 dB soft boost around 12 kHz) when the microphone is placed on the chest; pull the grid gently to remove it and press the other into place on the housing.

Which connectors are available?

The 4060 CORE is available with the MicroDot connector, or terminated in 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR or Mini-Jack. The DPA modular adapter system fits most professional wireless systems, and a DPA XLR adapter gives P48 phantom-powered wired use.

How should the microphone be cleaned?

The cable and the protection grid are the parts to clean, using demineralised water. After exposure to sweat, rinse the microphone in demineralised water and let it dry out; drying it between exposures to humidity also extends its lifetime. Remove tape, glue or make-up from the cable after use with organic oil or lukewarm demineralised water.

Where can I buy the DPA 4060 CORE in India?

The DPA 4060 CORE is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Theatre: head-mounted wireless microphone

Theatre sound teams fitting performers with wireless microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep the pre-fitted Soft Boost Grid for head mounting.
2. Conceal the microphone and route the cable to the bodypack.
3. Connect the termination that matches the transmitter, or a DPA adapter on the MicroDot version.
4. Set the transmitter gain for the performer's level.

Tip: The 4060 was originally designed for use with wireless systems in theatres.

Workflow 2: Television: chest-placed lavalier

Broadcast crews miking presenters and guests.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the High Boost Grid for chest placement.
2. Clip the microphone on the chest; it does not need to be aimed at the mouth.
3. Connect to the transmitter and check the level.

Tip: With its very low self-noise, the 4060 gives a good balance of signal versus noise on the chest.

Workflow 3: Film: hidden lavalier

Production sound teams concealing microphones on actors.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the colour that best matches costume or skin.
2. Conceal the microphone; its small size makes this flexible and easy.
3. Choose the grid for the position: Soft Boost on the head, High Boost on the chest.
4. Record speech in all its nuances.

Tip: The omnidirectional pattern is less sensitive to handling noise.

Workflow 4: Wired use with phantom power

Studios, conferences and installations using wired microphone inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the MicroDot connector to the DAD6001-BC XLR adapter, screwing it on gently yet firmly until it clicks.
2. Switch on P48 phantom power at the input.
3. Run the cable; up to 300 m is possible with the XLR adapter.

Tip: The microphone also works from 12 V.

Workflow 5: Close-miking instruments

Live and studio engineers miking acoustic instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone close to the instrument with a suitable DPA clip.
2. Connect it through the XLR adapter or a wireless transmitter.
3. Set the gain; the 4060 handles up to 134 dB before clipping.

Tip: DPA offers a large selection of clips, windscreens and other accessories for the 4060 Series.

Workflow 6: Remote or damped sources

Recordists capturing quieter speech and sounds at a distance.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone where it can be hidden near the source.
2. Use the Soft Boost Grid for a natural sound.
3. Set the gain for a good balance of signal versus noise.

Tip: The Normal SPL sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa suits sources that are more remote or damped.