DPA 4188 CORE+ Directional Flex Headset and Earset Microphone

Product overview

The DPA 4188 CORE+ is a directional flex headset and earset microphone that combines the legendary sound of the 4088 Directional Capsule with DPA's lightweight and flexible headset system.

It can be used when miking needs to be fast and easy, and where the wearer should not feel the presence of the microphone, such as in conference, speech and active live performance applications. It is ideal for both spoken word and vocal performance. It offers accurate and natural voice intelligibility and very high SPL capability, so the wearer can both speak and sing into it with no hint of distortion.

The microphone provides excellent off-axis rejection in high-SPL situations and efficiently suppresses distant sound sources, which makes it perfect for demanding live performance environments where background noise and feedback are concerns. The bass response is designed for optimal linearity at 2-3 cm (1 in) from the source, so bass rolls off at a greater distance, helping to reject background noise and avoid feedback. The capsule is also optimised for low distortion and humidity resistance.

The CORE+ generation neutralises distortion across the entire dynamic range, and the MicroLock connector is a dependable, secure locking connector with limitless flexibility. The 4188 CORE+ is also offered terminated in 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR or Mini-Jack, in black, brown or beige.

The 4188 is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably and easily: it adjusts to any ear size and head shape, mounts securely and is hardly visible. Rotate the boom and the ear hook to wear it on the left or the right ear, and use the connector that splits the cable from the boom to swap a damaged cable or wireless connector quickly.

Key features

• CORE+ technology neutralises distortion across the entire dynamic range
• Legendary 4088 Directional Capsule sound on a lightweight, flexible headset system
• Excellent off-axis rejection: suppresses background noise and helps avoid feedback
• Speak and sing into it with no hint of distortion
• Pristine audio quality, optimised for low distortion
• Easy mounting to the left or right ear, minimal visual impact
• Resistant to humidity
• Detachable cable: swap a damaged cable or wireless connector quickly
• Headset (two ears) or earset (one ear), 120 mm or 100 mm boom
• MicroLock connector, or 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR and Mini-Jack terminations; flexible adapter system fits most professional wireless systems

Placement and boom length

Two directional boom lengths are available: 120 mm (4.7 in), the standard length that fits most people, and 100 mm (3.9 in). The boom is 3 cm (1 in) longer than on the omnidirectional version, to place the capsule at the corner of the mouth. To avoid popping, do not place the capsule directly in front of the mouth. The headset is the comfortable, most secure option; the earset is the quickest and lightest.

Made for

• Conference and speech
• Vocal performance: speaking and singing
• Active live performance where the wearer should not feel the microphone
• Loud stages where background noise and feedback are concerns

In the box

• 4188 CORE+ headset or earset microphone with the chosen boom length and termination

DPA 4188 CORE+: frequently asked questions

Why choose a directional headset microphone?

The cardioid 4188 gives excellent off-axis rejection and suppresses distant sound sources, so it suits loud stages where background noise and feedback are concerns.

Where should the capsule sit?

At the corner of the mouth, about 2-3 cm from the source, where the bass response is designed for optimal linearity. Do not place it directly in front of the mouth, to avoid popping.

Which boom length should I choose?

The 120 mm boom is the standard length that fits most people; the 100 mm boom is the shorter option.

Headset or earset?

The headset rests on both ears and is the comfortable, most secure option. The earset hooks over one ear and is the quickest and lightest option. Both can be worn on the left or the right side.

Which connectors are available?

The 4188 CORE+ is available with the MicroLock connector, or terminated in 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR or Mini-Jack. The DPA adapter system fits most professional wireless systems, and a DPA XLR adapter allows wired use with P48 phantom power.

Where can I buy the DPA 4188 CORE+ in India?

The DPA 4188 CORE+ is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Vocal performance on a loud stage

Live sound teams miking singers and performers.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the headset for the most secure fit during active performance.
2. Place the capsule at the corner of the mouth, not directly in front of it.
3. Connect the termination that matches the transmitter, or a DPA adapter on the MicroLock version.
4. Set the gain for singing level.

Tip: Off-axis rejection helps keep background noise out and fights feedback.

Workflow 2: Conference and speech

Event and conference crews miking speakers.

Connections

Setup

1. Pick the earset, the quickest and lightest option.
2. Rotate the boom and the ear hook for the chosen ear.
3. Set the capsule 2-3 cm from the corner of the mouth and check the level.

Tip: Minimal visual impact keeps the microphone hardly visible.

Workflow 3: Fighting feedback

Engineers working on loud stages.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep the capsule close to the mouth.
2. Aim the cardioid pattern at the mouth.
3. Set the gain; distant sound sources are suppressed.

Tip: The bass roll-off at a greater distance is a key factor in rejecting background noise.

Workflow 4: Wired use with phantom power

Installations and wired stage inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the MicroLock connector to the DPA XLR adapter.
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: Choosing the boom length

Anyone fitting the headset to different wearers.

Connections

Setup

1. Start with the 120 mm boom.
2. Choose the 100 mm boom where a shorter boom suits the wearer.
3. Bend the flexible boom so the capsule sits at the corner of the mouth.

Tip: The directional boom is 3 cm longer than the omni version for corner-of-mouth placement.

Workflow 6: Quick cable swap

Stage crews keeping performers on air.

Connections

Setup

1. Unplug the connector that splits the cable from the boom.
2. Fit a spare cable or a cable with another wireless connector.
3. Reconnect and check the signal.

Tip: Broken cables and wireless connectors can be swapped quickly.