DPA 4661 CORE Heavy Duty Omni Lavalier Microphone, Loud SPL

Product overview

The DPA 4661 CORE Heavy Duty is an omnidirectional miniature lavalier microphone for loud sound pressure levels, made for situations that call for maximum security and where the visual size of the microphone matters less.

The 4661 is sensitivity-adjusted to cope with higher sound pressure levels, which typically occur close to a sound source or when the microphone must record content of high intensity undisturbed. It handles 144 dB SPL peak before clipping, making it one of the best miniatures for very loud and powerful instruments such as snare drums, guitar, bass and speaker cabinets. The heavy-duty cable relief and thicker cable work well in live environments, which can sometimes be rough.

The Heavy Duty series is a more robust version of the original DPA miniatures it is based on: a stainless steel housing, a heavy-duty, aramid-reinforced cable relief and a thick 2.2 mm cable withstand the constant twists, bends and pulls of everyday use in harsh environments. The 5.4 mm pre-polarised condenser element with the Double Vent Protection System makes the microphone extremely resistant to humidity and sweat.

This is the CORE generation of the 4661 Heavy Duty, fitted with the MicroDot connector for DPA's modular adapter system, which fits most professional wireless systems. It is also offered with a fixed 3-pin LEMO termination. Available in black or beige.

Key features

• CORE technology, with the MicroDot connector
• Two interchangeable grids supplied: Soft Boost Grid and High Boost Grid
• The most rugged and reliable version of the DPA miniatures: stainless steel housing, heavy-duty strain relief and a thick 2.2 mm cable
• Aramid-reinforced cable and strain relief built to withstand the constant twists, bends and pulls of everyday use in harsh environments
• Exceptionally accurate omnidirectional pattern: no need to aim the microphone directly at the source
• 5.4 mm pre-polarised condenser element with the Double Vent Protection System, extremely resistant to humidity and sweat
• Exceptional audio quality and uniform, consistent sound between DPA microphones
• Sturdy but small for flexible and easy concealment
• Modular adapter system fits most professional wireless systems

Two grids to tune the response

The acoustic response is modified by selecting the right grid for the job. The Soft Boost Grid gives a 3 dB soft boost at 8 to 20 kHz, while the High Boost Grid introduces a 10 dB soft boost around 12 kHz. Both grids are made of anodised stainless steel and can be detached from the microphone and wiped clean of sweat, make-up and dust.

Made for

• Snare drums, guitar, bass and speaker cabinets
• Other high-SPL sound sources
• Live environments
• Head-mounted use in theatre and the like
• Use with wireless systems through DPA adapters

In the box

• 4661 CORE Heavy Duty omnidirectional miniature microphone with the chosen termination
• Soft Boost Grid
• High Boost Grid

DPA 4661 CORE Heavy Duty: frequently asked questions

What does Loud SPL mean on the 4661?

The 4661 is sensitivity-adjusted (6 mV/Pa) to cope with higher sound pressure levels and handles 144 dB SPL peak before clipping, for very loud sources such as snare drums, guitar, bass and speaker cabinets.

What makes the Heavy Duty version different?

It is the most rugged version of the DPA miniatures: a stainless steel housing, a heavy-duty strain relief and a thick 2.2 mm aramid-reinforced cable, made for situations that call for maximum security.

Does the microphone have to point at the source?

No. The 4661 has an exceptionally accurate omnidirectional pattern, so it achieves quality pickup without being aimed directly at the source.

Which grids come with it?

Two grids are supplied: the Soft Boost Grid (3 dB soft boost at 8 to 20 kHz) and the High Boost Grid (10 dB soft boost around 12 kHz). Both are anodised stainless steel and can be detached and wiped clean.

Which connectors are available?

This CORE version is offered with the MicroDot connector or a fixed 3-pin LEMO termination. The DPA modular adapter system fits most professional wireless systems, and a DPA XLR adapter allows P48 phantom-powered wired use.

Where can I buy the DPA 4661 CORE Heavy Duty in India?

The DPA 4661 CORE Heavy Duty is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Snare drum and percussion

Live and studio engineers miking loud percussion.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone close to the drum.
2. Connect it and set the gain for very loud peaks.
3. Check the level at the loudest playing.

Tip: The 4661 handles 144 dB SPL peak before clipping.

Workflow 2: Guitar, bass and speaker cabinets

Engineers miking amplified and acoustic instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the microphone close to the source.
2. Connect through the DPA XLR adapter and switch on P48.
3. Set the gain for high sound pressure levels.

Tip: Its Loud SPL sensitivity of 6 mV/Pa suits very loud and powerful sources.

Workflow 3: Rough live environments

Touring and live sound teams.

Connections

Setup

1. Route the 2.2 mm cable along the instrument or stand.
2. Let the heavy-duty cable relief take the strain.
3. Check the connection before the show.

Tip: The heavy-duty cable relief and thicker cable work well in live environments.

Workflow 4: Head-mounted theatre microphone

Theatre sound teams fitting performers.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the grid that suits the position.
2. Mount the microphone on the head and route the cable to the bodypack.
3. Set the transmitter gain for loud passages.

Tip: Loud SPL versions are typically used as head-mounted microphones in theatre.

Workflow 5: Wired use with phantom power

Studios, conferences and installations using wired microphone inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the MicroDot 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 6: Wireless systems through DPA adapters

Users of professional wireless systems.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the DPA adapter that matches the transmitter's input.
2. Attach it to the MicroDot connector.
3. Power comes from the transmitter: min. 5 V - max. 10 V.

Tip: The modular adapter system fits most professional wireless systems.