DPA 6061 CORE Subminiature Omni Lavalier Microphone, Loud SPL

Product overview

The DPA 6061 CORE is an omnidirectional subminiature lavalier microphone for loud sound pressure levels, just 3 mm (0.12 in) in size but with the audio power of the larger DPA microphones.

Made for very loud sound sources, such as some human voices, the 6061 handles up to 144 dB SPL peak. It works well for hidden applications and is most often used to capture the voice when mounted on the forehead of a theatre performer. Its noise floor of only 26 dB(A) is on par with the DPA 5 mm miniature capsules.

CORE by DPA technology, shrunk down to fit the 3 mm capsule, minimises distortion: from a whisper to a scream you hear increased clarity and openness. With an adapter the 6061 CORE connects through the dependable, secure locking MicroLock connector; it is also offered with hardwired 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR and Mini-Jack terminations, in black, brown, beige or white.

The tiny capsule has a cap that can be removed for cleaning and is reattached with a firm click that can be both felt and heard. Microphone and cap are stainless steel with a Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating that tolerates high temperatures, is resilient against impacts and resistant to abrasion, and gives a pleasant matte look that makes the microphone less obtrusive. The CORE subminiatures are IP58 certified, thanks to a water-repellent nano-coating of the cover and housing, hermetic sealing of the sensitive amplifier and dual gold plating of the diaphragm.

The cable is the same Ø 1.6 mm size, with the same rugged cable relief, as on the DPA 5 mm microphones: extremely durable, it does not become entangled and has an aramid-reinforced inner core that withstands rough pulls. A strain relief is integrated in the microphone housing, and the cable and capsule design ensure immunity to noisy wireless devices.

Key features

• Loud SPL: up to 144 dB SPL peak, for very loud voices
• Just 3 mm (0.12 in): diminutive size made for flexible and easy concealment
• CORE by DPA technology minimises distortion for clarity and openness
• Typ. 26 dB(A) self-noise, on par with the DPA 5 mm miniature capsules
• Extremely rugged and reliable: stainless steel with PVD coating, IP58 certified
• Removable cap for cleaning, secured with a click you can feel and hear
• Ø 1.6 mm aramid-reinforced cable with rugged cable relief and integrated strain relief
• MicroLock locking connector, or 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR and Mini-Jack terminations

Placement

Forehead placement is optimal: very little or no EQ is necessary and the most natural pick-up is achieved. On the chest, attenuate around 800 Hz for the acoustic build-up at this frequency, and a high-frequency boost helps speech intelligibility. At the corner of the mouth the level is about 10 dB higher than at the chest.

Made for

• Theatre: head-mounted on the forehead
• Very loud voices
• Hidden applications on talent
• Television, film and live events with wireless systems

In the box

• 6061 CORE subminiature microphone with the chosen termination, cap fitted

DPA 6061 CORE: frequently asked questions

What does Loud SPL mean on the 6061?

The 6061 has a sensitivity of 6 mV/Pa and handles up to 144 dB SPL peak, so it can take very loud sound sources such as some human voices. It is typically used head-mounted in theatre.

Is the 6061 quiet enough for speech?

Yes. Its self-noise is typ. 26 dB(A), on par with the DPA 5 mm miniature capsules, with a typical dynamic range of 102 dB.

Where should I place the microphone?

Forehead placement gives the most natural pick-up with little or no EQ. On the chest, attenuate around 800 Hz and add a little high-frequency boost for speech intelligibility.

Is it resistant to sweat and water?

Yes. The CORE subminiatures are IP58 certified, with a water-repellent nano-coating, a hermetically sealed amplifier and a dual gold-plated diaphragm.

Which connectors are available?

MicroLock for use with DPA adapters, or hardwired 3-pin LEMO, TA4F Mini-XLR or Mini-Jack terminations.

Where can I buy the DPA 6061 CORE in India?

The DPA 6061 CORE is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Theatre: forehead-mounted microphone

Theatre sound teams fitting performers with wireless microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Hide the 3 mm microphone at the forehead.
2. Route the cable to the bodypack.
3. Connect and set the transmitter gain for the performer's level.

Tip: The 6061 is most often used mounted on the forehead of a theatre performer.

Workflow 2: Very loud voices

Musical theatre and live performance crews.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone close to the mouth or at the forehead.
2. Set the gain with the loudest passages.
3. Use very little EQ at the forehead.

Tip: The 6061 handles up to 144 dB SPL peak.

Workflow 3: Hidden lavalier for film and television

Production sound teams concealing microphones on talent.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the colour that best matches costume or skin.
2. Conceal the microphone.
3. On the chest, attenuate around 800 Hz.

Tip: The 6061 works well for hidden applications.

Workflow 4: Wired use with phantom power

Studios, conferences and installations with wired microphone inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the MicroLock connector to the DPA XLR adapter.
2. Switch on P48 phantom power.
3. Run the cable; up to 300 m is possible with the XLR adapter.

Tip: The microphone also works from 12 V.

Workflow 5: 8-way clip for any shirt

Wardrobe and sound teams changing microphones between costumes.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the microphone in the 360° rotatable clip.
2. Turn it in 45° steps to suit a left- or right-buttoned shirt or a neckline.
3. Clip on and route the cable.

Tip: The SCM0030 holds the microphone in eight positions.

Workflow 6: Outdoors and in wind

Broadcast and event crews working outside.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the optional DPA windscreen.
2. Place the microphone as usual.
3. Check the level.

Tip: The windscreen reduces wind noise by 15 - 20 dB depending on the wind speed.