DPA MMC4018 Supercardioid Microphone Capsule

Product overview

The DPA MMC4018 is the supercardioid capsule of the 4018 microphone for the DPA modular pencil microphone series, with a highly directional pickup pattern and a smooth, uniform off-axis frequency response.

It is designed for a broad range of long-distance broadcast, ENG and film miking applications, such as booming, dialogue, interview and table or podium use. The supercardioid shape is frequency independent, giving an identical sound colour around the microphone, and the usual rear lobe is minimised, so the capsule is highly isolated without sudden frequency-dependent peaks and dips.

At any time, and with no tools needed, the MMC4018 can be transformed into a new configuration. You can combine it with any DPA modular pencil preamp: the ultra-transparent, transformerless MMP-A, the ultra-compact MMP-C, the MMP-ER/ES active XLR cable with rear or side cable entry, or the MMP-GR/GS active MicroLock cable for wireless systems.

Key features

• Highly directional supercardioid pattern for high isolation
• Smooth, uniform off-axis frequency response
• Frequency-independent directionality with a minimised rear lobe
• Low noise and high sensitivity
• Reconfigured with any DPA pencil preamp, no tools needed

Made for

• Booming for broadcast, ENG and film
• Dialogue and interviews
• Table and podium use
• Spot and hanging microphones for orchestras

In the box

• MMC4018 microphone capsule (a DPA pencil preamp is needed, available separately)

DPA MMC4018: frequently asked questions

Is the MMC4018 a complete microphone?

It is a capsule of the modular pencil microphone series. Combine it with any DPA pencil preamp: the MMP-A standard preamp, the MMP-C compact preamp, the MMP-ER/ES active XLR cable or the MMP-GR/GS active MicroLock cable.

What is it designed for?

Long-distance broadcast, ENG and film miking such as booming, dialogue, interview and table or podium use; on the MMP-ER/ES active cable it also serves as a spot or hanging microphone for orchestras.

Why is the 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.

Can it be used for booming on a wireless system?

Yes. On the MMP-G active MicroLock cable with the GSM4000 Gooseneck Shock Mount it handles anything from very lightweight booming to instrument miking, and the MMP-G can feed a wireless transmitter directly.

Do I need tools to change the preamp?

No. The MMC4018 can be transformed into a new configuration at any time, with no tools needed.

Where can I buy the DPA MMC4018 in India?

The DPA MMC4018 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Pencil microphone with the MMP-A

Studio and stage engineers who want a full-size pencil microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Combine the capsule with the MMP-A, an ultra-transparent, transformerless preamp.
2. Connect the XLR output to the microphone input.
3. Use the 20 dB attenuation push switch at the XLR connector when needed.

Tip: Active drive gives impedance balancing over the cable.

Workflow 2: Compact set-up with the MMP-C

Engineers who need a short, discreet microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Combine the capsule with the ultra-compact MMP-C.
2. Place the microphone where space is tight.
3. Connect and set the gain.

Tip: The MMP-C has a slightly softer character than the other preamps in the series.

Workflow 3: Hanging or table microphone

Recording and broadcast engineers needing unobtrusive hanging or table microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the capsule on the MMP-ER (rear cable) or MMP-ES (side cable).
2. Hang it, or suspend it in the CSM4000 on a stand, table base or magnet base.
3. Connect the 3-pin XLR to the input.

Tip: The preamp sits in a small 12 mm housing for a very slim set-up.

Workflow 4: Wireless with the MMP-GR/GS

Broadcast, theatre and live crews working with wireless systems.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the capsule on the MMP-GR (rear cable) or MMP-GS (side cable).
2. Connect the MicroLock connector through the matching DPA adapter.
3. Set the transmitter input level.

Tip: The MMP-G lets a larger microphone feed a wireless transmitter directly.

Workflow 5: Instrument miking with the GSM4000

Musicians and engineers close-miking acoustic instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the capsule on the active cable in the GSM4000.
2. Attach the GSM4000 to the instrument with the matching clip.
3. Bend the 11.5 cm gooseneck to aim the capsule.

Tip: The gooseneck and shock mount are combined in one piece.

Workflow 6: XY or ORTF stereo pair

Recording engineers capturing ensembles and ambience in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit both capsules on active cables.
2. Mount them in the CXO4000 in XY or ORTF configuration.
3. Connect both channels and match the gains.

Tip: XY is coincident; ORTF is near-coincident and combines time and intensity differences.