DPA ST4006A Matched Stereo Pair, 4006A Omni Microphones

Product overview

The DPA ST4006A is a matched stereo pair of 4006A Omnidirectional Microphones, matched to ±0.5 dB in frequency response and sensitivity, with a phase deviation below 5° for the kit.

This omnidirectional condenser microphone is linear and true in character. It has earned its status as a worldwide recording standard and is DPA's most popular pencil microphone, repeatedly showing its total transparency in any recording situation. It picks up incredible detail and depth of sound, and the definition of its high-frequency characteristics across a wide range of instruments is impressive.

The 4006A offers clean, natural and precise sound reproduction with high sensitivity, a low noise floor and a linear response from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (±2 dB). It is ideal for A-B stereo pairs for symphonic concert hall recordings, and it also excels on vocals and for close miking all types of instruments. Each 4006A has a 20 dB attenuation push-switch at the XLR connector.

The 4006A is supplied with three grids that change its characteristics acoustically: a pre-mounted silver near-field grid, a black diffuse-field grid and a silver trapezoid close-mic grid. A wide selection of accessories, including acoustic pressure equalisers, a nose cone and interchangeable protection grids, can acoustically transform the microphone: changing grids gives several unique frequency responses and directional characteristics, without the phase shift, noise or distortion an electrical filter would introduce.

Key features

• Two 4006A microphones matched to ±0.5 dB, phase deviation below 5°
• Acoustic authenticity: transparency, detail and depth of sound
• Linear throughout a large frequency bandwidth: 10 Hz - 20 kHz (±2 dB)
• Detailed and natural reproduction
• High sensitivity and low noise floor
• Excellent for concert halls and spot miking acoustic instruments
• 20 dB attenuation push-switch on each microphone

4006A grids

• Silver near-field grid (DD0251), pre-mounted: neutral frequency response in the near (direct) sound field
• Black diffuse-field grid (DD0297): recording accuracy in the diffuse (far) field, compensating for the natural high-frequency loss caused by air absorption
• Silver trapezoid close-mic grid (DD0254): subtly rolls off the highest frequencies for a smoother treble when close miking sources with bright transient impulses

Made for

• A-B stereo pairs for symphonic concert hall recordings
• Vocals and close miking all types of instruments
• Spot miking acoustic instruments

In the box

• 2 x DPA 4006A Omnidirectional Microphone (matched stereo pair)

DPA ST4006A: frequently asked questions

How closely are the two microphones matched?

Frequency response and sensitivity are matched within ±0.5 dB, and the phase deviation for the kit is below 5°.

What is the ST4006A best used for?

A-B stereo pairs for symphonic concert hall recordings. The 4006A also excels on vocals and for close miking all types of instruments.

Which grid should I use?

The pre-mounted silver near-field grid is neutral in the direct sound field; the black diffuse-field grid compensates for high-frequency loss in the far field; the silver trapezoid close-mic grid smooths the treble on bright, transient sources.

How low is the noise?

Each 4006A has a typical equivalent noise level of 15 dB(A) and a typical dynamic range of 121 dB.

What power do the microphones need?

P48 phantom power through standard XLR-3M connections; Active Drive impedance balancing drives cables up to 100 m.

Where can I buy the DPA ST4006A in India?

The DPA ST4006A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: A-B stereo in a concert hall

Recording engineers capturing orchestras.

Connections

Setup

1. Set up the matched pair as a spaced A-B pair.
2. Connect each microphone with P48.
3. Record left and right.

Tip: Matching within ±0.5 dB keeps the stereo image stable.

Workflow 2: Far-field recording

Engineers placing the pair at a distance in the hall.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the black diffuse-field grids.
2. Place the pair in the diffuse field.
3. Record.

Tip: The diffuse-field grid compensates for the natural high-frequency loss caused by air absorption.

Workflow 3: Close-miked stereo

Engineers recording a soloist or instrument in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the close-mic grids for bright, transient sources.
2. Place the pair close.
3. Connect and set matching gains.

Tip: The trapezoid close-mic grid gives a smoother treble.

Workflow 4: Vocals

Studio engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place one microphone in front of the singer.
2. Connect and set the gain.
3. Record.

Tip: The 4006A excels on vocals.

Workflow 5: Loud sources

Engineers recording high-level instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Press the switch with a pencil or similar to lower the output by 20 dB.
2. Place the microphone.
3. Set the gain.

Tip: Up to 133 dB SPL RMS at THD below 1 %.

Workflow 6: Reconfigure with another DPA preamp

Owners who change set-ups between jobs.

Connections

Setup

1. Unscrew the capsule.
2. Fit the preamp for the job.
3. Connect.

Tip: Any DPA pencil preamp combines with any DPA modular pencil capsule.