DPA ST4015A Matched Stereo Pair, 4015A Wide Cardioid Microphones

Product overview

The DPA ST4015A is a matched stereo pair of 4015A Wide Cardioid Microphones, matched to ±1 dB in frequency response and sensitivity, with a phase deviation below 10° for the kit.

Sometimes a conventional cardioid pattern is not quite open enough. Recording orchestras and other ensembles can call for a balance between blending in the room reverberation and more precise localisation, and for instruments with complex radiation patterns the wide cardioid (also known as hemispheric) design covers a greater sound angle. The off-axis characteristics are totally linear, so any leakage from off-axis sources is still a faithful reproduction of those sounds, just softly attenuated.

The 4015A suits acoustic instruments and voices with a rich and open sound and handles extremely high sound pressure levels before clipping. Each microphone includes a 20 dB pad switch in the centre of the XLR connector to prevent overloading of the microphone amplifier. It is ideal for grand piano, guitar, marimba and percussion, as a spot microphone for groups in a symphony orchestra, and as a speech, dubbing or vocal microphone whose enhanced richness in the bass complements many voices.

Key features

• Two 4015A microphones matched to ±1 dB, phase deviation below 10°
• Low profile, wide pickup area
• Totally linear off-axis characteristics
• Natural reproduction and directional ambience pickup
• Exceptional for vocals: enhanced richness on the bass end
• 20 dB pad switch on each microphone

Made for

• Orchestras and ensembles
• Grand piano, guitar, marimba and percussion
• Spot miking groups in a symphony orchestra
• Speech, dubbing and vocals

In the box

• 2 x DPA 4015A Wide Cardioid Microphone (matched stereo pair)

DPA ST4015A: frequently asked questions

How closely are the two microphones matched?

Frequency response and sensitivity are matched within ±1 dB, and the phase deviation for the kit is below 10°.

Why a wide cardioid pair for ensembles?

Recording orchestras and ensembles calls for a balance between room reverberation and precise localisation; the wide cardioid covers a greater sound angle than a conventional cardioid.

How does it treat off-axis sound?

Its off-axis characteristics are totally linear, so leakage is still a faithful reproduction, just softly attenuated.

Can the microphones take loud sources?

Yes. Each 4015A reaches 159 dB SPL peak at THD 10 % and has a 20 dB pad switch.

Where can I buy the DPA ST4015A in India?

The DPA ST4015A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Stereo pair on an ensemble

Recording engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Set up the matched pair in front of the ensemble.
2. Connect each microphone.
3. Pan and balance.

Tip: Balances room reverberation and precise localisation.

Workflow 2: Grand piano in stereo

Studio and concert engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the pair at the piano.
2. Connect both.
3. Pan and set matching gains.

Tip: Matching within ±1 dB keeps the image even.

Workflow 3: Orchestra groups

Recording engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Spot a group with one microphone.
2. Connect.
3. Blend with the main pickup.

Tip: Totally linear off-axis characteristics.

Workflow 4: Marimba and percussion

Engineers miking percussion.

Connections

Setup

1. Space the microphones over the instrument.
2. Use the 20 dB pads for loud playing.
3. Connect and pan.

Tip: Handles extremely high sound pressure levels before clipping.

Workflow 5: Speech and dubbing

Voice studios.

Connections

Setup

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

Tip: Enhanced richness on the bass end complements many voices.

Workflow 6: Guitar

Recording engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at the guitar.
2. Connect.
3. Record.

Tip: Rich and open sound on acoustic instruments.