DPA Microphones Launch their First-Ever Drum Miking Solution
at NAMM
With an intentional use for kick drum-specific applications, the 4055 Kick Drum Microphone offers a
very tight, natural, well-defined sound that is not pre-tailored like traditional kick mics.
DPA Microphones (NAMM Show Booth 14504) launches the DDK4000, the company's first ever
Drum
Microphone Kit, to help deliver a clear and natural reproduction of the low-frequency, high SPL
instrument. Comprised of the brand's acclaimed 4055 Kick Drum Mic, as well as the new 2012
Cardioid
and a stereo pair of the new 2015 Wide Cardioid, the kit also features three of the brand's renowned
4099 CORE Instrument Mics. With consideration for durability at the forefront of this
solution, the
kit has been rigorously tested to perform flawlessly for all types of music genres and is designed
to withstand the demands of life on the road.
"We are ecstatic to offer sound engineers a perfect drum miking solution with the DDK4000 Drum
Microphone Kit, comprised of several instrument mics with similar sonic characteristics that allows
users to capture a uniform, uncolored sound of the entire drum setup," says Bo Brinck,
Product
Specialist/Sound Engineer, DPA Microphones. "Every mic in the kit is designed with linear on- and
off-axis response, which helps the sound designer keep the natural direct sound as well as the
organic bleed between the drums and cymbals. Beginning with the clear, true sound of the entire kit
gives engineers the best starting point to shape the sound. We are very excited for the creative
possibilities and high-quality sound that this microphone kit will provide to the industry, and we
look forward to presenting it for the first time at NAMM."
With an intentional use for kick drum-specific applications, the 4055 Kick Drum Microphone offers a
very tight, natural, well-defined sound that is not pre-tailored like traditional kick mics. Also,
unlike other kick drum mics, the DPA 4055 will provide different sounds depending on its placement
relative to the kick drum. Owing to its condenser mic capabilities, the 4055 produces a tight, fast
and clean sound even at very high SPL (max SPL is 164 dB). Additionally, its asymmetric design is
easy to position both inside and outside the kick drum, making it quick and effortless to find the
ideal placement. Its large housing and wind damping foam in front of the capsule, behind the grille,
help minimize the pick-up of the air turbulence in front of the hole in the kick drum.
The 2012 Compact Cardioid Microphone acts as a reliable, all-around, generalist pencil mic
that can
capture crystal clear, single-instrument pickup with ease. Unlike dynamic mics, the 2012 combines a
robust design with intricate sound pickup, extended frequency range and flat frequency response in a
small-form factor for accurate close miking on any live stage setup. The exceptional transient
response of the 2012 allows it to cope with high SPLs while also capturing the most delicate of
sounds.
Designed for use as an overhead stereo pair on drum kits, the 2015 Compact Wide Cardioid Microphone
features uniform, wide cardioid directionality and a linear frequency response. This stereo pair can
be positioned closer to the drum kit than normal and captures the balanced sound of the entire
instrument with less bleed from the stage. Additionally, the compact design of the 2015 allows for
unobtrusive placement at venues of any size, while its durable, reinforced construction means it
will last from stage to stage. Both the 2012 and 2015 are pre-polarized condenser mics, each with a
specifically designed 17mm (0.67-inch) capsule that is perfectly tailored for its intended
application.
Featuring the company's renowned CORE by DPA amplification technology, the award-winning 4099 CORE
Instrument Mics are designed to minimize distortion and increase dynamic range ― from the highest of
highs to the lowest of the lows. The kit features the 4099 CORE "Extreme SPL" (109 dB dynamic range)
version, which is perfect for drum miking applications. Known for its discreet size and versatile
mounting/clip options, this longstanding member of the DPA microphone lineup is a great fit for a
variety of applications ranging from the studio and theater to live performances.
Like most DPA solutions, the DDK4000 Drum Microphone Kit comes in a sturdy Peli case, which includes
microphone holders and adapters. Additional accessories such as a stereo boom, gooseneck mount and
corresponding shock mounts are also available. The complete DDK4000 Drum Microphone Kit can be seen
in action at the NAMM 2023 show, where it will be shown at the DPA Booth (14504) and used on the
Yamaha Grand Stage throughout the event.