The Bottom Line
DPA Microphones have long been regarded as some of the highest quality microphones around, and they've certainly come with a price; in fact, some of the best of DPA's selections go for upwards of $6,000!
The DPA SMK4061 is a robust, high-quality microphone set with many options for both home recording engineers and concert tapers. The DPA line has been long regarded as some of the most accurate microphones available, and the 4061 series certainly lives up to that expectation.
Priced right around $1000, this represents a great value in a very versatile set of microphones.
The DPA SMK4061 is a robust, high-quality microphone set with many options for both home recording engineers and concert tapers. The DPA line has been long regarded as some of the most accurate microphones available, and the 4061 series certainly lives up to that expectation.
Priced right around $1000, this represents a great value in a very versatile set of microphones.
Pros
- Complete Stereo Recording Kit
- Discreet Size
- World-Famous Microphone Quality
Cons
- Price
- Possible Durability Issues
- The "Upgrade Itch"
Description
- Included accessories: boundary layer mount, two microdot/XLR adapters with belt clips, magnet & stick-on mounts.
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Directional characteristics: Omnidirectional
Guide Review - DPA SMK4061 Stereo Microphone Kit
The DPA SMK4061 rings in at around $1000, and while it may seem expensive, you're getting a huge deal. The set starts with two hand-matched 4061 omnidirectional microphones, along with microdot to XLR adapters that allow the mics to receive +48v phantom power. You also receive several really nice mounting options, including stick-on pads and magnetic mounts. You also receive two boundary mounts - perfect for use in pianos or percussion. You also receive windscreens and a really nice portable case.
Sound quality is silky smooth. Used in a high-SPL environment with a good quality preamp (Grace Design Lunatec V2), the microphones sounded fantastic - if not a little bass-heavy, which is partly due to the content being recorded. The highs and mids have the signature DPA sound quality of silky highs and punchy mids.
Used with acoustic guitar, the stick-on pads helped immensely. I stuck one microphone near the bridge, another near where the neck meets the body. Sound quality was fantastic; open, accurate, and fast.
The microdot to XLR adapters do have one drawback: belt clips attached to each one make fitting directly into a preamp strip nearly impossible. However, the adapters screw apart and the belt clips are easily removed. Also, while they appear well-built, I do think that with heavy field use there might be durability issues. However, DPA offers a generous warranty in case of mishap.
These microphones represent one of the best values in microphones today, despite a high price for most home recording engineers. And if you've got more money to spare, once you hear the DPA 4061, you'll definitely want to look into DPA's more pricey offerings, such as the DPA 4021 cardioid condenser. But at $1000, the SMK4061 is the perfect blend of value and performance.
Sound quality is silky smooth. Used in a high-SPL environment with a good quality preamp (Grace Design Lunatec V2), the microphones sounded fantastic - if not a little bass-heavy, which is partly due to the content being recorded. The highs and mids have the signature DPA sound quality of silky highs and punchy mids.
Used with acoustic guitar, the stick-on pads helped immensely. I stuck one microphone near the bridge, another near where the neck meets the body. Sound quality was fantastic; open, accurate, and fast.
The microdot to XLR adapters do have one drawback: belt clips attached to each one make fitting directly into a preamp strip nearly impossible. However, the adapters screw apart and the belt clips are easily removed. Also, while they appear well-built, I do think that with heavy field use there might be durability issues. However, DPA offers a generous warranty in case of mishap.
These microphones represent one of the best values in microphones today, despite a high price for most home recording engineers. And if you've got more money to spare, once you hear the DPA 4061, you'll definitely want to look into DPA's more pricey offerings, such as the DPA 4021 cardioid condenser. But at $1000, the SMK4061 is the perfect blend of value and performance.
