DPA 4015A Wide Cardioid Microphone

This mic is the perfect fill-in between an omnidirectional and a directional microphone.

The off-axis characteristics of this mic are totally linear, a unique quality when it comes to authentic sound reproduction. Any leakage that occurs from off-axis sound sources is still a faithful reproduction of these sounds, just softly attenuated.

Sometimes a conventional cardioid pattern just isn’t quite open enough. Recording orchestras, and other ensembles, sometimes require a compromise between blending in the room reverberation and a more precise localization. When recording instruments with complex radiation patterns, the wide cardioid (also known as hemispheric) design covers a greater sound angle and is an excellent choice. This is the ideal mic for recording grand piano, guitar, marimba and percussion, or as a spot mic for groups in a symphony orchestra. Likewise, it is an excellent speech, dubbing, or vocal mic as its enhanced richness on the bass end nicely compliments many voices.

This mic suits acoustic instruments and voices with rich and open sound. It is capable of handling extremely high sound pressure levels before clipping occurs. The 4015A Wide Cardioid Mic even includes a 20 dB pad switch in the center of the XLR connector to prevent overloading of the mic amplifier.

Technical Specifications

Directional pattern
Wide cardioid
Principle of operation
Pressure gradient
Cartridge type
Pre-polarized condenser
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Effective frequency range, +/-2 dB, at 60 cm (23.6 in)
40 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity, nominal, +/-2 dB at 1 kHz
10 mV/Pa; -40 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted
Typ. 18 dB(A) re. 20 uPa (max. 20 dB(A))
Equivalent noise level, ITU-R BS.468-4
Typ. 25 dB (correct with the attenuator in 0 dB or -20 dB setting)
Distortion, THD < 1%
136 dB SPL RMS, 139 dB SPL peak
Dynamic range
Typ. 121 dB
Max. SPL, THD 10%
159 dB SPL peak
Switchable attenuator, filters etc.
0 dB / -20 dB
Rated output impedance
200 OHM
Minimum load impedance
2 k OHM
Cable drive capability
100 m (328 ft)
Output balance principle
Impedance balancing with Active Drive
Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR)
> 60 dB
Power supply (for full performance)
P48 (Phantom Power)
Current consumption
2.8 mA
Connector
XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: - phase
Color
Matte black
Weight
158 g (5.6 oz)
Microphone diameter
19 mm (0.75 in)
Capsule diameter
19 mm (0.75 in)
Microphone length
170 mm (6.7 in)
Maximum output voltage, RMS
> 5 V
Polarity
+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range
-40C to 45C (-40F to 113F)
Relative humidity (RH)
Up to 90%
Matching tolerance (frequency response and sensitivity)
+/-1 dB
Phase deviation for kit
< 10