Big sound – small footprint

This series contains the 4060, 4061, 4062, 4063 and 4071 Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Mics. Each version is tailored towards a specific application based on sensitivity, voltage and placement needs. They are all based on the original 4060; the very first miniature microphone developed by DPA from the best technology previously only used in hearing aids and measurement microphones. All of the mics in the series share important basic features, but each is optimized for particular applications.

The series was developed to withstand the toughest of conditions. They contain a 5.4 mm diameter pre-polarized condenser element with a vertical diaphragm. This unique, Double Vent Protection System makes the mics greatly resistant to humidity and sweat. These mics are also designed with a Kevlar-reinforced cable relief, which is built to withstand the constant twists, bends and pulls that are part of the everyday use in harsh environments.

The acoustic response of the 4060 Series can be modified by selecting the correct grid for the job. Two grids are supplied with each microphone (not the 4071, which includes a fixed grid). The pre-fitted Soft Boost Grid gives a 3 dB soft boost at 8-20 kHz. It should be used when the microphone is mounted on the performer’s head as well as in most other applications where you need a natural-sounding microphone. When fitted, the High Boost Grid introduces a 10 dB soft boost around 12 kHz for applications where the microphones chest-placement is preferred. Both of these grids are made of anodized stainless steel, giving a tough and scratch resistant surface. They can be detached from the microphone and cleaned of sweat, makeup, etc.

Academy-honored miniatures

In 2021, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors bestowed a Technical Achievement Award to DPA miniature microphones. The award is directed specifically to Jens-Jørn Stokholm and Ole Moesmann for the innovative development of high-performance miniature and subminiature DPA lavalier microphones.

4060 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Normal SPL

This omnidirectional condenser lavalier microphone is small in size, but mighty in flexibility. Due to its miniature size, it exhibits an exceptionally accurate omnidirectional pattern and therefore does not need to be aimed directly at the sound source to achieve quality pickup. The omnidirectional pattern also makes it less sensitive to handling noise as well as pop and wind noise.

We originally designed this microphone for use with wireless systems in theaters but today it is one of the most loved mics for television and film applications as well. It is especially suited for capturing speech in all of its nuances and can be used to close-mike a wide range of instruments. This microphone handles sound pressure levels up to 134 dB before clipping occurs. This mic is well suited for applications where the sound source is more remote or damped and you need to have a good balance signal versus noise.

The 4060 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Normal SPL is available in four colors: black, brown, beige and white. An even more robust, heavy-duty version is also available.

4061 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Loud SPL

This microphone is acoustically identical to the 4060 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Normal SPL, but its sensitivity is adjusted to accommodate higher sound pressure levels (SPLs).

The 4061 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Loud SPL can handle SPL up to 144 dB peak before clipping, making it one of the best miniatures for use on very loud sound sources, such as some instruments and human voices.

In comparison, the 4061 is about 10 dB less sensitive than the 4060 and therefore works well when used for hidden applications, for example mounted on the head or forehead of a theater performer. In this placement, the sound pressure level is about 10 dB louder than what you encounter with chest placement (lapel microphone).

This mic is available in four colors: black, brown, beige and white. An even more robust, heavy-duty version is also available.

4062 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Extreme SPL

This mic is similar to the others in this series, but is sensitivity adjusted to match extremely loud sound pressure levels. With the correct power source, the microphone will be able to handle sound pressure levels up to 154 dB before clipping occurs, making it ideal for close-miking drums and brass. The microphone is also the perfect choice for miking in the engine compartment of cars or directly in the exhaust pipes.

The 4062 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Extreme SPL; is available in two colors: black and beige.

The decision fell on the 4062 with a level of attenuation, necessary because of the, to some extent, exorbitant loudness very near to the exhaust and even in the engine compartment of the Ferraris.

– Günther Raupp on using a 4062 to record the sound of a Ferrari

4063 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Loud SPL and Low voltage

The 4063 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Loud SPL and Low voltage is designed for use with transmitters giving only 3V bias voltage. Some transmitters provides only 3V instead of the more common 5V. In this case, the 4063 is the right choice for such transmitters.

The mic is acoustically identical to the 4060 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphones but its internal preamplifier in the input stage is designed for working with lower supply voltage. With the correct power source, the microphone will be able to handle sound pressure levels up to 138 dB before clipping occurs.

This mic is available in three colors: black, beige and white. An even more robust, heavy-duty version is also available.

4071 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Presence Boost

The 4071 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, Presence Boost is a fantastic omnidirectional condenser lavalier mic, which features a presence boost of typically 5 dB at 4 to 6 kHz. This is critical for a chest-placed microphone because the frequency range of the consonants spoken is damped in this position, which results in poor intelligibility. The 4071 has a boost that maximizes speech intelligibility. This microphone will be able to handle sound pressure levels up to 144 dB before clipping occurs.

When recording voices from mic placement on a performer’s body, no frequency below 100 Hz is attractive. For this reason, an acoustical low-cut at 100 Hz has been incorporated in the 4071’s capsule so the built-in preamplifier (and the wireless system) will have a much larger headroom. Furthermore, the low-cut filter removes low-frequency rumble, noise and proximity effect.

Because of its special optimization for speech, this mic is especially appropriate for ENG news crews since very few ENG mixers have the ability to make this type of compensation. It is also a fantastic choice for in-studio reporters or even hidden under clothing for film production use.

The 4071 is available in three colors: black, beige and white. An even more robust, heavy-duty version is also available.