Headworn microphones, like virtually all other professional audio technology, have exhibited increasing quality and sophistication over the years. In addition to better sound quality, head-worn microphone users have been treated to smaller and smaller capsules over time as well. Manufacturers continue to advance the state of the art, and Australia's Da-Cappo has significantly raised the bar with its DA15 EL, distributed in the U.S. by Buena Park, Calif.-based Hosa Technology.
The DA15 EL is a truly excellent microphone, and it integrates a great in-ear monitor earbud, as well. I initially encountered Da-Cappo mics at WFX Long Beach in the spring of 2009, and was taken aback with the presenter's demonstration of the "water-resistant" nature of their mics. He literally plunged a microphone into a glass of water, and when he pulled it out, it worked perfectly. I was impressed with the stunt pulled by the presenter, but the exhibit hall of WFX was not the best place to assess the fidelity of the mic, so I was excited to spend time with one. Now that I've heard one in much better circumstances, I have found myself very impressed.
The DA15 EL's rubbery hypo-allergenic ear cushion is the platform for both the mic and earbud, and grips the ear solidly but gently. The ultra-slender metal mic boom passes through the bottom of the cushion, which wraps around the wearer's ear. On the rear end of the boom is found a screw-in connector that accepts Da-Cappo's four-foot Kevlar cable, and these can be terminated with adapters for the proprietary connectors of about a dozen major manufacturers. The mic boom extends about four inches from the front of the ear cushion, and terminates with the microphone capsule, which is 2.5mm in diameter. In spite of the water-resistant nature of the mic, Da-Cappo nevertheless includes a "donut" on the mic boom to keep sweat away from the mic capsule.
Directly above where the mic boom connects to its cable is another identical screw-in connector, which accepts another four-foot Kevlar cable, terminating in a 2.5mm TRS [Tip-Ring-Sleeve] plug to deliver audio to the in-ear monitor. The cushion wraps up around the top of the wearer's ear, and terminates with the integrated earbud. The cushion is highly flexible and facilitates the rotation of the earbud through a range of over 180 degrees, enabling use in either ear, and enabling insertion of the earbud precisely the way the user wishes. The earbud is formed of a soft, supple material that seals nicely with the opening of the ear canal to form a tight acoustical interface.
Da-Cappo DA15-series microphones are available in several configurations. There are three distinct sensitivity ratings: -35 dB, -45 dB, and -51 dB. Both omnidirectional and cardioid microphones are available. The omni mics are available in the -35 dB and -45 dB sensitivities, and the cardioids exhibit -51 dB sensitivity. In addition to varying sensitivity and polar patterns, these mics are also available in four different colors: beige, black, coffee, and white.
The published frequency response of the mics is quite flat, and ranges from 40 Hz to just short of 20 kHz. In the low end, it starts down about 4 dB, and gently slopes up to a very smooth +2 dB line up to around 5 kHz. Above 5 kHz, it slopes up to a maximum bump of about 7 dB at 10 kHz - not quite up to the "air" frequencies, but in a useful place to enhance intelligibility. The integrated earbud's frequency range is touted as 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz by Da-Cappo, and I would submit that this is a fair and honest assessment. I listened to a broad array of music with the earbud, and was fairly blown away with the impressive bass response, and otherwise smooth response throughout the full spectrum of the device. Moreover, the high-end was clean and clear - not hypey or splatty like some in-ear monitors can be.
I am the director of audio at the Bridge Covenant Church in Gilbert, Ariz., and I took the opportunity to place a DA15 EL on our lead pastor for a Sunday service. Specifically, we test-drove a black DA15 with the -51 dB cardioid capsule. Our teaching pastor appreciated the solid grip of the ear cushion on his ear. The headworn mic he usually uses has been know to slip out of place. We were able to get the mic capsule right at the corner of his mouth, which is exactly where Da-Cappo recommends locating it.
The cardioid element enabled vastly more gain-before-feedback than that to which we'd become accustomed with the other headworn he usually wears. The -51 dB sensitivity truly expressed the subtle nuances of his voice, which is unusually dynamic, even for a pastor. He did not utilize the ear monitor. However, I wore the mic on my ear for quite some time, and discovered that after a while, I frankly forgot it was there.
The mic is designed to avoid RF and electromagnetic interference, and we discovered that it accomplishes this very well, both for mic output and earbud input.
Da-Cappo wisely chooses to deem the mic "water-resistant," when in reality they could probably call it "waterproof." I almost expected that the fidelity of such a hardy mic would be compromised in order to make it so tough, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is not the case.
Da-Cappo's "dunked-under-water" demonstration is impressive, but even ignoring that, this is a very good microphone. It is solidly made, and the mechanism by which it attaches to the ear is among the best I've seen - it grips sufficiently without causing discomfort or fatigue. The in-ear monitor included with the package is also very good. It delivers excellent fidelity at solid SPLs, and adds to an already exceptional product. On first blush, the mic's $652 price tag seems a little spendy, but when the quality of the mic is considered, along with the inclusion of a great in-ear monitor, I would submit that this system is worth every penny.
Pros Excellent microphone and in-ear monitor, essentially waterproof
Cons None to speak of
COMPANY: Da-Cappo (distributed in the U.S. by Hosa Technology)PRODUCT: DA15 EL Microphone/In-Ear MonitorQUICK-LINK: (714) 522-8878URL: www.da-cappo.comSuggested Retail Price: $652
