DPA 2028
DPA just introduced the 2028 vocal microphone – their second premium vocal mic offering. Founded over 25 years ago in Denmark, the company is an offshoot of the legendary B&K Sound, maker of highly accurate audio measurement devices. DPA is renowned for its miniature microphone capsules, widely used in touring audio and broadcast applications. Until introducing the d:facto II series in late 2012 at the request of their professional users, the company didn’t offer a handheld-style mic for live performance.
Given that the initial press release is minimally detailed, I will be speculating a bit in giving my first impressions. However, having spent time reviewing and using the d:facto II vocal microphone and several other DPA mics, and hearing them in concert on a variety of instruments, I can attest to their extraordinary audio quality, fit, and finish.
In comparison with other microphones whose off-axis response is less than consistent, the frequency response of the 2028 will be more natural throughout its polar pattern.
Microphone Characteristics
The 2028 vocal microphone features a newly designed supercardioid microphone capsule. A supercardioid presents a tighter pattern in front of the microphone that can provide greater isolation when capturing a vocalist. According to DPA, its performance characteristics are akin to that of their 4018VL linear response capsule, used in one version of their flagship vocal mic offering (the d:facto II vocal mic is also referred to as the model 4018).
These characteristics include very uniform off-axis frequency response, a flat frequency response of 100 Hz – 16kHz (+/-2 dB measured at a distance of just under 5 inches; nominally 20 Hz – 20 kHz), and its control of polar response toward the rear for high gain before feedback. Another feature is that mic’s ability to accept very loud sounds without audible distortion. Combined with its low self-noise, I expect the mic will be very quiet and acoustically transparent in use.
Consistent, flat frequency response off-axis means that if the singer moves off a bit to the side of the mic, the tonalities of the voice will remain the same – perhaps just a bit quieter. And if more than one person shares the microphone to add a harmony, singing more into the sides, the audio quality and true nature of both voices will come through. In my experience with the d:facto II mic, I found virtually no apparent level difference off-axis through around 45 degrees to the side, and no differences in overall tonality of the voice.
As with virtually all directional microphones, the 2028 will exhibit some low-frequency enhancement (proximity effect) when used close to the mouth – from lips-touching to an inch or so distant. The photo of the new mic shows a similar windscreen design to the d:facto II, and I noted at the time that its elongated form placed the mic capsule about ¾” from the voice even with the mouth on the grille – and that the proximity effect even close-up was well balanced and not overwhelming.
The mic handle appears to be nicely shaped and well-balanced, with the same form factor as the d:facto II. With that mic, I noted that the feel and positioning in the hand was quite comfortable, the smooth finish was quiet from a handling noise perspective, and that ring clicks and bumps were highly attenuated. The 2028 should be similar. And since a vocal mic is used close to the mouth, over time the grille and internal pop filter can become a bit messy. These can be safely removed and cleaned, as necessary.
Benefits in Use
Your praise band will typically have a combination of acoustic and electric instruments, plus vocals. Acoustic guitars and drums put their sound out into the air, as do the amplifiers for guitars and keys. All of this sound can bleed into open vocal mics, and the players are probably more densely situated than you might ideally want them for ideal isolation. In comparison with other microphones whose off-axis response is less than consistent, the frequency response of the 2028 will be more natural throughout its polar pattern, and less likely to introduce coloration into your mix even if it picks up the sound of nearby instruments.
You should be able to use this microphone with little to no equalization to obtain a natural, full vocal quality from a singer or presenter, and have their voice stand out in the mix. The new capsule in the 2028 is designed to be “transparent”, so that the unamplified qualities and characteristics of the person’s voice are captured and faithfully presented to the listeners in the pews. In DPA’s flagship 4018 line, two different capsules are offered – one just like this mic, and another with identical response plus a 3-dB, high-frequency boost for an additional yet subtle high end presence.
Another benefit with a condenser microphone of this quality is that it can effectively double as a studio recording microphone. With low self-noise, wide and open frequency response, transparency, and well controlled off-axis polars, you will be able to record a very natural sounding vocal track. Based on my experience with the d:facto II, this microphone will also do a great job capturing acoustic guitars and other acoustic instruments, in both recorded and live settings.
The Final Note
The DPA d:facto II was a genius design in its modularity, allowing the mic capsule to be converted from a wired to a wireless format in about 30 seconds, and then back again as needed – with thread-on adapters to fit virtually any wireless brand. I don’t expect this offering to be quite that flexible. According to the release, the 2028 will be offered in three variants. A standard wired mic version with an XLR connector fits a variety of stand-mounted vocal (and instrumental) applications. The two wireless versions include the mic capsule, threaded windscreen, and a compatible adapter to fit the handheld wireless transmitter. One adapter is compatible with Shure, Sony, and Lectrosonics, and the other fits Sennheiser transmitters.
DPA appears to be introducing the new 2028 vocal microphone so that they can offer very similar audio results in a more holistic format, versus the modular design of the original d:facto II handheld. Not every user who wants a great mic will need that level of flexibility to quickly adapt the capsule from a handheld to a wireless application – or want to pay for it. Still premium though competitively priced, the 2028 should prove to be an excellent microphone, on par with the best available vocal mics. I’m looking forward to hearing it.
