DPA 4055 Open Cardioid Kick Drum Microphone

DPA 4055 Open Cardioid Kick Drum Microphone

Designed to kick the bass to the next level, the 4055 takes the traditional concept of a kick drum mic and turns it on its head - no more pre-tailored sound - now you can take sound design back into your own hands.

What makes the 4055 stand out from the competition is that it delivers the renowned DPA sound, clarity and linear frequency response, both on axis and off axis. Its low frequency response and dynamics are superb and result in a tight, natural, well-defined sound - the best low-end with detailed mids and highs.

The 4055 is one of the only kick drum mics that is not sonically pre-tailored to fit a traditional sound in a specific genre. Its performance allows a professional sound designer to create the exact sound s/he is listening for - regardless of the music genre. Want more attack? Slide the 4055 into the bass drum and point it directly at the beater. For a super-low-end sound, place the 4055 at the hole, just on the outside of the front head. Here, the level of sub and lows are represented the most.

Not only does the position inside or outside the kick drum give you different sounds but working with the angles of the microphone just outside the hole will deliver nuances of the drum sound. No matter what sound preference you have, the 4055 captures the true sound of a kick drum, whether it is used in classic, jazz, rock or any other genre.

The 4055 is placed in a large, robust housing and there is wind damping foam just in front of the capsule, behind the grille. A specially-designed shock mount also suspends the capsule inside the housing to avoid vibrations from the stage. The shock mount together with the extra wind damping ensures that the 4055 captures only the source.

The 4055 is easy to position, both inside and outside the drum. Its unique asymmetric design makes it quite easy to place the mic through the drum hole without ripping the front resonator skin.

Not just for the kick!
The 4055 is not limited to the kick drum. It works equally well on other instruments, such as electric guitar cabinets, bass and horns. Its flat frequency response and ability to bring the uncolored sound to the next level works well on many instrument types.

Key Features

• Picks up the clear, true sound of the kick drum
• Flat frequency response so you can shape the sound your way
• Built tough to withstand rough use on the live stage
• Asymmetric design for easy placement inside or outside

Technical Specifications

Directional pattern
Open Cardioid
Principle of operation
Pressure gradient
Cartridge type
Pre-polarized condenser
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Effective frequency range ±2 dB, at 20 cm (7.9 in)
40 Hz - 18 kHz with a 6 dB soft boost at 10 kHz
Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz
2 mV/Pa; -54 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted
Typ. 27 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 29 dB(A))
Equivalent noise level, ITU-R BS.468-4
Typ. 39 dB (max. 41 dB)
Distortion, THD < 1%
156dB SPL RMS, 159 dB SPL peak
Dynamic range
Typ. 132 dB
Max. SPL, THD 10%
164 dB SPL peak
Rated output impedance
380 Ω
Minimum load impedance
2 kΩ
Cable drive capability
100 m (328 ft)
Output balance principle
Impedance balancing with Active Drive
Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR)
> 55 dB
Power supply (for full performance)
P48 (Phantom Power)
Current consumption
2.0 mA
Connector
XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: - phase
Color
Matte black
Weight
241 g (8.5 oz)
Microphone diameter
57 mm (2.24 in)
Capsule diameter
17 mm (0.67 in)
Microphone length
132 mm (5.19 in)
Maximum output voltage, RMS
9.75 V
Polarity
+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range
-40 Degrees C to 45 Degrees C (-40 Degrees F to 113 Degrees F)
Relative humidity (RH)
Up to 90%