4488 CORE Plus Directional Headset Mic - Black / 3-Pin LEMO

DPA 4488 CORE+ Cardioid Dual-Ear Headset Microphone

The DPA 4488 CORE+ Cardioid Headset Microphone is a professional dual-ear condenser microphone designed for theater, broadcast, live sound, and presentations. Featuring a miniature 5.4 mm directional capsule, CORE+ microphone technology, and an adjustable headset frame, it delivers focused vocal reproduction with low distortion, excellent speech intelligibility, and secure positioning during demanding performances.

Designed for professional performers, broadcast presenters, worship leaders, and production engineers, the DPA 4488 CORE+ combines discreet styling with high-performance audio capture. Its cardioid polar pattern emphasizes sound arriving from the front of the microphone while reducing unwanted off-axis noise. This directional response helps minimize microphone bleed and improve gain before feedback in environments with loudspeakers, stage monitors, and multiple performers. The adjustable dual-ear frame incorporates a three-point gripping mechanism that maintains a secure fit during extended performances. A two-way adjustable boom allows precise microphone positioning near the corner of the mouth, helping maintain consistent vocal pickup even when performers move naturally onstage.

The 4488 CORE+ incorporates DPA's advanced microphone electronics to deliver a wide dynamic range and low-distortion performance. Its stainless steel headset construction features a non-reflective physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating for durability and reduced visibility under stage lighting. A detachable microphone boom, replaceable cable assembly, and adjustable cable guide simplify maintenance and fitting. The 4488-DP-R product family includes multiple connector and appearance configurations, allowing production professionals to select a version appropriate for their wireless microphone equipment and visual requirements.

Key Features

• CORE+ Microphone Technology: Provides extended dynamic range and reduced distortion for detailed vocal reproduction in professional live sound, theater, and broadcast applications.
• Directional Cardioid Capsule: Captures focused vocal audio while reducing background noise, microphone bleed, and unwanted sound from nearby loudspeakers.
• Adjustable Dual-Ear Headset: Features a flexible stainless steel frame with a three-point gripping system for comfortable, secure positioning during movement and extended wear.
• Two-Way Adjustable Microphone Boom: Allows independent boom length and vertical positioning adjustments to maintain accurate capsule placement near the mouth.
• Professional Connector Configurations: Available in multiple manufacturer configurations for integration with compatible wireless microphone systems and audio equipment.
• Non-Reflective PVD Finish: Protects the headset frame and microphone components while reducing visible reflections under professional stage and studio lighting.
• Modular Serviceable Construction: Incorporates a detachable boom, replaceable cable, and adjustable cable guide for easier fitting and professional maintenance.
• High Sound Pressure Handling: Supports peak sound pressure levels up to 146 dB SPL at 10% total harmonic distortion, accommodating powerful vocal performances.

Available DPA 4488 CORE+ Configurations

The DPA 4488 CORE+ headset microphone is offered in 12 manufacturer configurations within this product listing. Each configuration belongs to the 4488-DP-R family and shares the same fundamental directional microphone design and CORE+ audio technology.

4488-DP-R-B Series

• 4488-DP-R-B03: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-B10: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-B34: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-B90: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone

4488-DP-R-C Series

• 4488-DP-R-C03: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-C10: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-C34: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-C90: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone

4488-DP-R-F Series

• 4488-DP-R-F03: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-F10: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-F34: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone
• 4488-DP-R-F90: DPA 4488 CORE+ Directional Headset Microphone, Beige, MicroLock

CORE+ Directional Microphone Technology

Low-Distortion Vocal Reproduction

The 4488 incorporates DPA's CORE+ microphone technology to reduce distortion across a wide range of sound pressure levels. Its pre-polarized condenser capsule captures detailed vocal information while maintaining consistent performance for professional sound reinforcement and recording.

The microphone delivers a typical dynamic range of 116 dB and a nominal sensitivity of 6 mV/Pa at 1 kHz. These characteristics support applications ranging from spoken presentations to demanding theatrical and musical performances.

Cardioid Polar Pattern for Feedback Control

The cardioid polar pattern emphasizes sound arriving directly in front of the microphone while attenuating sound from the sides and rear.

This directional design is useful in environments containing nearby loudspeakers, stage monitors, musical instruments, or multiple performers. Positioning the capsule approximately 0.8" to 1.2" from the mouth supports its intended near-field frequency response.

At this distance, the microphone provides an effective frequency range of 100 Hz to 20 kHz within +/-2 dB, with a gentle presence boost of approximately 4 to 6 dB near 15 kHz.

High Sound Pressure Level Performance

The CORE+ capsule accommodates high sound pressure levels while maintaining low measured distortion. The microphone handles 137 dB SPL RMS at less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion and 139 dB SPL RMS at less than 1% distortion.

Its maximum peak SPL rating reaches 146 dB at 10% distortion, providing additional headroom for powerful vocal performances and demanding live sound applications.

Adjustable Dual-Ear Headset Construction

Secure Three-Point Ear Grip

The 4488 features an adjustable headset frame designed to accommodate different head sizes and shapes. Its three-point gripping system supports the frame above, below, and behind the ears.

This arrangement distributes contact across multiple locations to maintain microphone positioning during extended use. The flexible frame can be adjusted to fit individual performers without requiring separate headset sizes.

Two-Way Adjustable Microphone Boom

The microphone boom provides independent length and vertical positioning adjustments. This allows the capsule to sit near the corner of the performer's mouth without repeatedly bending the boom itself.

An integrated anti-rotation mechanism helps maintain the selected orientation, while a sliding locking system secures the adjusted boom position.

The boom can also be repositioned between the right and left sides of the headset to accommodate performer preferences and production requirements.

Durable Stainless Steel and PVD Coating

The headset frame uses stainless steel with a physical vapor deposition coating. This surface treatment provides resistance to abrasion and helps preserve the appearance of the headset during frequent professional use.

The non-reflective finish reduces distracting reflections under stage lighting, making the microphone suitable for theater, television, conferences, and other applications requiring discreet microphone placement.

Wireless Microphone System Integration

Professional Bodypack Transmitter Connectivity

The DPA 4488 CORE+ headset microphone family includes connector configurations intended for integration with compatible professional wireless microphone systems.

Connector selection is important because wireless bodypack transmitters use different physical connections and microphone powering arrangements. The appropriate headset configuration must be selected according to the intended transmitter and its electrical requirements.

Microphone configurations with DPA MicroLock termination can use compatible DPA adapters to connect to supported wireless systems.

Operating Power Requirements

The 4488 CORE+ microphone requires a suitable operating voltage supplied through a compatible wireless transmitter connection or adapter.

For compatible wireless systems, DPA specifies an operating voltage of 5 to 10 V. Conventional 48 V phantom-powered microphone inputs require an appropriate external power adapter rather than a direct headset connection.

The DPA DAD9001 adapter provides an example of an accessory used for compatible microphone configurations requiring connection to P48-powered XLR inputs.

Serviceable Microphone Design and Cable Management

Detachable Boom and Replaceable Cable

The 4488 incorporates a service connection between the microphone boom and cable assembly. This allows the components to be serviced or replaced independently when necessary.

A protective cover shields the service connection and its gold-plated contacts during normal operation.

This modular construction is particularly useful for production environments where microphones undergo frequent installation, adjustment, and maintenance.

Adjustable Cable Guide

An adjustable cable guide at the rear of the headset allows the cable to be directed downward along the performer's neck or back.

The guide can be repositioned to help keep the cable outside camera framing and reduce interference with clothing or costumes.

The microphone cable incorporates a Kevlar-reinforced internal structure to improve resistance to pulling forces. Its flexible construction supports discreet routing during professional performances.

Professional Applications

• Theater and Musical Productions: Captures speech and singing while helping control unwanted sound from nearby performers and stage equipment.
• Broadcast and Television: Provides discreet headset placement for presenters, hosts, and on-camera talent.
• Houses of Worship: Supports hands-free vocal reinforcement for speakers, worship leaders, and performers.
• Live Sound Reinforcement: Offers directional vocal pickup for performers working near loudspeakers and stage monitors.
• Corporate Presentations: Allows presenters to move naturally while maintaining consistent microphone placement.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: DPA Microphones
• Product Family: 4488 CORE+
• Model Series: 4488-DP-R
• Product Type: Directional Headset Microphone
• Microphone Configuration: Dual-Ear Headworn
• Microphone Technology: CORE+ by DPA
• Transducer Type: Pre-Polarized Condenser
• Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Audio Configuration: Mono
• Capsule Diameter: Approximately 0.2"
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Effective Near-Field Frequency Range: 100 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-2 dB
• Recommended Near-Field Distance: Approximately 0.8" to 1.2"
• Near-Field High-Frequency Response: 4 to 6 dB Soft Boost at 15 kHz
• Nominal Sensitivity: 6 mV/Pa at 1 kHz
• Sensitivity Level: -44 dB re 1 V/Pa
• Sensitivity Tolerance: +/-3 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level, A-Weighted: Typically 26 dB(A), Maximum 28 dB(A)
• Equivalent Noise Level, ITU-R BS.468-4: Typically 38 dB, Maximum 40 dB
• Dynamic Range: Typically 116 dB
• SPL at Less Than 0.5% THD: 137 dB SPL RMS / 140 dB SPL Peak
• SPL at Less Than 1% THD: 139 dB SPL RMS / 142 dB SPL Peak
• Maximum SPL at 10% THD: 146 dB SPL Peak
• Rated Output Impedance: 30 to 40 Ohms
• Wireless Operating Voltage: 5 to 10 V Through Compatible Connection or Adapter
• Microphone Current Consumption: Typically 1.5 mA
• Headset Frame Material: Stainless Steel
• Surface Treatment: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)
• Surface Finish: Non-Reflective Matte
• Headset Fit: Adjustable, One Size
• Headset Attachment: Dual-Ear, Three-Point Grip
• Microphone Boom: Two-Way Adjustable
• Boom Position: Left or Right Side
• Boom Locking Mechanism: Sliding Lock with Anti-Rotation Design
• Boom Service Connection: Detachable with Protected Gold-Plated Contacts
• Cable Management: Adjustable Cable Guide
• Cable Reinforcement: Kevlar Internal Core
• Operating Temperature: -40 to 113 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Maximum Relative Humidity: 90%
• Available Manufacturer Configurations: 12