DPA 4011A Cardioid Microphone

This condenser microphone is renowned in recording studios and live applications around the world as an exceptional mic. State-of-the-art components have been carefully selected to provide optimal neutrality, accuracy and extremely low distortion.

The principal appeal of the 4011 Cardioid Mic is its directional quality and attention to detail. This mic makes everything sound like the original. The first-order cardioid pickup pattern provides superb separation between sound sources. It is equally suitable for close-up work on acoustic guitar, grand piano, overheads, percussion, wind instruments and vocals as it is for spot-miking symphonies. It can handle incredibly high sound pressure levels (SPLs).

A flat on-axis frequency response and excellent phase response deliver a faithful reproduction of the original sound. The off-axis response is similarly smooth so that any leakage is an accurate reflection of the original, though attenuated according to the true first-order cardioid pickup pattern.

This condenser microphone is renowned in recording studios and live applications around the world as an exceptional mic. State-of-the-art components have been carefully selected to provide optimal neutrality, accuracy and extremely low distortion. It is equally suitable for close-up work on acoustic guitar, grand piano, overheads, percussion, wind instruments and vocals as it is for spot-miking symphonies. It can handle incredibly high sound levels and even includes a 20 dB pad switch in the center of the XLR connector to attenuate the output of the microphone.

Technical Specifications

Directional pattern
Cardioid
Principle of operation
Pressure gradient
Cartridge type
Pre-polarized condenser
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Effective frequency range, +/-2 dB, at 30 cm (11.8 in)
40 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity, nominal, +/-2 dB at 1 kHz
10 mV/Pa; -40 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted
Typ. 18 dB(A) re. 20 uPa (max. 20 dB(A))
Equivalent noise level, ITU-R BS.468-4
Typ. 25 dB (correct with the attenuator in 0 dB or -20 dB setting)
Distortion, THD < 1%
136 dB SPL RMS, 139 dB SPL peak
Dynamic range
Typ. 121 dB
Max. SPL, THD 10%
159 dB SPL peak
Switchable attenuator, filters etc.
0 dB / -20 dB
Rated output impedance
200 OHM
Minimum load impedance
2 k OHM
Cable drive capability
100 m (328 ft)
Output balance principle
Impedance balancing with Active Drive
Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR)
> 60 dB
Power supply (for full performance)
P48 (Phantom Power)
Current consumption
2.8 mA
Connector
XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: - phase
Color
Matte black
Weight
158 g (5.6 oz)
Microphone diameter
19 mm (0.75 in)
Capsule diameter
19 mm (0.75 in)
Microphone length
170 mm (6.7 in)
Maximum output voltage, RMS
> 5 V
Polarity
+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range
-40C to 45C (-40F to 113F)
Relative humidity (RH)
Up to 90%
Matching tolerance (frequency response and sensitivity)
+/-1 dB
Phase deviation for kit
< 10