DPA Core 4088 Directional Headset Microphone

The classic d:fine 4088 Directional Headset Microphone is the industry standard in professional headset mics. It offers an open and natural sound making it ideal for both spoken word and vocal performance applications.

This mic provides excellent off-axis rejection in high-SPL situations. It efficiently suppresses distant sound sources making it perfect for demanding live performance environments where background noise and feedback are concerns. In high-SPL events, or when feedback is a concern, this microphone will tackle these challenges with ease. The bass response is designed for optimal linearity at 2-3 cm (1 inch) from the sound source. This means that the bass roll-off will be relatively prominent at a greater distance – a paramount factor when it comes to rejection of background noise and in the fight to avoid feedback.

The smooth and elegant design of the d:fine 4088 Directional Headset Microphone makes it the most invisible head-worn true cardioid microphone in the world. This microphone has a secure, dual-ear design that can be used for various performing talent applications. It has a small .64 cm (.25 in) diameter, which allows for discreet use. It only weighs 14 g (.5 oz) and is very comfortable when worn for long periods. The microphone can be mounted on the right or left side.

The boom is 3 cm (1 in) longer than on the omnidirectional version, which matches the need for placement at the corner of the mouth. To avoid “popping”, the capsule should not be placed directly in front of the mouth

Legacy or CORE by DPA – the choice is yours
The legacy d:fine 4088 has always been, and still is, one of the most clear, consistent and robust miniature microphones you can find on the market. It’s known for working across a wide dynamic range as well as exhibiting low distortion across all SPLs. If you need to squeeze a little more performance out of your mics, choose CORE. The d:fine CORE 4088 gets a 14 dB increase in dynamic range:

• Total harmonic distortion: < 1% THD up to 137 dB SPL peak
• Dynamic range: Typ. 111 dB

IP58 certified

All CORE by DPA technology microphones are IP58 certified. This durability is achieved through a number of defense mechanisms:

• Water-repellant nano-coating of the cover and housing
• Hermetic sealing of the sensitive amplifier at the core of the mic
• Dual gold plating of the diaphragm

Read more about the durability of all our CORE by DPA technology microphones.

A bit about cardioids

Named for its “heart shaped” polar pattern, a cardioid (or directional) microphone has the most sensitivity at the front and is least sensitive from the sides and at the back. They come in many variations – with wider or narrower angles of sensitivity (supercardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid etc.). Although cardioids also pick up sound coming in from the sides, this off-axis sound will normally be more or less colored and damped. The unique DPA capsule technique however skips the colorization of the sound coming from the sides or the rear of the mic and just reduces the sensitivity to these angles and thereby offers perfect sound stages. The amount of damping depends on the exact specifications of the mic.

A cardioid microphone is, by definition, damped -6 dB at the 90°side entry of the microphone but for many, the word cardioid generally covers mics with a directional pattern versus omnis, which pick up sound from all directions.

Due to their nature, directional mics are often used on the live stage – both during concerts as well as spoken-word events, to capture the focused sound of an instrument or voice. The narrow angle of sensitivity helps to minimize the bleed from other sounds on a busy stage. One thing to note with cardioid mics is the proximity effect, which causes an increase in bass response the closer the microphone is moved to the sound source. Therefore, when judging mic specs you should always look for a statement stating the distance at which the flat frequency response has been measured. In addition, cardioid mics are far more sensitive to wind, pop and handling noises than omni mics, so be sure to take precautions to guard against this.

Adapter system gives you flexibility

The adapters for wireless systems give you flexible, simple and affordable possibilities when choosing the MicroDot termination and an adapter. You are no longer bound to one wireless system. As circumstances change, you can just switch your adapter, instead of incurring the cost of a completely new microphone. When you make the switch, you won’t hear any loss or change in sound quality.

The d:fine, d:screet and d:vote series of miniature microphones work with all leading wireless mic solutions, such as Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Wisycom, Zaxcom and many more. DPA Microphones’ ingenious adapter system is one of a kind in the industry. It protects your investment in fantastic sound for years to come.

Features:

• Open and natural sound
• Pristine audio quality
• Lightweight and flexible
• Easy mounting to the left or right
• Resistant to humidity
• Flexible adapter system fits most professional wireless systems

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• Directional pattern: Cardioid
• Principle of operation: Pressure gradient
• Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Frequency range, ±2 dB, Near field 2-3 cm (0.8 - 1.2 in): 100 Hz - 20 kHz (4 - 6 dB soft boost at 15 kHz)
• Sensitivity, nominal, ±3 dB at 1 kHz: 6 mV/Pa; 44 dB re. 1 V/Pa
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: Typ. 26 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 28 dB(A))
• Equivalent noise level, ITU-R BS.468-4: Typ. 38 dB (max. 40 dB)
• S/N ratio (A-weighted), re. 1 kHz at 1 Pa (94 dB SPL): Typ. 68 dB (A)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD) - Legacy: < 1% up to 123 dB SPL peak; < 1% up to 120 dB SPL RMS sine
• Total harmonic distortion (THD) - CORE: < 1% THD up to 137 dB SPL peak
• Dynamic range - Legacy: Typ. 97 dB
• Dynamic range - CORE: Typ. 111 dB
• Max. SPL, peak before clipping: 144 dB
• Output impedance: 30 - 40 Ω
• Cable drive capability: Up to 300 m (984 ft)
• Power supply (for full performance): For wireless systems: Min. 5 V - max. 50 V through DPA adapter. With DAD6001-BC/DAD6024/DAD4099: 48 V phantom power ±4 V for full performance
• Connector: MicroDot
• Color: Black, beige or brown
• Weight: 14 g (0.5 oz) incl. Cable and MicroDot connector
• Microphone diameter: 5.5 mm (0.25 in)
• Microphone length: 11 mm (0.5 in)
• Cable length: 1.2 m (3.9 ft)
• Cable diameter: 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
• Polarity: Positively increasing sound pressure produces positive going voltage on MicroDot pin
• Temperature range: -40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F)
• Relative humidity (RH): Up to 90%