recordinghacks

DPA 4006A

Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

“4006A” is DPA’s name for a prepackaged modular omnidirectional reference microphone, consisting of two components:

• MMC4006 Capsule Head - electret condenser, omnidirectional pattern
• MMP-A Head Amplifier - transformerless circuitry

It is essentially a 3rd-generation version of the B&K 4006, which was a phantom-powered omni with a transformer-coupled output. The DPA 4006 (no suffix) was identical to the B&K 4006. The DPA 4006 TL is the 2nd generation design, and replaces the transformer with electronically balanced output circuitry. The 4006A is a minor revision to the TL; the ‘A’ revision introduces modularity (meaning, the capsule can be removed), to better compete with the Schoeps “Collette” series microphones. The ‘A’ revision also introduces some minor specification improvements, especially regarding the mic’s dynamic range.

The head amp is compatible with any of the capsules from DPA’s “reference series.” Likewise, the 4006 capsule head can be used on any of the other head amps in this product line.

The frequency and polar response of the 4006 can be modified by fitting any of the following “grids” onto the end of the capsule:

	DD0251 Free Field Grid Designed for close miking, this grid produces the flattest possible response from the 4051/4052; on-axis, the response graph shows a flat line through 10kHz, then a ~1dB lift from 10kHz–22kHz. The off-axis response rolls off above 3kHz, with a -3dB point at 10kHz.
	DD0297 Diffuse Field Grid Designed for distance miking, this grid produces a flat response through 15kHz. At close distances, on axis, this grid allows a 6dB boost from 10kHz–20kHz.
	DD0254 Close Miking Grid Designed for close miking, this grid produces a softer high-frequency roll-off than the DD0251.
	UA0777 Nose Cone Designed to affect the mic’s polar pattern rather than its frequency response, the UA0777 counteracts the capsule’s tendency to attenuate high frequency off-axis sounds. The result is “an even tonal balance of sound arriving at all angles of incidence,” albeit with a sharp 5dB boost for on-axis sounds at 12kHz, even in the diffuse field.

The mic’s high sensitivity (40mV/Pa) and low self-noise (15dBA) make it ideally suited to close miking of quiet acoustic instruments, as well as for ambient miking of performances.

The 4006A ships with the three grids pictured above. The UA0777 nosecone is available separately, as are the “APEs” (acoustic passive equalizer balls measuring 30mm, 40mm, or 50mm in diameter).

The DPA 4006A is also known as: 4006.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (40 mV/Pa; 10 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -20dB (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 139 dB Self-noise: 15.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
163g (5.75oz)	170mm (6.69'')	19mm (0.75'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48±4v

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