DPA SMK4061 Stereo Microphone Kit
Many may not know this, but some of the best pro audio equipment in the world comes from Denmark. I learned this about 15 years ago after purchasing a Danish company's digital audio mainframe. To this day, it performs wonderfully and is arguably my best piece of pro audio equipment. Another well known Danish company, DPA Microphones, has been producing high quality microphones since 1982 and in May, 2006, they introduced the SMK4061 stereo microphone kit. According to DPA, this kit offers a "cost-effective and flexible stereo recording solution aimed at project studios and may also be used for discreet mic setup on the stage." While the mic kit is primarily advertised as a mic'ing solution for pianos, it's also designed for use in any close-mic'ing application.
The SMK4061 stereo microphone kit consists of two DPA 4061 omnidirectional miniature condenser microphones, several mounting accessories, foam windscreens, and two DAD6001-BC phantom power adapters. Each of the two miniature microphones is attached to thin six-foot-long cables with MicroDot (miniature coaxial-type) connectors. The two DAD6001-BC phantom power adapters, which connect directly to the threaded MicroDot connectors, feature a belt clip and gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors.
The two 4061 omnidirectional microphones are similar in appearance to lavalier mics, but the comparison stops there. The 4061s are capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 144 dB before clipping and can be used on a variety of "louder" instruments such as brass, drums, and even guitar amplifiers. Each of the microphones is fitted with metal mesh soft boost grids over the elements. These grids offer a 3-dB boost between 8 kHz and 20 kHz and are removable for cleaning.
The accessories included with the kit consist of five DUA0560 foam windscreens, two DMM0011-B black magnet mounts, five DMM0007 universal surface mounts with non-marking adhesive discs, and two rubber BLM6000-B boundary layer mounts. The entire kit is contained in an eight-inch by six-inch case with two clear plastic swivel lids. The inside of the case features molded foam for all of the components and also includes a fold-out paper user manual.
When the SMK4061 kit first arrived for testing, we wanted to immediately try the mics on our church's nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano. For mounting, we decided upon the BLM6000-B boundary layer mounts. These round rubber mounts are nearly three inches in diameter and feature a specially designed cut-away slot on the backside. Once the 4061 mics were placed into these slots, the boundary layer mounts were then attached to the underside of the piano's lid with gaffer's tape. One mic was placed near the piano's upper range section, somewhat close to the hammers. The second mic was placed halfway down the lid in order to pick up the piano's low-end and midrange section. The 4061s were then plugged directly into our church's Yamaha DM2000 digital mixer.
Once the system was powered on and all equalizer settings flattened, the pianist began to play. Upon hearing the sound, the entire audio team was immediately impressed. I felt the sound was nicely detailed and slightly on the bright side (which I like). Another crew member thought the sound was great, but didn't think it accurately represented the Steinway's sound. I knew, however, that in a setting with multiple instruments, the DPA 4061s would greatly enhance the piano's overall clarity. Also, according to DPA, the boundary layer mounts are recommended if a brighter piano sound is desired. If a more accurate representation of the piano is desired, the DMM0011-B magnet mounts are recommended.
For the next round of testing, we decided to keep the 4061s mounted in the piano (with the boundary layer mounts) for our church's four-night Christmas production. I ran the front-of-house sound using the aforementioned Yamaha DM2000 digital mixing console. The concert featured a full symphonic orchestra, a complete rhythm section, a very large choir, and many individual singers. Within this large setting of instruments and voices, it's always a challenge to create audio separation. In setting up the piano's two channels, I used the DM2000's onboard compression and slightly rolled off the midrange EQ around 2 kHz. Throughout the concerts, the piano maintained its own space with bright clarity. I was very impressed with the sound of the 4061s and equally impressed that very little EQ was needed.
Our third round of testing was used to compare the piano's sound with the lid opened and then closed. We continued to use the 4061s in the same position with the BLM6000-B boundary layer mounts. The mics were run though a Yamaha 02R digital mixer and the audio was tracked using an Alesis HD24 multi-track recorder. After recording a short amount of material with both the lid open and then closed, we played the tracks back through the 02R with no EQ or compression. As with the previous results, we were both impressed and surprised. We were surprised because the sound remained virtually unchanged with either the lid open or closed. Additionally, there were no undesirable midrange frequencies with the lid closed. The sound, while using the 4061s, remained bright and detailed.
For the final round of testing, I used a DMM0007 universal surface mount with a single 4061 in order to mic a Taylor 714-CE acoustic guitar. The 4061 inserted easily into the surface mount, which was then placed on the guitar's body near the neck. I should add that the mount was attached with the included non-marking adhesive disc. The microphone was then plugged directly into a Focusrite ISA 428 mic preamp which, in turn, was running through a Yamaha 02R digital mixer. The result of this testing was equally impressive. With no added EQ or compression the guitar sounded full and detailed.
In conclusion, the DPA SMK4061 stereo microphone kit is a winner. Our entire church audio team was impressed with the kit's sound, flexibility, and performance. I would recommend this kit to any church or studio looking for piano mics or close instrument mics. With a list price of $995, the DPA SMK4061 stereo microphone kit should find a home in many churches and studios.
D. Scott Kramer is the owner/operator of Electric Station Studios in Germantown Hills, Illinois. He is also the former technical director of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois. Grace is a 2,300-member church offering a weekly television and radio ministry.
