Making something really small is really hard. Shrink a microphone far enough, and you run into a number of problems. The most vexing challenge is that the actual element becomes far less effective at its only job—capturing accurate sound. Danish microphone manufacturer DPA had to develop new CORE embedded electronics to overcome this when they made the subminiature 6066 headset microphone. The 6066 has a capsule just 3mm across, which allows it to essentially disappear on-stage or on-camera. The mic sounds fantastic nonetheless, and has found a home in theater, broadcast, and other live applications.
Now DPA is offering two new headset microphone designs that pull back from crazy-small to merely really small. Both have a larger 5mm capsule but implement CORE electronics for even better dynamic range and lower distortion over previous designs. The new 4466 has an omnidirectional pickup pattern, while the 4488 offers a cardioid pattern (something not available with the 3mm DPA capsule). The new microphones use DPA’s ultra-adjustable headset, which won a Red Dot Design Award in 2019. Connection adapters allow the 4466 and 4488 to play well with all common belt packs, and you can also easily switch from one wireless brand to another.
Switching the boom from left to right is an easy, 10-second operation. A sliding guide smoothly routes the cable at a 90-degree angle down the back of your neck. A spring clip attaches to your clothing to keep the cable from pulling.
Stellar design and functionality
One primary goal of DPA’s headset mics is to let you position the mic on-target (the corner of the mouth) and on heads of all shapes and sizes. Mission easily accomplished. The headset is adjustable in almost every conceivable way. The wires that form the bulk of the frame slide across each other to change the overall size of the headset. The boom slides in and out of the earpiece mount to adjust its overall length, and it also pivots to change its vertical position relative to your mouth. Switching the boom from left to right is an easy, 10-second operation. A sliding guide smoothly routes the cable at a 90-degree angle down the back of your neck. A spring clip attaches to your clothing to keep the cable from pulling.
“Positioned properly, these mics capture speaking or singing with accuracy that rivals a studio condenser microphone.”
All this flexibility and clever design is a moot point if the headset isn’t comfortable. Here the 4466 and 4488 earn high marks as well, thanks to the design of the DPA ear grips. It’s how the headset grips the ears that determines comfort, and DPA has clearly spent lots of time perfecting this area. The frame loops back on itself on each end, creating a small circle of wire that touches the base of your ear. The ear grip wire then curves up in a “C” shape to gently follow the back of your ear; this length of the wire is covered in soft rubber. The wire is flexible and easily bent, and it retains the shape you define. If you get the DPA headset adjusted properly, you will forget you’re wearing it. Primary goal #2: comfort. Nailed it.
DPA mics have earned a reputation for their natural, open sound, and the 4466 and 4488 continue this tradition. Positioned properly, these mics capture speaking or singing with accuracy that rivals a studio condenser microphone. The spoken word is smooth yet detailed; singing into either mic results in a no-compromise vocal sound that blends nicely with other handheld mics. Both mics handle extreme levels with finesse, staying distortion-free even with the loudest of voices (up to around 140 dB). The added off-axis rejection of the 4488 cardioid delivers cleaner audio in noisy environments or on loud stages. Goal #3: great sound. Standing ovation.
Craftsmanship + reliability
At first touch, the DPA headsets feel light, delicate, precise. Flimsy they are not, however, being built to survive in even tough conditions. Both the 4466 and 4488 capsules are IP58-certified to resist dust and moisture, surviving even full submersion in water. The frame wire and boom sport a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating that makes it nearly impossible to scratch. The main point of failure in most systems is the cable. Though very thin and supple, the DPA cable has longevity thanks to a Kevlar-reinforced core. A quick release makes it simple to replace the cable should it fail. Goal #4: reliability. Time will tell.
The 4466 and 4488 headsets allow you to position the mic on-target (the corner of the mouth) on heads of all shapes and sizes. They are also adjustable in almost every conceivable way.
The new DPA mics uphold all the expectations of a finely crafted European import: impeccable design, great performance, high price tag. At $770 and $840 respectively, the 4466 and 4488 aren’t going to fit into every mic budget. And though the omni 4466 is more forgiving in mic placement, the directional 4488 is more versatile in a noisy world and well worth the extra $70. For those with the funds to spend, these are truly fantastic mics.
