DPA 4061 Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with CORE+ by DPA technology (pictured left), with an artistic rendering inspired by the inner workings of CORE+ by DPA—symbolizing the precision engineering and advanced distortion-minimization technology that defines the latest generation of DPA miniature microphones (pictured right).
Helga Somava, Director of Product Management at DPA Microphones.
In the world of audio technology, DPA Microphones has always been a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in miniature microphone design. With the introduction of CORE Technology in 2017, DPA offered a significant development by dramatically reducing distortion and expanding the dynamic range in its miniature microphones. This innovative technology has already made waves across various industries, but the latest breakthrough—the CORE+ Technology—promises to take the performance of these microphones to the next level. Brian Blackmore, Editor of Church Production Magazine, recently sat down with Helga Somava, Director of Product Management at DPA, to discuss this groundbreaking advancement and its potential impact, particularly within the church market.
“We realized that minimizing distortion is absolutely essential for ensuring speech intelligibility and preserving the natural, authentic sound of vocals and instruments.”
CORE Technology: Reducing Distortion for Better Clarity
At the heart of DPA’s microphone advancements is its CORE Technology, which was designed to reduce distortion across a broader dynamic range. Helga Somava explains that this was particularly important for DPA’s miniature microphones, as they aimed to deliver clear, accurate sound even at high sound pressure levels (SPLs). CORE Technology, which has been used in all of DPA’s miniature microphones since its launch, focuses on two key aspects: reducing distortion and expanding the dynamic range. This makes these microphones particularly suited for sound reinforcement in certain environments like churches, where sound clarity and intelligibility are crucial.
“We realized that minimizing distortion is absolutely essential for ensuring speech intelligibility and preserving the natural, authentic sound of vocals and instruments,” says Somava. “By using CORE Technology, we’ve been able to provide miniature microphones that handle high SPLs while keeping distortion levels significantly lower than what you would find in conventional microphones.”
CORE+ Technology: Taking Performance to New Heights
While CORE Technology was a major development, DPA wasn’t content with stopping there. The company’s engineers continued to refine their designs, working toward an even higher level of microphone performance. The result is CORE+, an innovation that builds upon the principles of CORE Technology but goes even further towards eliminating distortion across the entire dynamic range. According to Somava, CORE+ takes DPA’s microphones into new territory, providing an unprecedented level of sound clarity, especially in applications where high SPLs are common, such as musical performances.
“The real magic with CORE+ lies in our ability to neutralize distortion completely throughout the entire dynamic range,” Somava says. “We’ve found a way to minimize or even eliminate distortion from both the capsule and the electronics of the microphone, which translates to a much more accurate and transparent sound.”
The most notable improvements with CORE+ Technology are in the clarity of sound, especially when dealing with complex vocal performances or intricate instrument recordings. While high fidelity might not be crucial in typical speech applications, it still enhances intelligibility, especially in complex environments. Musicians and sound engineers working with high SPL environments will immediately notice the difference in sound quality.
Conceptual comparison of distortion (THD+N) across different sound pressure levels for a conventional DPA 2061 microphone, a microphone with CORE technology and one with the new CORE+ technology. The graph highlights how CORE+ maintains ultra-low, virtually unmeasurable distortion throughout the entire dynamic range of a microphone —delivering pristine clarity from a whisper to a scream.
Why Sound Engineers Will Appreciate CORE+
For sound engineers, particularly those working in live sound and recording, the new CORE+ microphones represent a leap forward in terms of clarity and transparency. While Core Technology significantly reduced distortion at high SPLs, CORE+ offers even more refined sound with improved clarity in both quiet and loud passages. This technology is especially noticeable when multiple microphones are in use at once.
“People have told us that, after a brief test, they immediately notice how much more open and clear the sound is,” Somava says. “The sound feels more natural, with far fewer artifacts, and this can make a world of difference when you’re working with complex audio in a live setting.”
DPA’s microphones with CORE+ technology are currently available in omnidirectional models, with plans to roll out the technology to cardioid and instrument microphones by the end of the year. This expansion will further improve DPA’s ability to support sound engineers working in challenging, high-SPL environments such as churches, concert halls and music venues.
A different view on the impact of CORE and CORE+ technology: This chart visualizes the distortion thresholds of DPA’s three generations of microphones. While the non-CORE 2061 reaches 1% THD at 128 dB SPL, CORE technology extends that limit to 130 dB SPL, and CORE+ pushes it even further—maintaining ultra-low distortion levels up to 136 dB SPL.
CORE+ and Wireless Systems: A Perfect Pair
A significant concern when using microphones in live performance environments is the impact of wireless systems on audio quality. DPA’s CORE+ microphones are designed to integrate seamlessly with wireless systems, maintaining high-quality sound even when paired with the latest wireless technology. Somava notes that while wireless systems, such as those from Shure, Sennheiser and DPA’s forthcoming N-Series have greatly improved in their ability to deliver low-distortion audio, DPA’s CORE+ microphones will still offer exceptional performance.
“When paired with high-quality wireless systems, CORE+ microphones can take the sound to a level that’s unmatched,” Somava says. “We’ve tested CORE+ microphones with some of the best wireless systems available, and the results speak for themselves.”
Additionally, DPA has introduced MicroLock, which ensures the microphones can easily connect to any wireless system on the market via a wide range of connectors. This makes the updated microphones even more versatile for rental houses and live sound professionals. The locking function of the MicroLock connector also prevents any accidental disconnects during performances, a crucial feature for high-stakes environments like live church services.
DPA is already looking to expand the capabilities of CORE+ into instrument microphones, a move that will be especially impactful for church musicians and worship teams who rely on capturing accurate, dynamic performances.
A Look Toward the Future
The introduction of CORE+ Technology marks just the beginning for DPA’s plans in the church market and beyond. Somava hints that there are still many exciting developments on the horizon, particularly as DPA works to roll out CORE+ across its entire product range. While it will take time to implement the technology in all microphone types, DPA is already looking ahead to expanding the capabilities of CORE+ into instrument microphones, a move that will be especially impactful for church musicians and worship teams who rely on capturing accurate, dynamic performances.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our products,” Somava says. “The launch of CORE+ is just one example of how we’re pushing the limits of what’s possible in microphone design. As we continue to evolve, we’re excited to see how this technology can benefit not just churches, but musicians, sound engineers and producers in all areas of live sound and recording.”
Conclusion
DPA Microphones’ CORE+ Technology represents a significant advancement in the world of professional audio. With the ability to reduce distortion across the entire dynamic range, these microphones provide sound engineers and musicians with the clarity and precision they need to deliver high-quality audio in any setting.
Editor’s Note: Parts of this story were generated with the help of artificial intelligence. While we provided creative direction and final edits, AI contributed to the drafting process.
