DPA 4018 Supercardioid Microphone

This DPA 4018 Supercardioid Microphone is part of DPA’s flexible pencil mic series. It has a highly-directional supercardioid pickup pattern with a smooth and uniform off-axis frequency response.

The supercardioid shape is frequency independent, securing an identical sound color around the microphone. The usual rear lobe heard on most super cardioids is minimized on this capsule. This makes it much more isolated without sudden frequency-dependent peaks and dips.
Combine it with the preamp of your choice

At any time, and with no tools needed, it is possible to transform the MMC4018 Supercardioid Microphone Capsule into a new configuration.

The MMP-A Microphone Preamp is an ultra-transparent, transformerless preamp with an active drive for impedance balancing. The MMP-C Compact Microphone Preamp is an ultra-compact preamp with an active drive for impedance balancing. It has a slightly softer character than the other preamps in the series.

Other preamps include the very small form factor types MMP-E Modular Active Cable (XLR output) and MMP-GR/GS Preamp with Modular Active MicroDot Cable for Pencil Microphone, 3 m (9.8 ft) (MMP-GR, MMPMMP-G Modular Active Cable (MicroDot output), allowing for very slim set-ups. The MMP-G even allows you to match a larger microphone directly to a wireless transmitter. The MMP-G, together with the GSM4000 Gooseneck Shock Mount, can be used for anything from very lightweight booming applications to very high-end instrument miking using the 4099 series of instrument mounting options.

4018A Supercardioid Microphone

The 4018A Supercardioid Microphone is designed for a broad range of music recording and broadcast / ENG/ film long-distance miking applications. It can be used for booming, dialogue, interview, and table or spot-recording use.

4018C Compact Supercardioid Microphone

Similar to the 4018A, but with an even shorter length of only 6.4 cm (2.5 in), the 4018C Compact Supercardioid Microphone has a highly-directional supercardioid pickup pattern with a smooth and uniform off-axis frequency response. This is a great-sounding mic with a very small footprint. It is ideal for use as spot or hanging mic for orchestra recording situations.

4018ER/ES Supercardioid Microphone

Ideal for unobtrusive or distant miking applications such as desktop or hanging use, the 4018ER/ES Supercardioid Microphone is an ultra-compact supercardioid microphone.

With a length of only 35 mm (1.38 in), the low-key appearance of the mic is as unique as its highly-directional supercardioid pickup pattern with a smooth and uniform off-axis frequency response.

The 4018ER/ES Supercardioid Microphone combines the MMC4018 Supercardioid Microphone Capsule with the MMP-ER/ES Modular Active Cable, XLR, an integrated cable solution with either side (4018ES) or rear (4018ER) cable entry. It is designed for a broad range of music recording and broadcast / ENG/ film long-distance miking applications. It is ideal for use as a spot or hanging mic for orchestra recording situations when used with the SM4000-C Suspension Mount, which is included in the package. This allows the 4018E to be hung from the ceiling and create precision spot miking of orchestra sections or ambiance atmosphere.

A bit about super cardioids

A supercardioid microphone is similar to a cardioid – it is most sensitive to sound coming in at the front and is least sensitive at the back. Supercardioid mics tend to have a much narrower angle of sensitivity  (and hyper cardioids even narrower) – making them even more focused than a “normal” cardioid mic. The off-axis sound will normally be more or less colored and damped – and, due to the narrow angle of focus, the area of damped sound is increased significantly. The unique DPA capsule technique, however, skips the colorization of the sound coming from the sides or the rear of the mic and reduces the sensitivity to these angles and thereby offering perfect sound stages. The amount of damping depends on the exact specifications of the mic.

Due to their nature, supercardioid 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 supercardioid mics is the proximity effect, which causes an increase in bass response the closer the microphone is moved to the sound source. In addition, supercardioid mics are far more sensitive to wind, pop, and handling noises than omni mics, so be sure to take precautions to guard against this.