DPA 4018VL 4018VL-B-B01 Linear Vocal Microphone

Full Description

4018VL capsule - extremely linear response

Optimized for vocals and spoken word, the DPA 4018 handheld microphone delivers outstanding performance with a choice of two capsules. This version is equipped with the versatile 4018VL capsule.

The 4018VL boasts an incredibly linear response with no boosts. This allows you to take full control of the final sound, letting you make your own personal mark and highlight the frequencies of your choosing. Designed for sound reinforcement and recording, the 4018VL is the foundation to your own sonic canvas.

Both capsules utilise a precise supercardioid polar pattern, granting exceptional isolation. They handle loud sound sources with ease thanks to an included three-step pop protection grid. Whichever version you choose, the 4018 lets you capture every nuance of your performance with class-leading transparency.

DPA XLR wired handle

A high-quality 3-pin XLR output lets you take full advantage of the world-renowned sound in a wired configuration. The handle's sleek contours ensure outstanding comfort and handling, whilst the rugged construction provides excellent reliability.

If you'd prefer to use your microphone with a wireless system later down the line, all you have to do is switch the handle out for one of DPA's wireless adapters (available separately). For a quarter of the cost of a new mic, you can retain that same sonic performance but with complete wireless compatibility. DPA's modular design provides you with one of the most adaptable mic solutions in the world.

Impedance balancing with Active Drive

DPA strive to deliver outstanding sonic performance with every single one of their products. The DPA 4018VL is no exception. The company has taken a different design approach to ensure that you retain excellent signal integrity with uncompromised transparency.

DPA's Active Drive electronic impedance balancing delivers an array of advantages over traditional transformer-coupled output stages. One such perk is a consistent signal amplitude whether the input connection is balanced or unbalanced, and with or without an input transformer. The 4018VL takes full advantage of this technology, improving symmetrical damping and lowering distortion.

Active Drive provides the 4018VL with a CMRR of >50dB at 1kHz. This means that less than a thousandth of the normal noise energy will pass through your microphone's circuitry. This technology achieves all of this without employing the need for transformers that would degrade the quality of your audio and introduce audible artifacts into your signal.

Reviews

"They just sound great. The DPA Vocal Microphone is genius. Even in a small club I can get it as loud as most dynamic mics without hideous feedback, but the sound quality and intelligibility is still there." - Phil Jones, Front of House Engineer for Royal Blood

"The price is going to put a lot of people off, as this is an expensive microphone — but when I told the singer it cost seven times more than the microphone he was currently using, his response was that it sounded it!" - Sound on Sound

"Moving into a sanctuary with a central speaker cluster above and just in front of the stage, it was easy to achieve more than sufficient levels for spoken word or lead vocals without feedback, even in a particular location under the speakers where the angle of the ceiling often creates a feedback-prone zone. EQ was set flat for the test, and the sound engineer complimented the neutral, intelligible character of the audio response." - Church Production

What's in the box?

• 1 x DPA 4018VL 4018VL-B-B01 Linear Vocal Microphone
• 1 x DPA FAADPA2B Wired Handle, 3-Pin XLR, Black
• 1 x DPA DUA0710 Microphone Grid, Black
• 1 x DPA DUA0715 Microphone Clip

Features

• An incredibly natural and full sound
• Perfectly uniform supercardioid polar pattern
• High separation and isolation
• Handles extreme SPLs - up to 160dB before clipping occurs
• Ultra-low handling noise
• Sleek and ergonomic design
• Compatible with DPA's extensive adapter system (adapters available separately)

Specifications

• Directional Pattern: Supercardioid
• Principle of Operation: Pressure gradient
• Cartridge Type: Pre-polarized condenser
• Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20kHz, permanent third order high-pass filter at 80Hz
  • +/-2dB at 12cm: 100Hz - 16kHz
• Sensitivity: 5mV/Pa; -46dB re. 1V/Pa (nominal, +/-2dB at 1kHz)
• Equivalent Noise Level: Typ. 19dB(A) re. 20µPa (max. 21dB(A)) (A-weighted)
• S/N Ratio: Typ. 75dB(A) (A-weighted, re. 1kHz at 1Pa, 94dB SPL)
• Total Harmonic Distortion:
• Dynamic Range: Typ. 120dB
• Maximum SPL: 160dB peak before clipping
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Minimum Load Impedance: 1k Ohm
• Cable Drive Capability: 100m / 328ft
• Output Balance Principle: Impedance balancing with Active Drive
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio: >50dB at 1kHz
• Power Supply: 48V (+/-4V) phantom power (for full performance)
• Current Consumption: Max. 2mA
• Maximum Output Voltage: 8V (RMS)
• Polarity: +V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
• Connector: Male 3-pin XLR (pin 1: shield, pin 2: signal + phase, pin 3: - phase)
• Colour: Matte black
• Capsule Diameter: 19mm / 0.75''
• Microphone Length: 205mm / 8.1''
• Temperature Range: -40°C to 45°C / -40°F to 113°F
• Relative Humidity: Up to 90 percent
• Product Code: 4018VL-B-B01