With the advent of smaller camcorders and DSLRs with notoriously poor audio capabilities, manufacturers are rushing to produce high quality, small-dimensioned microphones to meet these DSLR users” needs. Well-known and highly respected microphone makers, DPA Microphones, has made an impressive entrance into this arena with its 4017B Shotgun Microphone. Perfect for mounting on-camera or far out on the end of a boom pole, the 4017B has a solid build and delivers quality results.
Measuring just 8.3-inches in length and three-quarters of an inch in diameter, it is ideal for guerilla shooting and getting in and out of tight spaces. It comes with a foam windscreen and mic stand adapter. Notably absent is any sort of shock mount; essential when using this type of microphone.
Perhaps even more important than its small size is its incredibly light weight; a mere 2.4 ounces. This may seem a “small” matter but when you”re holding a microphone at the end of a long boom pole, in awkward positions, for long periods of time, you soon realize the benefits of a few ounces saved.
Using only phantom power, the 4017B has an interference tube design to achieve a super-cardioid type pickup pattern. Internally, a third-order high pass filter with 50Hz roll-off handles the worst of the low-end noise. Two additional filters are included: a first-order bass roll-off below 120Hz to minimize wind or handling noise and a high frequency shelving boost to compensate for attenuation caused when using wind shielding devices (+4dB at 8kHz). Operating the filters couldn”t be easier. Rotating rings on the body switch the filters on and off. The rings” ribbed surface makes them easy to find, grip and operate.
Highly directional and having excellent off-axis rejection, the 4017B works very well in situations with a lot of background noise. Not for the “weak of wallet” the DPA 4017B will surely appeal to the professional looking for super-sized quality from bite-sized gear.
Tech Specs
Directional characteristics: Super-cardioid, lobe-shaped
Principle of operation: Pressure gradient, with interference tube
Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser
Frequency range: 20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency range, +/- 2dB: 70Hz to 20kHz, permanent third-order high pass filter at 50Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <1%
up to 133dB SPL peak
Dynamic range: Typ. 119dB
Max. SPL, peak before clipping: 152dB
Filters: High boost; +4dB at 8kHz, Low cut; First-order filter, below 120Hz
Cable drive capability: 328′ (100m)
Output balance principle: Signal balanced
Power supply: 48V phantom power (+/- 4V)
Connector: XLR-3M
Weight: 2.4oz. (68g)
Microphone and capsule diameter: .75 inch (19mm)
Microphone length: 8.3 inch (212mm)
Strengths
- Small size
- Light weight
- Easy to operate filters
- Smooth off-axis response
Weaknesses
- Expensive
- No shockmount included
Summary
Priced for the professional, with performance to match, the DPA 4017B shotgun mic is a quality piece of hardware, well worth considering for your next run-n-gun assignment.
DPA Microphones, Inc.
www.dpamicrophones.com
$2,050 with Rycote blimp kit, $1,770 – mic only
Contributing Editor Mark Holder is a video producer and trainer.
