DPA Microphones
DPA 4055
Kick-drum condenser mic (pre-polarised 17 mm capsule, open cardioid), asymmetric body for use inside or outside the drum
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power P48 (phantom power).
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Open cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −54 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 3%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 16%
- Self-noise
- 27 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 7%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 7%
- Max SPL
- 156 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 98%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 96%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 75 side-address condensers
More output than 0% of 75 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 0% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 99% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the response image.
Captioned (on the product page) "Typical on and off-axis response of a 4055 microphone. On-axis (0°) measured at 20 cm (7.9 in), other directions measured in the far field." Drawn solid from 40 Hz to about 18 kHz, dotted outside.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the polar image. Approximate
Captioned (on the product page) "Typical directional characteristics of a DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone"; 5 dB per ring, centre -25 dB. Measuring conditions not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the product page | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | Pre-polarised capsule, 17 mm"Capsule diameter: 17 mm (0.67 in)". | |
| Sensitivity | −54 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa)nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz. "2 mV/Pa; -54 dB re. 1 V/Pa". | |
| Self-noise | 27 dB(A)typ. (max. 29 dB(A)) | |
| Self-noiseCCIR 468 | 39 dBITU-R BS.468-4, typ. (max. 41 dB) | |
| Max SPL | 156 dB SPLTHD < 1%, RMS; also 159 dB SPL, THD < 1%, peak; also 164 dB SPL, THD 10%, peak. "Distortion, THD < 1%: 156dB SPL RMS, 159 dB SPL peak"; "Max. SPL, THD 10%: 164 dB SPL peak". | |
| Dynamic range | 132 dBtyp. | |
| Output impedance | 380 ohmrated | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz"Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz". Effective range ±2 dB at 20 cm: "40 Hz - 18 kHz with a 6 dB soft boost at 10 kHz". | |
| Powering | P48 (phantom power)"Power supply (for full performance)". | |
| Current draw | 2 mA | |
| Connector | XLR-3M (pin 1 shield, pin 2 signal + phase, pin 3 - phase) | |
| Weight | 241 g"241 g (8,5 oz)". | |
| Dimensions | 57 × 132 mmDiameter × length: microphone diameter 57 mm (2.24 in), length 132 mm (5.19 in). | |
| Maximum output voltage, RMS | 9.75 V | |
| Output balance principle | Impedance balancing with Active Drive | |
| Cable drive capability | 100 m (328 ft) | |
| CMRR | > 55 dB | |
| Polarity | +V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure | |
| Temperature range | -40 °C to 45 °C | |
| Relative humidity | Up to 90% | |
| From the manual | ||
| Rated load impedance | 2000 ohmminimum. "Minimum load impedance: 2 kΩ" (not on the current product page). | p. 3 |
| Finish | matte black"Color: Matte black". | |
| Supplied accessories | UA0961 microphone holder"What's in the box": the 4055 and a UA0961 Microphone Holder. | p. 2 |
| Grille | Two parts, an outer black metal mesh and an inner foam windscreen; unscrews for cleaning. The capsule is fixed. | |
| PlacementDPA | Asymmetric design for placement inside or outside the kick drum; moving it or changing its angle changes the sound | |
| Spare parts | DUA0720B grille (black); UA0961 holder; KE4055 zip case | p. 5 |
| Warranty | Five years, limited | |
Documents
- 4055 Kick Drum Microphoneproduct page specifications
- 4055 Kick Drum MicrophoneDPA document portal print
- Typical on and off-axis response of a 4055 microphonegraph image
- Typical directional characteristics of a DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphonegraph image
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © DPA Microphones, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.