DPA CORE 4099 Instrument Condenser Microphone
Best professional choice for capturing natural acoustic instrument sound live.
This professional-grade condenser microphone captures the true sound of acoustic instruments with exceptional clarity and detail. Featuring advanced CORE technology, it minimizes distortion and enhances audio across the entire dynamic range, providing a more open and clear sound. It excels on a wide array of acoustic instruments, delivering natural sound reproduction while rejecting unwanted noise. Its robust design ensures durability for daily use, making it a reliable choice for musicians and sound engineers in demanding live environments.
$619.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
273
/ 3367
#273 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+22%
Above average
Transducer Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Professional musicians demanding pristine, natural instrument reproduction
- Touring performers needing secure, non-invasive mounting solutions
- Live sound engineers managing high-volume, feedback-prone stages
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists seeking affordable entry-level gear
- Rough-handling performers requiring rugged, heavy-duty cabling
- Mobile recordists using equipment lacking phantom power support
Performance breakdown
Sound Transparency
Captures the natural character of acoustic instruments with stunning, lifelike accuracy.
Feedback Rejection
Super-cardioid pattern excels at isolating instruments in loud, live stage environments.
Dynamic Range
CORE technology maintains clarity from delicate whispers to aggressive, high-volume peaks.
Mounting Versatility
Flexible gooseneck and specialized clips ensure a secure fit on almost anything.
Build Durability
Rugged construction withstands the rigors of constant touring and frequent setup changes.
Signal Integrity
Detachable cable design allows for quick field repairs and easy component replacement.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Super-Cardioid
Frequency Range
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
-44 dBV/Pa (6 mV)
Tube or Solid State
Solid State
Package Contents
Microphone, with adapter for XLR, extension cable 1.6 mm, and stand mount
Connectivity Type
XLR
Power Source
Phantom Power
Know before you buy
CORE by DPA technology is designed to minimize distortion and expand the dynamic range. This allows the microphone to maintain clarity and detail even when capturing very quiet passages or extremely loud peaks.
The 4099 is highly versatile and designed to be used across a wide range of instruments. While the microphone capsule is the same, you can purchase specific mounting clips for strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion to ensure optimal placement.
The super-cardioid pattern is highly directional, which helps the microphone focus strictly on the instrument while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This design provides superior gain-before-feedback, making it much easier to achieve high volume levels in live environments without triggering unwanted squeals.
No, the 4099 features a detachable cable design. This is a significant advantage for longevity, as it allows you to easily replace the cable if it becomes damaged without needing to replace the entire microphone.
The mounting system is engineered to be gentle and secure. It uses specialized clips that hold the microphone firmly in place without scratching or marring the surface of your instrument.
Yes, as a condenser microphone, the 4099 requires 48V phantom power to function. The included XLR adapter allows you to connect it directly to standard mixing consoles or audio interfaces that provide this power.
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