DPA 4091 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Best professional microphone for capturing pristine, natural audio.
This versatile omnidirectional condenser microphone is engineered for both studio recording and live sound applications. It handles high sound pressure levels up to 144dB without distortion, making it perfect for loud instruments and amplifiers. Its linear frequency response ensures accurate sound reproduction, ideal for critical listening and sound system calibration. The microphone delivers a natural and open sound character, suitable for a wide range of instruments. It requires +48V phantom power and connects via a 3-pin XLR connector.
$675.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
273
/ 3367
#273 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+33%
Above average
Microphone Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Professional recording engineers, critical listeners, acoustic instrument specialists
- Studio owners, orchestral recording teams, broadcast sound designers
- Touring musicians, live sound engineers, busy production houses
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio enthusiasts, students, hobbyist content creators
- Performers in loud venues, podcasters without acoustic treatment, field recorders
- Mobile content creators, minimalist setups, users without dedicated preamps
Performance breakdown
SPL Handling
Handles extreme volume levels without distortion on even the loudest sources.
Frequency Accuracy
Linear response makes this an essential tool for precise system calibration.
Versatility
Equally capable in the studio or capturing live acoustic performances.
Self-Noise Floor
Slightly higher noise floor than specialized ultra-quiet studio vocal condensers.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to withstand the rigors of professional touring environments.
Sonic Transparency
Captures a natural, open sound that preserves the instrument's true character.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
Diaphragm Size
0.21" (5.4mm)
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL
144dB
Output Impedance
40 ohms
Connector
XLR
Power Requirements
+48V phantom power
Know before you buy
Yes. With a maximum SPL handling of 144dB, this microphone is specifically designed to capture high-volume sources without distortion.
Absolutely. The 4091 provides a natural, open sound profile that excels at capturing the nuances of acoustic instruments.
Yes, this is a condenser microphone that requires +48V phantom power to operate. Ensure your audio interface or mixing console can provide this voltage.
Yes. Its linear frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz makes it an excellent tool for acoustic measurement, system tuning, and room analysis.
The omnidirectional pattern captures sound equally from all directions. This is ideal for capturing the natural ambiance of a room or a balanced sound from an instrument, though you should be mindful of potential feedback in live settings.
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