Overview

The d:facto™ series brings true studio sound to the live stage and broadcasting studio. These mics are available in an extremely linear version as well as in a version with a high-end boost. The modular nature of the d:facto™ series allows you to switch the capsule as well as the adapter, making it the most flexible vocal microphone available on the market.

Engineered especially for vocal performances onstage, the d:facto™ holds a supercardioid capsule that is designed to reproduce every nuance of the human voice transparently, consistently and thrillingly. There are two versions available. The d:facto™ Linear Vocal Microphone (4018VL) is extremely linear. The d:facto™ Vocal Microphone (4018V) is linear but with a high-end boost. The 4018V  is often chosen because it  ‘cuts through’ on a broadcasting set, where the content typically ends up transmitted to built-in television speakers with limited audio quality.

Besides the linearity / boost, these mics are identical. Both feature an isolation-optimized supercardioid polar pattern. This directional characteristic offers the best of two worlds –  from cardioid and supercardioid patterns. These mics can handle loud vocals with three-step pop-protection grid and best-in-class low handling noise. They also offer excellent sonic reproduction with all the detail and balanced linear phase and frequency response users have grown to trust for DPA Microphones.
 

Optimized for live performance

d:facto™ Vocal Microphones are the ultimate stage mics – no matter if the performance is taking place in a  cozy club or the largest concert hall.

Like traditional supercardioid mics, the d:facto™ series enjoys high side- and rear rejection with a minimum of 9 dB attenuation to the sides. Yet it is not bound by the less desirable aspects of the supercardioid like the uncontrolled and nonlinear rear lobes, which can create feedback from stage wedges, because there is a sudden high frequency peak at the backside of the mic.

The d:facto™ series has a wider acceptance angle at the front of the mic than most supercardioids. The acceptance angle is identical to a first-order cardioid at ±60 degrees off-center, resulting in the same work field as a cardioid — just with extremely high and uniform side and rear damping.
 

Linear or with a high-end boost?

When you choose your d:facto™ Vocal Microphone, you get to choose the microphone that best meets your need. An extremely linear version of the d:facto™ Vocal Microphone is engineered specifically for audio engineers who prefer setting their own unique impression on the final sound. A version with a pre-programmed high-end boost has a 3 dB soft boost at 12 kHz.

Both versions of the d:facto™ are designed to capture electrifying live performances and accurately replicate a singer's voice transparently, consistently and thrillingly. These mics are optimized for use in sound reinforcement as well as recording applications. They offer natural sound, high separation from nearby sound sources and SPL handling up to 160 dB.

Modularity redefined

The d:facto™ Handheld Microphones series boasts a fully modular construction. The grid, capsules and wired handle (or adapters for wireless systems) are all interchangeable. This ensures that your audio investment is future proof — easily adaptable to changes in wireless technology as well as frequency-band modifications.

You can use the same supreme-sounding capsules wired as well as with third-party wireless mic handles. This preserves the capsule sound and makes it possible to keep the sound settings between different performances. Improving the sound quality even with low-cost wireless systems may be a better audio result than buying a more expensive wireless system.

The d:facto™ line consists of two capsule versions. The vocal microphone is intended for stage use with audio quality so high that it can be used for studio recording as well as broadcast use. The vocal microphone comes in a linear version and a version with a high end boost.

Pop protection and shock mounting

It can be quite a challenge to give a stage mic enough protection against plosive consonants like k, p and f without adding too much high-frequency damping at the same time.

We have developed a three-way pop-protection system, which is easy to remove, split and clean after use. d:facto™ Vocal Microphones also have an effective built-in shock rejection rubber ring close to the mic head, which suppresses unwanted handling noise.

Flexible adapter system

This gives you flexible, simple and affordable possibilities.

With the d:facto™ Vocal Microphones series, you are no longer bound to one wireless system. As circumstances change, you can just switch your adapter at a quarter of the cost of a new microphone. You won't hear any loss in sound quality.

d:facto™ adapters work with all leading wireless mic solutions, such as Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony and Wisycom. DPA Microphones’ ingenious adapter system is one of a kind in the industry. This modular system protects your investment in fantastic sound for years to come.

Features

• Extraordinarily natural sound
• Perfectly uniform supercardioid directionality
• High separation
• Extreme SPL handling
• Low handling noise
• Sleek design
• Flexible adapter system fits most professional wireless systems

Specifications

• Directional Pattern: Supercardioid
• Principle of operation: Pressure gradient
• Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Dynamic range: Typ. 120 dB
• Effective frequency range ±2 dB, at 12 cm (4.7 in): 40 Hz - 16 kHz
• Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz: 5 mV/Pa; -46 dB re. 1 V/Pa, 2 mV/Pa; -54 dB re. 1 V/Pa with Adapter for wireless
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: Typ. 19 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 21 dB(A))
• Distortion, THD < 1%: 136 dB SPL RMS, 139 dB SPL peak
• Max. SPL, THD 10%: 160 dB SPL peak
• Minimum load impedance: 1 kΩ
• Rated output impedance: 100 Ω
• Cable drive capability: 100 m (328 ft)
• Output balance principle: Impedance balancing with Active Drive
• Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR): > 50 dB at 1 kHz
• Power supply (for full performance): P48 (Phantom Power)
• Current consumption: Max 2.0 mA
• Maximum output voltage, RMS: 8 V
• Polarity: +V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
• Weight: 309 g (10.9 oz)
• Microphone diameter: 52 mm (2.05 in)
• Capsule diameter: 19 mm (0.75 in)
• Microphone length: 205 mm (8.1 in)
• Temperature range: -40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F)
• Relative humidity (RH): Up to 90%