Overview

Combining the legendary sound of the 4088 Directional Capsule with the lightweight and flexible d:fine™ Headset system, the d:fine™ 4288 Directional Headset Microphone is ideal for both spoken word and vocal performance applications. It offers accurate and natural voice intelligibility and very high-SPL capabilities – users can both speak and sing into the mic with no hint of distortion.

This mic provides excellent off-axis rejection in high-SPL situations. It efficiently suppresses distant sound sources making it perfect for demanding live performance environments where background noise and feedback are concerns. In high-SPL events, or when feedback is a concern, the 4088 Directional Capsule will tackle these challenges with ease. The bass response is designed for optimal linearity at 2-3 cm (1 in) from the sound source. This means that the bass roll-off will be relatively prominent at a greater distance – a paramount factor when it comes to rejection of background noise and in the fight to avoid feedback. The microphone capsule is also optimized for low distortion as well as humidity resistance.

The d:fine™ 4288 is available as an earset or headset. Earset variants are the quickest to put on and often the best choice when miking needs to be fast and easy for example for conference use. Headset variants sit more securely around the head and are ideal for active performance situations. Both types are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably and easily. This mic adjusts to fit any ear size and head shape while at the same time it mounts securely and is hardly visible. By rotating the boom and the ear hook, the microphone can be easily used on either the left or the right ear. The connector splits the cable from the microphone boom allowing you to swap broken cables and / or wireless connectors quickly.

Two directional boom lengths are available to accommodate different applications and head sizes: 120 mm (4.7 in) and 100 mm (3.9 in). The boom on this directional mic is 3 cm (1 in) longer than on the omnidirectional version, which matches the need for placement at the corner of the mouth. To avoid "popping", the capsule should not be placed directly in front of the mouth. The 120 mm (4.7 in) is the standard boom length that fits most people.
 
Legacy or CORE by DPA - The choice is yours

The legacy d:fine™ 4288 Directional Headset has always been, and still is, one of the most clear, consistent and robust miniature microphones you can find on the market. It’s known for working across a wide dynamic range as well as exhibiting low distortion across all SPLs. If you need to squeeze a little more performance out of your mics, choose CORE. The d:fine™ CORE 4288 Directional Headset gets a 14 dB increase Dynamic range as the 1% THD point is higher. What can’t be seen on the specifications is that the CORE delivers an even more open and clear sound.

Total harmonic distortion: < 1% THD up to 137 dB SPL peak

Dynamic range: Typ. 111 dB

IP58 certified

All CORE by DPA technology microphones are IP58 certified. This durability is achieved through a number of defense mechanisms:

• Water-repellant nano-coating of the cover and housing
• Hermetic sealing of the sensitive amplifier at the core of the mic
• Dual gold plating of the diaphragm

CORE by DPA availability

The d:fine™ 4288 Directional Headset is available with CORE by DPA. The earset version (d:fine™ 4188) will be available with CORE in May 2018.
 
A bit about cardioids

Named for its “heart shaped” polar pattern, a cardioid (or directional) microphone has the most sensitivity at the front and is least sensitive from the sides and at the back. They come in many variations – with wider or narrower angles of sensitivity (supercardioid, hypercardioid, wide cardioid etc.). Although cardioids also pick up sound coming in from the sides, this off-axis sound will normally be more or less colored and damped. The unique DPA capsule technique however skips the colorization of the sound coming from the sides or the rear of the mic and just reduces the sensitivity to these angles and thereby offers perfect sound stages. The amount of damping depends on the exact specifications of the mic.

A cardioid microphone is, by definition, damped -6 dB at the 90°side entry of the microphone but for many, the word cardioid generally covers mics with a directional pattern versus omnis, which pick up sound from all directions.

Due to their nature, directional mics are often used on the live stage – both during concerts as well as spoken-word events, to capture the focused sound of an instrument or voice. The narrow angle of sensitivity helps to minimize the bleed from other sounds on a busy stage. One thing to note with cardioid mics is the proximity effect, which causes an increase in bass response the closer the microphone is moved to the sound source. Therefore, when judging mic specs you should always look for a statement stating the distance at which the flat frequency response has been measured. In addition, cardioid mics are far more sensitive to wind, pop and handling noises than omni mics, so be sure to take precautions to guard against this.
 
Adapter system gives you flexibility

The adapters for wireless systems give you flexible, simple and affordable possibilities. You are no longer bound to one wireless system. As circumstances change, you can just switch your adapter, instead of incurring the cost of a completely new microphone. When you make the switch, you won't hear any loss or change in sound quality.

The d:fine™, d:screet™ and d:vote™ series of miniature microphones work with all leading wireless mic solutions, such as Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Wisycom, Zaxcom and many more. DPA Microphones’ ingenious adapter system is one of a kind in the industry. It protects your investment in fantastic sound for years to come.

Specifications

• Directional pattern: Cardioid
• Principle of operation: Pressure gradient
• Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser
• Effective frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Frequency range, ±2 dB, Near field 2-3 cm (0.8 - 1.2 in): 100 Hz - 20 kHz (4 - 6 dB soft boost at 15 kHz)
• Sensitivity, nominal, ±3 dB at 1 kHz: 6 mV/Pa; -44 dB re. 1 V/Pa
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: Typ. 26 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 28 dB(A))
• Equivalent noise level, ITU-R BS.468-4: Typ. 38 dB (max. 40 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD) - Legacy: < 1% up to 123 dB SPL peak
• Total harmonic distortion (THD) - CORE: < 1% THD up to 137 dB SPL peak
• Dynamic range - Legacy: Typ. 97 dB
• Dynamic range - CORE: Typ. 111 dB
• Max. SPL, peak before clipping: 144 dB
• Output impedance: From MicroDot: 30 - 40 Ω. From DAD6001: 100 Ω
• Cable drive capability: Up to 300 m (984 ft) with DAD6001-BC XLR Adapter
• Output balance principle: Signal balanced with DAD6001-BC XLR Adapter
• Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR): > 60 dB from 50 Hz to 15 kHz with DAD6001-BC XLR Adapter
• Power supply (for full performance): Min. 5 V to max. 50 V through DPA adapter for wireless systems
• Current consumption: Typ. 1.5 mA (microphone). 3.5 mA with DAD6001-BC XLR Adapter
• Connector: MicroDot
• Color: Brown
• Temperature range: -40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F)
• Relative humidity (RH): Up to 90%