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Posts: 1956
Joined: Dec. 2 2006
From: Budapest, now in Southampton
RE: Mic for live concerts (in reply to xirdneH_imiJ)
thanks guys...it's not very cheap unfortunately, what's the different between the DPA and the K&K Meridian? if it's negligible I might go for the latter one... also, it this the same mic that we can always see on the Casa Patas videos?
RE: Mic for live concerts (in reply to xirdneH_imiJ)
Yes, same as in Casa Patas. I have it, it's good and very dependable for live situations (except for the flimsy plastic attachment clamp), but yes, kind of expensive...I needed it for particularly feedback sensitive situations but I imagine if you just tend to do solo gigs etc. it's not really necessary.
my problem is, i'm very much used to controlling the volume with moving towards/away from the microphone, when i perform i play solo as well as accompany dancers, so i'm not quite sure yet whether this is what i need... but it would make my life easier for sure...of course i can move it closer when i know im going to play solo...
RE: Mic for live concerts (in reply to xirdneH_imiJ)
I understand the idea of moving towards the mic for change of volume and dynamics well.. The problem I had found with this idea is the closer the mic position is moved to the sound hole (or thereabouts) usually a lot of low end frequencies come into play, often blurring the top end (ie treble) and creating low end feedback or rumble.. This can also cause grief for the sound tech and usually you end up in the same place you started.. Ie tech decreases gain or volume..
Using the dpa ( or a Bartlett ) I found more attention to dynamic detail comes more from my hands.. Playing harder or lighter etc.. Old school I know but works a treat and has improved my playing dynamically and given me an approach to performance which involves more thought how to play certain parts of the dance..
I won the dpa on an eBay auction.. Paid less than half of the rrp
I'm a total convert to these mics ( I own several mics but have reduced it down to either the 4099 or km184) Either through an amp like an aer or a PA system these work really well.. Sound techs also love them... As unlike something like a km184 don't pick up surrounding sounds.. Like footwork etc
Just my thoughts and experience on switching to the dpa for live use..
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Mic for live concerts (in reply to xirdneH_imiJ)
AlVal, could you compare the sound of dpa or other mics that go in front of the soundboard to the Bartlett that goes inside? I have a Bartlett but have never used a dpa.
As someone who plays mostly classical nowadays, it is a little funny to hear about this new invention called dynamic control... :)
The bartletts are a great affordable option as we know.. Pressed to find anything better IMO I borrowed a dpa about 2 years ago and felt I wasn't really missing out.. I was happy with the sound of the Bartlett In between that I bought a nuemann km 184 One great microphone for acoustic nylon guitars..as testified by most live flamenco clips on you tube
As time went one I started using the Bartlett less favouring the 184 regardless of any issue it may present in live situation Purely for its dynamic response ...highlighting low and high range frequencies that the Bartlett lacked
The dpa is similar sonically to the nuemann but less problematic in live performance.. Especially with dancers..
The Bartlett on the other hand also works a treat live.. But much more midrange due to the frequency roll off in manufacture.. So to my ears the Bartlett acts more like a 'pickup' while the dpa more like a microphone The dpa and 184 bring out more the actual sound of my guitar while the Bartlett has its own colour and character..
Horses for courses All these microphones are great tools for live performances.. I also know my playing has changed over the last few years so it seems natural that I will change products to suit my needs..
Inside vs outside ? I'm favouring outside at present.. Mainly due to the dynamic possibilities..it is helping my performance.
Regarding the dynamic control I imagine that seems humorous when playing a lot of classical pieces .. I recently spent 4 hours with Antonio Rey and observed the natural dynamic control he has.. Quite a revelation in terms of attack.. So started rethinking a lot about my approach .... Nice to find that blend of tension and relaxation when it come to flamenco.. Generally approached it like a bull in a china shop before that meeting :-)
Great stuff, man! I have been using pickups for a long time, but I'm starting to want to upgrade a little. Although changing is hard to do...
That is cool to hear that Antonio Rey was influencing you in that direction. Most flamencos are so strong, that if they chose to use the lighter dynamics they could really create some dramatic effects.
thanks Al, you're a great source of info :) unfortunately they seem to have learned from the experience and don't offer it auctioned currently...curiously, I can order the thing for about 60% price from Hungary, but it's still too expensive... I'm seriously thinking about the K&K Meridian, anyone has experience with that?
RE: Mic for live concerts (in reply to xirdneH_imiJ)
One fairly mute point is to me the dpa sounds better attached to the upper bout 2 hand Capo changes can be a bit annoying...knocking the mic with potential to dislodge the bracket.. Guess a clamp capo is a solution but I like my traditional capo or Jim Dunlop . Just an observation. .
The other consideration is the 4099 is designed to be either wireless or with xlr - offers choice without hassle Does the meridian have the same option? Guess it depends if this feature is desirable.
the wireless option is tempting, especially if i can somehow connect it with a wireless headphone, that'd improve my practicing too...wondering how that works?
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