
Brand's Mics Complement Ensemble's Unique Vocals in Recorded and Live Applications
From first listen, it's obvious that amplified vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth is unlike any other performance group around today. As the ensemble's Head Audio Engineer, Randall L. Squires is no stranger to the band's haunting, hypnotic vocals. After starting with the group in 2015 alongside boss and mentor Damon Lange, Squires eventually took over full audio operations, including recording, mastering and FOH engineering. Most recently, the group entrusted Squires with recording its latest album, requesting that he create a completely new audio canvas from which they could work. To complement the unique sound and get consistent, reliable audio, Squires turned to DPA Microphones' d:facto 4018VL Vocal, 5100 Mobile 5.1 Surround and 4011 Cardioid Condenser Microphones.
The d:factos were perfect for us, Squires says. Roomful of Teeth is primarily a live act, so they're used to amplification and having a handheld vocal mic on a stand directly in front of them. I wanted to find a solution that still fit the look of the handheld mics they were used to, but with a higher fidelity. The d:facto felt familiar to the singers, allowing all the mic techniques for their overtone singing and yodeling to translate directly, while also giving them a more open sound. Hitting those higher notes and hearing the overtones is also easier with a d:facto than it is with a dynamic mic. They hear all the upper mid-range sounds that they can go for, and they hit them easier. The singers had a major push after they heard the mics, literally every single one of the performers said, we need these mics.'
Recorded at the MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art), the group of eight singers were set up in a full circle, with the 5100 directly in the center, about 60 feet across from each person. One d:facto was then set in front of each singer along with a monitor and several 4011s were set directly behind them another 20 feet out to pick up room sound. There were additional speakers behind the 4011s, which Squires set up to face into the corner, allowing him to feed reverbs to the singers and change the feel of the room space. I decided to do this record completely differently and it was really a gamble, adds Squires. I was pretty sure that the mics would work, but I didn't realize exactly how perfectly; and it required very little EQ. Everything is linear with these mics, even the off-axis response, which is great because I don't want a microphone to sound completely different when the singer shifts position slightly.
Co-artistic Director, and lowest voice in the band, Cameron Beauchamp was particularly pleased with the results of the DPAs. Those mics have a knack for bringing out all the best, most natural qualities in our voices, he says. They feel warm, exciting, balanced and effortless, and gave us consistent confidence and comfort on long recording days. We didn't have to worry about working' the mic and minding our plosive consonants like we've grown accustomed to with other mics it took care of all those stray P,' T' and K' sounds for us. Using the d:factos was an instant level-up.
After falling in love with the DPAs for this project, Squires made the decision to purchase ten d:factos, with plans to incorporate the mics into both live applications and recording projects. These mics are so easy to fit in a bag and take on the go, he explains. The d:factos will be our main touring microphones, and we're going to use them for literally everything. I'm not worried about feedback with this mic. Even if there's high SPL or a drummer on stage, I can treat it the same at front of house. We also recently utilized the d:factos in support of Caroline Shaw's Microfictions, Vol. 3' with the New York Philharmonic at David Geffan Hall, as well as to record the score for 2022 film, Catherine, Called Birdy.' We had such a great experience with both the mics and the film's Composer, Carter Burwell, and Engineer, Alex Venguer, while working on that record.
The DPA standard is huge for me, Squires finishes. DPA has always been better than any other brand for me, not only with regards to sound quality, but also in terms of stock availability. My confidence in DPA really shows when folks in the business ask me for recommendations and I can now say, I use DPA, and I love them.'
More from DPA Microphones
23/11/2023
DPA's instrument and vocal microphones provide reliable, clear audio for rehearsal spaces and touring packages
Before your favorite musicians hit the stage...
20/11/2023
New 2012 Cardioid and 2015 Wide Cardioid recognized for excellence in Recording ...
26/10/2023
DPA's discreet vocal, instrument and headset solutions provide authentic sou...
12/10/2023
Newest mic captures authentic, high-clarity sound for broadcasting events
DPA Microphones has launched the 2017 Shotgun Microphone. Designed to capture authent...
02/10/2023
Audio Supervisor Randy Reynolds uses DPA's 4099 Instrument Condenser and 2011 Twin Diaphragm mics to provide quality sound for live performances
As the lon...
21/09/2023
New location features high-tech upgrades, inspirational settings and modern amenities to drive R&D
DPA Microphones has opened its new headquarters in Kokkedal,...
23/08/2023
Comprehensive solution with a variety of mics and accessories caters to film and broadcast professionals.
DPA Microphones is showcasing its new DLS4000 Locatio...
10/08/2023
General Manager Jeff Weinkauf trusts DPA Microphones for clear and authentic audio
As one of the only performing arts centers of its caliber in the area, Hult...
03/08/2023
Associate Sound Designer Hyder Khalil Upgrades Show's Sound With the Brand's Instrument and Headworn Mics
For the past 15 years, Associate Sound Design...
06/07/2023
Duo Entrusts DPA Microphones to Deliver Authentic, Transparent Sound for The Jo...
06/07/2023
Bundles are Designed to Cover Miking Needs for Specific Applications, From Studio and Live Recordings to Live Events and Location Sound
After an incredible res...
22/06/2023
Sound Designer Gareth Owen Relies on Brand's Instrument and Headset Mics for Versatile and Reliable Live Audio
Known for crafting flawless audio for musica...
12/06/2023
DPA's new flagship mic bundle offers quality and quantity in abundance. We put it to work in a busy studio...
Danish company DPA Microphones have a reputat...
31/05/2023
Simon Allen gets to grips with some of the latest microphones to hit the stage
"I found the 2012 to behave in a similar fashion to dynamic microphones, giving ...
31/05/2023
DPA pulls together a premium family of its compact microphones to lend a larger-than-life sound to drum kits on stage or in the studio.
"DPA makes exceptionall...
10/05/2023
Engineers and Co-owners Julian J. Ludwig and Alberto Gebhard Call on DPA Microphones' Unrivaled Natural Sound Quality for Classical Music and Jazz Recording...
26/04/2023
Listen to Dennie Miller talk about his experiences using DPA mics with Volbeat.
Coming from an audio system engineering background, Dennie Miller, FOH for Volb...
12/04/2023
Sound Engineer and Back-up Mixer rely on DPA's d:facto Vocal Microphone for...
12/04/2023
The solution features the newest 2012, 2015 and 4055 mics, along with the renowned 4099.
DPA Microphones (NAMM Show Booth 14504) launches the DDK4000, the comp...
29/03/2023
Sound Director Tadeusz Mieczkowski Selects DPA for Durability, Reliability and S...
29/03/2023
Newest solutions offer precise sound reproduction for the live stage.
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, unveils i...
08/03/2023
GRAMMY -nominated and Eurovision-winning Italian rock band M neskin continues its global ascent to stardom with a world tour and dozens of festivals in every co...
20/02/2023
Brand's 4006 Omnidirectional Condenser Mic Offers Balance and Clarity for Re...
10/02/2023
Vocalists usually don't dwell on microphones like a guitarist would over pedals, pickups and other items, but considering the purest path is the best soundi...
26/01/2023
Brand's Vocal and Instrument Microphones Assist Varying Musical Performances With Sound Quality, Clarity and Reliability
Despite the varied cultural differ...
26/01/2023
Brand's Mics Complement Ensemble's Unique Vocals in Recorded and Live Applications
From first listen, it's obvious that amplified vocal ensemble Ro...
26/01/2023
Studio Owner Greg Miner Relies on Full DPA Microphone Lineup for Inaugural Clients at High-End Recording Space
Nestled in an idyllic wooded setting just north ...
19/01/2023
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer Phil Wright Trusts the Brand's Microphones f...
13/12/2022
Q Up Arts Founder and Composer Douglas Morton Relies on Brand for Immersive Aquarium Exhibit
A journey into the depths of the ocean is out of grasp for most, b...
01/12/2022
FOH Engineer Kenny Kaiser and Monitor Engineer Marty Beath rely on DPA's Live Sound Solutions
Always on the lookout for the newest audio solutions for the ...
21/11/2022
Company Selected from Among Many of the Nation's Innovative Audio Brands
Denmark's top sound companies gathered at the Technical University of Denmark...
18/10/2022
Mixing Engineer Philip J. Harvey Relies on DPAs Vocal, Headset and Instrument Mics for Accurate, High-quality Audio.
Since her first GRAMMY Awards performance...
17/10/2022
The extremes of frequency that the microphone captured helped provide the low end impact I was looking for, and without adding any equalisation.
Sound On Sound...
11/10/2022
Headliner Magazines reviewer brought along 4055 on a couple of live sound gigs for some real-world kick mic testing.
"With my options open, it gave me a chance...
05/10/2022
DPAs Vocal and Instrument Mics Ideal for Variety of Studio and Live Performance Applications.
DPA Microphones will showcase its esteemed studio and live sound ...
24/08/2022
Twenty years after first opening in Italy, the complete original cast of Notre-Dame de Paris is back on stage to celebrate the anniversary.
Following the suc...
09/08/2022
DPA's Micro Shotgun, Headsets and Kick Drum Mic Bring Superior Intelligibili...
06/08/2022
There arent many handhelds that are as good sounding and well-rounded as the 2028.
"Build quality: Nothing but excellent, and I'd like to highlight the fac...
06/08/2022
I think DPA has absolutely knocked this one out of the park.
Live Sound International s Dennie Miller tested our 4055 Kick Drum mic on a wide variety of drums,...
04/08/2022
With the DPA 4055 you get a microphone that is absolutely worth its price and can pass as a high-end all-rounder.
One of Germany s leading online magazines, B...
04/08/2022
German online magazine Amazona.de reviews the 4055 kick drum microphone.
"The linear frequency response of the DPA 4055 is important to mention. In contrast to...
04/08/2022
The leading online audio magazine in France, Audiofanzine, takes the 4055 kick drum microphone to the test lab.
"We compared it (4055) with our faithful Electr...
04/08/2022
Mark Woods puts the 4055 Kick Drum Mic to the test.
"The DPA 4055 looks different. The slender matte-black body flares elegantly into a largish semi-gloss stee...
04/08/2022
Recording Magazines Alex Hawley dives into the details of our 2028 handheld mic.
"The DPA 2028 sounds incredibly transparent. In the time I spent with it on bo...
28/07/2022
Creak Music's Brad King Calls on DPA to Capture Christian Music Duo's Latest Project Live at Their Family Farm.
With their home serving as a pastoral, ...
28/07/2022
DPA Microphones Provide Crystal-clear, Reliable Audio for Array of Award-winning Touring Artists.
Summer tours are back in full swing, and artists are looking ...
23/06/2022
All-in-all I found the DPA 4055 to be an excellent microphone for its intended purpose and I have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of this around, pa...
01/06/2022
Please welcome the 4055 Kick Drum Microphone, a specialized kick drum mic for the low-frequency, high-SPL instrument.
Different from traditional kick drum mic...
21/05/2022
Established in 2017, the Getty Music Sing! Worship Conference was designed not only to be a live event, but an experience that stays with you 365 days a year.
...
06/05/2022
DPAs microphones chosen for duo's Set Sound to art performances and recordings.
Capturing sound for innovative, creative projects is one of the most rew...