TECHNOLOGICAL WIZARDRY FROM DPA MICROPHONES BRINGS EXTRA MAGIC TO THE THEATRE STAGE
25/04/2019
Major theatre productions often have lives involving multiple productions in multiple countries, which provides a great opportunity for the production team to assess the equipment they are using and make changes to benefit from advances in technology. This was exactly the situation multi-award-winning sound designer Gareth Fry found himself in, opening Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne, Australia after its success in London and New York.
DPA's d:screet 4061 Miniature Microphones have long been theatre stalwarts because they sound great, are very tough and are small enough to hide on cast members, Fry explains. I've been using the legacy version of these microphones for years, and we typically hide them in the hairline, on the forehead, so they are not visible to the audience.
In 2017, a year after the play opened in London, a second production was established on Broadway. By this stage DPA had launched its new d:screet CORE 4061 Miniature Microphones featuring CORE by DPA' amplifier technology. This development minimises distortion and expands dynamic range so that the microphones deliver an even clearer sound - from the highest of the highs' to the lowest of the lows'.
For the Broadway production I was keen to take advantage of technological developments to get the best possible sound out of the microphones. Fry says. Then, when we opened in Melbourne, I was keen to make them as invisible as possible.
Five months before the play was due to open in Melbourne, DPA Microphones launched its new 6000 Series of Sub-miniature Microphones, which at only 3mm across, are significantly smaller than anything else the company produces. It takes months of preparation to open a show in a new city, and when it comes to the sound there is occasionally a need to tweak the system design so that it works with the acoustics of the local venue.
It's often better to make the show work with the venue, than to try to force it to fit, Fry explains. The changes are rarely major because what we have works really well. But we'll never turn down the opportunity to refine aspects of the show, and each new ensemble of actors brings something new to the show.
Often in theatre, we're trying to balance the need for vocal reinforcement, without it being immediately obvious that we are doing vocal reinforcement. Not always it does really depend on the style of the show.
For many productions the hairline is as close as a microphone can get without being visible. The microphone capsule and cable will be coloured to match the actor's hair colours and the back of their neck. It is also not uncommon to put two radio microphones on a performer, in case one fails.
Radio mics get bashed, dropped, sat on and jumped on, Fry adds. There's a lot of stress on the cable connectors, not to mention plenty of sweat, makeup and hairspray around the place. It's a hard life for a radio mic.
Fry says he is delighted with the new DPA d:screet 6000 Series both in terms of the sound quality they are delivering and their robustness and aesthetics.
They are so tiny that they just disappear. With a 4061, if it isn't well hidden you can definitely see a microphone, especially if you are double miking, but with these you just mistake them for a small mole. They are effectively invisible. The actors prefer wearing them too, because they are less obtrusive.
Fry adds that often in the preview period when his sound team are trying out different mic positions, he will get notes from producers and directors about mics being too visible.
Since switching to d:screet 6061 mics I've had significantly fewer notes. he says. Plus they sound as great as the original 4061s and they are incredibly water resistant. In the past if you have a scene where the actors come in to contact with water you have to go to extreme measures to protect the microphones, or use something like a heavy duty d:screet 4661, but the IP rating on these makes them seem impervious to water.
As well as preparing for the San Francisco and Hamburg productions of Harry Potter, opening in 2019 and 2020 respectively, Fry has just opened an adaptation of the best-selling novel, Alys, Always, at the Bridge Theatre, London. Again, the cast are miked up using DPA 6061 microphones, this time utilising the Sony DWT-B03R mini digital transmitters. Although Gareth Fry is best known for his cutting-edge work in theatre, he has also designed events and exhibitions such as the landmark V&A David Bowie Is exhibition, and sound effects for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games. His book Sound Design for the Stage has just been published by Crowood Press.
Photo Credit: Matt Murphy
LINK: | https://www.dpamicrophones.com/news/technological-wizardry-from-dpa-mi... |
See more stories from dpa |
More from DPA Microphones
14/04/2024
DPA MICROPHONES UNVEILS AIR1 UNIVERSAL MINIATURE FUR WINDSCREEN AT NAB 2024
A Professional Windscreen Designed for Lavalier and Headset Microphones That Guarantees Highly Efficient Wind Protection and Unrivaled Acoustic Transparency DP...
20/03/2024
DPA DELIVERS THE LAUGHS FOR LIVE COMEDY SPECIALS
Production Sound Mixer Thomas Cassetta creates clean, natural sound with DPA Microphones for standup shows, documentaries and podcasts. Production Sound and Re...
20/03/2024
DPA SHOWCASES VERSATILITY OF NEW COMPACT SHOTGUN MICROPHONE AT NAB 2024
The 2017 Shotgun Mic excels in a variety of challenging environments and applications DPA Microphones will highlight the standout features of its compact 2017 ...
21/02/2024
LORD HURON TAKES DPA FROM STUDIO TO STAGE
American rock band calls on DPA vocal and instrument mics for consistent recorded and live performances Adored for their emotive lyricism and moody undertones,...
22/01/2024
SOUND NETWORK LTD REBRANDS AS DPA MICROPHONES UK
DPA Microphones announces that its UK Division, Sound Network Ltd, has rebranded as DPA Microphones UK. While the name has evolved, the DPA Microphones UK team...
17/01/2024
DPA MICROPHONES HOSTS GRAND PLAZA TOUR AT NAMM 2024
Brand teams up with Yamaha for production truck that will allow attendees to see and hear esteemed DPA mics used on the grand plaza stage in action DPA Microph...
16/01/2024
DPA MICROPHONES HIGHLIGHTS 2017 SHOTGUN MICROPHONE AT ISE 2024
New mic captures authentic, high-clarity sound for a variety of applications DPA Microphones is showcasing its new 2017 Shotgun Microphone at ISE 2024 (Stand 7...
08/01/2024
WELSH NATIONAL OPERA ENTERTAINS AND INSPIRES WITH DPA MICROPHONES
Sound Designer Sebastian Frost Provides a Transformative Experience for Audiences Welsh National Opera has put on powerful performances for audiences across S...
08/01/2024
DPA SHOWCASES LIVE PERFORMANCE BENEFITS OF 2017 SHOTGUN MICROPHONE AT NAMM 2024
Newest Mic Captures Authentic, High-clarity Sound for Live Musical Performances DPA Microphones will highlight its new 2017 Shotgun Microphone at the 2024 NAMM...
08/01/2024
MONITOR ENGINEER JAMES BERRY TRUSTS DPA MICROPHONES FOR VERSATILE, HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO ON BEYONC'S R
Fans recently flocked to cities across North America and Europe for a chance to ...
23/11/2023
DPA GETS A CURTAIN CALL FROM THIRD ENCORE STUDIOS
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
DPA MICROPHONES NAMED AS FINALIST FOR TWO NAMM TEC AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
New 2012 Cardioid and 2015 Wide Cardioid recognized for excellence in Recording ...
26/10/2023
CHURCHES FROM COAST TO COAST RECEIVE CLARITY AND CONSISTENCY WITH DPA MICROPHONES
DPA's discreet vocal, instrument and headset solutions provide authentic sou...
12/10/2023
DPA MICROPHONES LAUNCHES THE 2017 SHOTGUN MICROPHONE
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
PBS' AUSTIN CITY LIMITS MAKES MUSIC HISTORY WITH DPA MICROPHONES
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
DPA MICROPHONES ANNOUNCES NEW HEADQUARTERS
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
DPA HIGHLIGHTS NEW LOCATION SOUND KIT AT IBC 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
CONSISTENCY IS KEY FOR INSTRUMENT MIKING AT HULT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
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
WEST END PRODUCTION OF WICKED IS DANCING THROUGH LIFE WITH NEW DPA MICS
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
GOSPEL MUSICIAN TODD DULANEY RECORDS LATEST ALBUM LIVE WITH PRODUCER DONTANIEL JAMEL KIMBROUGH
Duo Entrusts DPA Microphones to Deliver Authentic, Transparent Sound for The Jo...
06/07/2023
DPA ANNOUNCES NEW MICROPHONE KITS FOR PROFESSIONAL SOUND ENGINEERS
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
DPA MICROPHONES ARE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN FOR BROADWAY'S & JULIET
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
SOUND ON SOUND REVIEWS THE ULTIMATE RECORDING MICROPHONE KIT
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
LSi REVIEWS THE 2012, 2015 AND 4055
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
AUDIOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS THE DDK4000 DRUM MICROPHONE KIT
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
JACARAND GROUP ELEVATES ITS WORLD-CLASS RECORDINGS AND LIVE EVENTS WITH DPA
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
Dennie Miller, FOH for Volbeat talks about condenser mics on drum kits
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
STROMAE'S AUDIO TEAM MASTERS CLEAR AND NATURAL LIVE SOUND WITH DPA MICROPHONES
Sound Engineer and Back-up Mixer rely on DPA's d:facto Vocal Microphone for...
12/04/2023
DPA MICROPHONES UNVEILS NEW DRUM MIKING KIT AT THE 2023 NAMM SHOW
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
LIVE DOLBY ATMOS RECORDINGS AT NOWA MIODOWA CONCERT HALL ENHANCED WITH DPA MICROPHONES
Sound Director Tadeusz Mieczkowski Selects DPA for Durability, Reliability and S...
29/03/2023
DPA MICROPHONES ANNOUNCES NEW 2012 AND 2015 PENCIL MICS
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
MNESKIN TOURS WITH DPA VOCAL MICROPHONE
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
IMMERSIVE AUDIO RECORDINGS ENHANCED WITH PRECISION SOUND PICK-UP FROM DPA MICROPHONES
Brand's 4006 Omnidirectional Condenser Mic Offers Balance and Clarity for Re...
10/02/2023
PERFORMER MAGAZINE REVIEWS 2028 VOCAL MICROPHONE
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
DPA MICROPHONES PROVIDES STUNNING AUDIO FOR MUSICAL EVENTS ACROSS THE U.S.
Brand's Vocal and Instrument Microphones Assist Varying Musical Performances With Sound Quality, Clarity and Reliability Despite the varied cultural differ...
26/01/2023
ROOMFUL OF TEETH IS ALL SMILES WITH DPA MICROPHONES
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
DPA MICROPHONES OFFER PRISTINE AUDIO QUALITY FOR PHILHARMONIC STUDIOS
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
A.R. RAHMAN AND DPA MICROPHONES TEAM UP FOR REOPENING OF DUBAI'S AL WASL DOME
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer Phil Wright Trusts the Brand's Microphones f...
13/12/2022
DPA MICROPHONES PERFORM SWIMMINGLY FOR OCEAN-INSPIRED COMPOSITIONS
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
DPA MICROPHONES CREATES KILLER AUDIO FOR THE KILLERS' FALL TOUR
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
DPA MICROPHONES PRESENTED WITH PRESTIGIOUS DANISH SOUND AWARD
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
DPA MICROPHONES CREATES POWERFUL AUDIO FOR LORDE'S SOLAR POWER' TOUR
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
SOUND ON SOUND REVIEWS 4055
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 REVIEWS 4055 KICK MIC
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
DPA MICROPHONES SPOTLIGHTS LIVE SOUND MIKING SOLUTIONS AT AES NEW YORK 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
DPA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF THE MUSICAL NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS IN ITALY
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 SHARES NEWEST MIC SOLUTIONS WITH MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AT IBC 2022
DPA's Micro Shotgun, Headsets and Kick Drum Mic Bring Superior Intelligibili...
06/08/2022
GEARSPACE REVIEWS 2028 MICROPHONE
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
LIVE SOUND INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS 4055 KICK DRUM MIC
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
BONEDO REVIEWS 4055 KICK DRUM MICROPHONE
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...