Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

SIMON HONYWILL TEARS UP THE ACOUSTIC RULE BOOK WITH HELP FROM DPA MICROPHONES

27/02/2019

Creating an acoustic bubble' for an unusual theatre production required microphones that were entirely predictable and capable of delivering exceptional sound quality without feedback.

Everyone knows that pointing a microphone directly at a PA speaker is likely to generate feedback, but sometimes when you are trying to achieve a particular vision you have to tear up the rule book and see what happens. This was the situation award-winning Front of House engineer Simon Honywill found himself in when he was asked to tackle sound design for a new live music and dance production called The Nature of Why.

Using a combination of DPA microphones and EM Acoustics loudspeakers positioned in a circle around the stage, Honywill pulled off the task of creating an ambient acoustic bubble' for this unusual performance in which the audience is as much a part of the show as the musicians and dancers.

I needed to make sure all the microphones I was using were as predictable as possible, he explains. DPA was the obvious choice - not just because they are always my first choice but because each microphone sounds exactly the same so you know you are starting from the same base point.

Commissioned by Unlimited, The Nature of Why takes inspiration from the Nobel prize-winning theoretical physicist Richard Feynman and his search for meaning in the world around us. It features a cinematic live score by Goldfrapp's Will Gregory that is performed by the British Paraorchestra, the world's only large-scale ensemble for professional disabled musicians. They are joined on stage by five dancers, choreographed by Caroline Bowditch, and the Army of Generals, an 11 piece string ensemble of non-disabled orchestral musicians that is famed for its dynamic energy-fuelled performances. The conductor was Charles Hazlewood, who also founded the Bristol-based Paraorchestra.

The whole idea of The Nature of Why is to have the musicians, dancers and audience in the same space so that everyone is up close and personal, Honywill explains. The performance area is so crowded that an audience member might be standing next to a viola player, yet still need to hear a percussionist who is hidden behind a crowd of other people on the opposite side of the stage. Creating an immersive soundfield where you can hear everything and know exactly where everything is coming from, even when you can't see if, was the main challenge. Of course you shouldn't point a microphone at a loudspeaker, but to achieve what we wanted that was exactly what we did.

And it worked, as can be attested by the reaction of reviewers who described The Nature of Why as a show that threw convention out of the window, reshaped the audience experience and allowed people to see, hear and feel the performance in a totally new way.

With a career in sound that spans more than 35 years, and as a DPA Master, Simon Honywill certainly has the experience to bend the rules of microphone placement when he needs to. For this production he says the choice of microphone was just as important as the position if he was to achieve the acoustic bubble he wanted.

Honywill hung d:dicate 4011A Cardioid Condenser microphones in a circle over the performance space, with two stereo pairs back to back in the centre so they covered 360 degrees and the remaining eight around the edge of the circle at points of the compass. Each microphone was 2.7 meters above the ground.

This arrangement allowed me to route the microphones to the various speakers, which I had positioned in ring around the stage, he says. At certain points during the performance the audience hears audio clips from a Richard Feynman interview. This arrangement allowed me to direct his voice through various speakers so that is sounded as though he was in a number of different places. The overall effect was really successful because you feel a wonderful sense of directional placement and space.

With people all over the stage it was also important to highlight the sound of various instruments so they could be heard by everyone. A selection of d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones and d:screet 4061 Miniature Omnidirectional microphones were used to great effect and their input was incorporated into the multitrack mix.

I had lots of direct sounds to play with, as well as the ambient sound from the d:dicate 4011As, Honywill says. All the mics were radio mics and I made sure to set up the overhead mics so there was coverage of the entire area with minimal chance of feedback. I could have done this project with different microphones but I chose DPA because they always give me the results I want. Predictable sound between each microphone was really important, as was knowing how far I could push the microphones before anything distorted. They gave me a very even soundfield, which was what I needed and they also gave me a sound I really like, which is why I use them all the time.

Since its premier at the Bristol Old Vic in May 2018, The Nature of Why has been performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and is about to travel to Perth in Australia. It will then return to the UK for performances in Cardiff and Brighton later this year.
LINK: https://www.dpamicrophones.com/news/simon-honywill-tears-up-the-acoust...
See more stories from dpa

More from DPA Microphones

15/07/2025

The Next Level 4099 CORE+ Instrument Microphone

The well-known and well-loved 4099 has been completely revamped. It features amazing CORE+ technology, which eliminates distortion and extends dynamic range, a ...

17/06/2025

We need your opinion

We need your opinion Please help us improve our products, service and dealer support by taking this short survey (about 10 minutes). We would like to know: - ...

17/06/2025

LSi Reviews CORE+ and MicroLock

Read the review here!...

11/06/2025

Unveiling the next level of instrument miking with the enhanced 4099 CORE+ Microphone

KOKKEDAL, DENMARK, JUNE 11, 2025 DPA Microphones introduces the next generatio...

01/05/2025

Putting the DPA 2017 to the voiceover test

Voice actor and producer Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff shares his first impressions of the DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone, from real-world auditions to side-by-side compa...

03/04/2025

Delivering pristine sound for orchestral components of Bad Bunny album and tour

MIAMI, APRIL 3, 2025 Carlitos Lopez (Carlos Fernando Lopez) is a GRAMMY - and Latin GRAMMY-winning producer, composer and conductor who seamlessly bridges the...

27/03/2025

Live Microphone Kit tested at The Belonging Co.

According to Audio Director Brenton Miles, the kit delivered noticeable improvements in sound clarity and reduced the need for extensive EQ adjustments - stream...

20/03/2025

Meeting the versatile needs of sound engineer Phil Wright

SURREY, UK, MARCH 20, 2025 Legendary Sound Designer and Engineer Phil Wright has traveled the globe with artists, producers and companies to produce a diverse...

18/03/2025

From a love of music to owning a studio Dave Wilton's journey

Listen to him talk about his first experiences with music, his love of musical expression, and his use of different microphones to capture the distinct sounds h...

11/03/2025

Ellie Williams Answers the Call of the Wild

With two decades of experience in filmmaking, Sound Recordist and Natural History Sound Specialist Ellie Williams brings a host of location experience and train...

05/03/2025

CORE+ captures clear sound in difficult acoustic environments

Peter lsted, Production Sound Mixer on a Danish morning show, talks about the challenges of miking up a chef and capturing clear sound in this type of environm...

04/03/2025

Capturing the sounds of racing cars for EA Games

The video shows the 2017 Shotgun Mic in action on a mile-straight circuit, delivering incredible high-SPL performance for pass-by recordings. Other DPA micropho...

03/03/2025

Bonedo.de CORE+ review

The tested 4061 CORE+ Omni lavalier delivers an impressive sensitivity and a wide dynamic range (111 dB), handling sound pressures up to 144 dB SPL with no dist...

13/02/2025

Adding more sales and marketing power to the DPA team

LONGMONT, COLORADO, FEBRUARY 13, 2025 DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Ma...

10/02/2025

CORE+ Wins Best of Show Awards at ISE 2025

The technology has already been launched in the 4060 Series and 4066 and 4466 headsets. During 2025, it will be implemented in DPA's miniature cardioids. T...

04/02/2025

Introducing our fully digital, true diversity wideband wireless mic solution

DPA Microphones is moving into the wireless market with the release of its new N-Series Digital Wireless System at ISE 2025 (Stand 7P600). A fully digital, true...

23/01/2025

DPA unveils groundbreaking CORE+ technology

CORE is a revolutionary leap ahead in microphone design, blurring the lines of what is acoustically possible, says Helga Volha Somava, Product Management Dire...

16/01/2025

DPA launches MicroLock compact microphone connector

MicroLock is a new compact microphone connector, which builds on the strengths of the renowned MicroDot connector currently deployed with the brand's micro...

13/01/2025

DPA Microphones acquires Austrian Audio

DPA Microphones has acquired the majority share of Vienna-based Austrian Audio. Founded in 2017 by former AKG Vienna employees, Austrian Audio builds on that he...

10/12/2024

Stphane Bucher interview: His career and filming Gladiator 2

To coincide with the release of Gladiator 2', we wanted to highlight St phane Buchers work with director Ridley Scott. This collaboration began in 2020, fo...

20/11/2024

Front Row Seat Productions prioritizes DPA for house of worship applications

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 Once exclusively a recording business designed to give young musicians a leg up in the industry, Front Row Se...

13/11/2024

Powering singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini's live sound on global tour

SCOTLAND, UK, NOVEMBER 13, 2024 Singer Paolo Nutini's world tour recently wrapped after 130 electrifying shows, where DPA Microphones brought exceptional ...

11/11/2024

Discover how the 2061 compares to other mini omnis!

Sound engineer and product specialist, Allan Holmberg of Nordic Pro Audio, gives a concise introduction and review of the 2061 Omnidirectional Miniature Mic. He...

15/10/2024

Bringing sound engineer Robert Czyewicz's vision to life on the polish film, Znachor

WARSAW, POLAND, OCTOBER 15, 2024 Renowned Sound Engineer Robert Czy ewicz, cel...

09/10/2024

DPA lives permanently in Live Sound Engineer Jade Payne's Kit

Celebrated independent Live Sound Engineer Jade Payne's career began over 15 years ago in New York's vibrant music scene, where she got her start in som...

07/10/2024

Celebrating Andrea Bocelli's 30-year career in the stunning hills of Lajatico

Article by Alfio Morelli from Sound&Lite Magazine soundlite.it From July 15 to ...

13/09/2024

DPA EXPANDS LAVALIER PORTFOLIO AT IBC 2024 WITH INTRODUCTION OF 2061 MINIATURE OMNI MIC

DPA Microphones releases its new 2061 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone, a so...

13/09/2024

Introducing the 2061 Miniature Omni Mic

The 2061 also offers simplicity, durability and reliability combined with DPA's natural sound. We launched the 2061 to appeal to audio professionals who ar...

05/09/2024

DPA MICROPHONES POWER SOUND ENGINEER ANDREA PELLEGRINI'S AUDIO MASTERY FOR PETER ERSKINE QUARTET

Renowned Studio and Live Sound Engineer Andrea Pellegrini recently worked with t...

02/09/2024

DPA SUPPLIES SUPREME SOUND FOR CONSERVATORIUM MAASTRICHT'S GRADUATION SHOWCASE

Conservatorium Maastricht, an international conservatory, is one of nine music a...

22/08/2024

DPA MICROPHONES WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS TO LEAD COMPANY'S WIRELESS SYSTEMS SALES

Following its strategic U.S. collaboration with Wisycom, DPA Microphones is expa...

08/08/2024

BLINK-182 TOURING ENGINEERS TAP DPA MICROPHONES FOR THE BAND'S WORLD TOUR 2023/2024

Initially billed as a reunion tour, Blink-182's World Tour 2023/2024 marks...

10/06/2024

DPA MICROPHONES AND WISYCOM JOIN FORCES TO ENHANCE PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES

DPA Microphones and Wisycom, renowned leaders in the professional audio industry, are thrilled to announce a strategic alliance in the United States. Building o...

15/05/2024

DPA 2028 VOCAL MIC BOOSTS LIVE PERFORMANCES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Dedicated to the art of music engineering, Simphiwe Smooth Mhlanga spent years training and honing his skills as a freelance sound engineer for both broadcast...

01/05/2024

DPA MICROPHONES A/S WELCOMES JENS JERMIIN AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

DPA Microphones A/S, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to introduce Jens Jermiin as the brand's new Vice President o...

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...

14/04/2024

Unveiling AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen at NAB 2024

DPA Microphones introduces its new AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen at NAB 2024 (Booth C7307). Intended for quick mounting on round, omnidirectional head...

04/04/2024

DPA MICROPHONES ENHANCE IMMERSIVE LIVE PERFORMANCES AT LAS VEGAS' RESORTS WORLD THEATRE

While spatial audio was taking over the recording industry, the Resorts World Th...

25/03/2024

DPA COOKS UP SWEET AND SAVORY RESULTS FOR KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

LAS VEGAS, MARCH 25, 2024 - As a seasoned Sound Supervisor, Fernando Delgado brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the world of sound production, with ...

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 ...

15/03/2024

Showcasing the new compact shotgun microphone at NAB 2024

DPA Microphones will highlight the standout features of its compact 2017 Shotgun Microphone at NAB 2024 (Booth C7307). From its durable construction and ease of...

03/03/2024

Delivering the laughs for live comedy specials

Production Sound and Re-recording Mixer Thomas Cassetta has always loved live theater and events, so when presented with the opportunity to work on comedy speci...

21/02/2024

LORD HURON TAKES DPA FROM STUDIO TO STAGE

Adored for their emotive lyricism and moody undertones, American rock band Lord Huron burst onto the charts with The Night We Met, a viral hit that caught the...

22/01/2024

SOUND NETWORK LTD REBRANDS AS DPA MICROPHONES UK

While the name has evolved, the DPA Microphones UK team continues its commitment to offering the highest level of service, expertise and support to all users an...

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...

17/01/2024

Hosting the grand plaza tour at NAMM 2024

DPA Microphones, together with Yamaha, will showcase a selection of its mics at the new Mobile Listening Studio as part of a Grand Plaza Tour at the 2024 NAMM S...

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...

15/01/2024

AIR1 working the windy conditions during the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, Scotland

Julian Willson, Sound Recordist, was filming for a week at the Open golf tournament at the Scottish coastal course of Royal Troon for sponsors NTT Data. He film...