The DPA 2015 is a compact, small-diaphragm condenser microphone engineered to meet the rigorous demands of live sound applications, specialising in capturing broad soundscapes with impeccable realism. Its wide cardioid polar pattern captures sound across an extended area while preserving excellent off-axis rejection, making it ideal for large instrumental ensembles and other complex setups where comprehensive coverage is required. Whether used for drum overheads, brass sections, or ensemble recordings, the DPA 2015 delivers a natural and transparent sound with excellent transient response. Encased in a robust, lightweight aluminium housing, it offers superior protection against mechanical stress and tough conditions, ensuring reliable performance whether on tour or in the studio.
The DPA 2015 is fitted with a 17mm pre-polarised pressure-gradient transducer that captures the 40Hz - 18kHz frequency range with meticulous precision, while naturally attenuating low-end noise. Its smooth off-axis response ensures tonal consistency while effectively minimising feedback. Handling SPLs of up to 153dB with minimal distortion (<1% THD), the 2015 particularly shines on high-energy sources such as drum kits, grand pianos, and orchestral ensembles. Its slightly widened polar pattern captures a natural, ambience-rich image without compromising definition. Featuring DPA's proprietary Active Drive technology, the microphone optimises impedance balancing for a clean and consistent output signal, ensuring seamless integration with professional audio interfaces and mixing consoles requiring 48V phantom power.
The DPA 2015 is a must-have solution for live sound engineers seeking to capture large and complex sound sources with minimal effort. Its compact 94mm length and lightweight 83g design allow for discreet placement on stage without compromising performance. Whether used as a stereo pair for drum overheads or to capture the full resonance of grand pianos and marimbas, the DPA 2015's frequency response remains linear and consistent across the spectrum. Its wide cardioid pattern and natural rendering reduce the need for extensive post-processing, making it an invaluable tool in both live sound applications and professional studio recordings.
The Danish manufacturer DPA emerged from the measurement microphone manufacturer Brüel & Kjaer, thus building upon six decades of experience from the start. It is no surprise, therefore, that many users today consider DPA microphones as the utmost reference in precise sound conversion and consistently high production quality. The microphones, hand-assembled in Denmark, are always calibrated several times before delivery ensure the highest standards of manufacture. DPA is also renowned for its discrete miniature microphones, inspired by hearing aid technology, and which offer a very natural sound. DPA microphones are very popular in the theatre and public events sectors.
The DPA 2015 ships with the sturdy and reliable UA0961 mic clip, ensuring stable and precise positioning, even at awkward angles. Proper placement is key to achieving optimum results. For drum overheads, positioning the microphone above the kit results in a well-balanced and natural sound image, capturing crisp transients and extended tonal depth. When used for piano or marimba, placing the microphone at a moderate distance allows for even distribution across the instrument while maintaining clarity and articulation. The wide cardioid pattern offers exceptional flexibility, making the DPA 2015 an excellent choice for capturing large ensembles, orchestral sections, and other broad sources without sacrificing detail and coherence.
Traditional microphones often rely on output transformers to balance the signal; however, these can introduce high-frequency losses and distortion. To overcome these challenges, DPA developed Active Drive, an advanced output stage circuit that ensures optimal impedance balancing without compromising signal integrity. This proprietary technology compensates for both the output and phantom power resistances, delivering zero output impedance while maintaining sufficient headroom for highly dynamic signals. As a result, the 2015 achieves an exceptionally clean and natural sound, capturing every nuance with remarkable accuracy - even under extreme sound pressure conditions.