DPA 2012 Compact Cardioid Microphone

About: DPA 2012 Compact Cardioid Microphone

The DPA 2012 Compact Cardioid Microphone is an all-around generalist pencil mic that guarantees excellent results on any instrument on a live stage.

• Durable, reinforced construction
• Excellent transient response
• Uniform cardioid directionality
• Outstanding SPL handling
• Natural and precise sound reproduction

The 2012 Compact Cardioid Mic is the best all-around, generalist mic that you can find to cover a wide range of close-miking needs on the live stage. It is a robust and reliable condenser mic, best for single instrument pickup. Its specifically powerful characteristics make it an extremely flexible mic that will shine on many instruments, particularly those in the high-frequency range.

Durable, reinforced construction

The 2012 is constructed to withstand rough handling on a hectic live stage. It has a thicker, more robust body construction of brass that is very durable and known for its corrosion resistance and tolerance against metal fatigue. In addition to the heavy-duty materials used, the surfaces of the mic handle and grille are treated with a protective black chrome finish, which ensures more graceful ageing.

Unmatched transient response

The 2012, is a professional condenser mic, making it the best choice for those instruments that produce high frequencies. It has a far better transient response than any dynamic microphone, which allows it to pick up the most delicate sound with tremendous accuracy.

Uniform cardioid directionality

The 2012 has a cardioid capsule with DPA’s famously flat off-axis response. Besides a high gain-before-feedback, this characteristic makes it easier for sound engineers to handle bleed from other instruments at close proximity. The 2012 picks up off-axis sounds in a very natural and attenuated way.  

Outstanding SPL handling

The 2012 can cope with both extremely high SPLs as well as capture very delicate sounds. With a max SPL, peak before clipping of 156 dB, the 2012, works well on many different instruments and can handle the loudest drums, guitars, horns and more.

Natural and precise sound reproduction

Like all other DPA microphones, the 2012 delivers pure, transparent sound quality. 

Key applications

• Snare drum
• Hi-hats
• Electric guitar cabinets
• ​Piano
• Percussion
• Conga, bongos
• Acoustic guitar
• Horns

Specifications

• Directional pattern: Cardioid
• Principle of operation: Pressure gradient
• Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Effective frequency range, ±2 dB, at 30 cm (11.8 in): 40 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz: 8 mV/Pa; -42 dB re. 1 V/Pa
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: Typ. 20 dB(A) re 20 µPa (max. 22 dB(A))
• Distortion, THD < 1%: 148 dB SPL (151 dB SPL peak)
• Dynamic range: Typ. 131 dB
• Max. SPL, THD 10%: 153 dB SPL (156 dB SPL peak)
• Switchable attenuator, filters etc.: -
• Rated output impedance: 60 Ω
• Minimum load impedance: 2 kΩ
• Cable drive capability: 100 m (328 ft)
• Output balance principle: Impedance balancing with Active Drive
• Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR): > 60 dB
• Power supply (for full performance): P48 (Phantom Power)
• Current consumption: 0.7 mA
• Connector: XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: - phase
• Color: Matte black
• Weight: 83 g (2.9 oz)
• Microphone diameter: 19 mm (0.75 in)
• Capsule diameter: 17 mm (0.67 in)
• Microphone length: 94 mm (3.7 in)
• Maximum output voltage, RMS: 8.7 V (21 dBu)
• Polarity: +V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
• Temperature range: -40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F)
• Relative humidity (RH): Up to 90%
• Sensitivity selection tolerance (at 1 kHz): ±1.5 dB