Mic Archive
DPA 2012
Photo: DPA Microphones, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

DPA Microphones

DPA 2012

Compact cardioid pencil condenser (17 mm pre-polarised capsule, 94 mm body)

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−42 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
20 dB(A)
Max SPL
148 dB SPL
Impedance
60 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the response image. Captioned (on the product page) "Typical on-axis response of a 2012 ... measured at 30 cm (11.8 in)". Drawn solid from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, dotted outside. Room not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the polar image. Captioned "Typical directional characteristics of a 2012"; 5 dB per ring, centre -25 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 2k Hz, 4k Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the product page
Capsule17 mm pre-polarised condenser, pressure gradient. Capsule diameter 17 mm (0.67 in); "Principle of operation: Pressure gradient".
Self-noise20 dB(A), typ. (max. 22 dB(A))
Max SPL148 dB SPL, THD < 1% (RMS not said); also 151 dB SPL, THD < 1%, peak; also 156 dB SPL, THD 10%, peak; also 153 dB SPL, THD 10% (CCI copy). "Distortion, THD < 1%: 148 dB SPL, 151 dB SPL peak"; "Max. SPL, THD 10%: 156 dB SPL peak". The CCI copy (p. 2) gives the 10% figure as "153 dB SPL (156 dB SPL peak)".
Dynamic range131 dB, typ.
Output impedance60 ohm, rated
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. Effective range ±2 dB at 30 cm: 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
PoweringP48 (phantom power). "Power supply (for full performance)".
Current draw0.7 mA
ConnectorXLR-3M (pin 1 shield, pin 2 signal + phase, pin 3 - phase)
Weight83 g. "83 g (2,9 oz)".
Dimensions19 × 94 mm. Diameter × length: microphone diameter 19 mm (0.75 in), length 94 mm (3.7 in).
Cable drive capability100 m (328 ft)
Output balance principleImpedance balancing with Active Drive
CMRR> 60 dB
Maximum output voltage, RMS8.7 V (21 dBu)
Polarity+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range-40 °C to 45 °C
Relative humidityUp to 90%
From the spec sheet
Sensitivity−42 dBV/Pa (8 mV/Pa), nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz. "8 mV/Pa; -42 dB re. 1 V/Pa" (the product page gives only "8 mV/Pa").p. 2
Rated load impedance2000 ohm, minimum. "Minimum load impedance 2 kΩ".p. 3
Finishmatte black
Sensitivity selection tolerance (at 1 kHz)±1.5 dBp. 4
Switchable attenuator, filters etc.none ("-")p. 2

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © DPA Microphones, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on dpamicrophones.com

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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