Mic Archive
DPA 4055
Photo: DPA Microphones, from its manual, p. 1.

DPA Microphones

DPA 4055

Kick-drum condenser mic (pre-polarised 17 mm capsule, open cardioid), asymmetric body for use inside or outside the drum

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

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Open cardioid
Sensitivity
−54 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
27 dB(A)
Max SPL
156 dB SPL
Impedance
380 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the response image. Captioned (on the product page) "Typical on and off-axis response of a 4055 microphone. On-axis (0°) measured at 20 cm (7.9 in), other directions measured in the far field." Drawn solid from 40 Hz to about 18 kHz, dotted outside.

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 (on the product page) "Typical directional characteristics of a DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone"; 5 dB per ring, centre -25 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the product page
CapsulePre-polarised capsule, 17 mm. "Capsule diameter: 17 mm (0.67 in)".
Sensitivity−54 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa), nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz. "2 mV/Pa; -54 dB re. 1 V/Pa".
Self-noise27 dB(A), typ. (max. 29 dB(A))
Self-noise (CCIR 468)39 dB, ITU-R BS.468-4, typ. (max. 41 dB)
Max SPL156 dB SPL, THD < 1%, RMS; also 159 dB SPL, THD < 1%, peak; also 164 dB SPL, THD 10%, peak. "Distortion, THD < 1%: 156dB SPL RMS, 159 dB SPL peak"; "Max. SPL, THD 10%: 164 dB SPL peak".
Dynamic range132 dB, typ.
Output impedance380 ohm, rated
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. "Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz". Effective range ±2 dB at 20 cm: "40 Hz - 18 kHz with a 6 dB soft boost at 10 kHz".
PoweringP48 (phantom power). "Power supply (for full performance)".
Current draw2 mA
ConnectorXLR-3M (pin 1 shield, pin 2 signal + phase, pin 3 - phase)
Weight241 g. "241 g (8,5 oz)".
Dimensions57 × 132 mm. Diameter × length: microphone diameter 57 mm (2.24 in), length 132 mm (5.19 in).
Maximum output voltage, RMS9.75 V
Output balance principleImpedance balancing with Active Drive
Cable drive capability100 m (328 ft)
CMRR> 55 dB
Polarity+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range-40 °C to 45 °C
Relative humidityUp to 90%
From the manual
Rated load impedance2000 ohm, minimum. "Minimum load impedance: 2 kΩ" (not on the current product page).p. 3
Finishmatte black. "Color: Matte black".
Supplied accessoriesUA0961 microphone holder. "What's in the box": the 4055 and a UA0961 Microphone Holder.p. 2
GrilleTwo parts, an outer black metal mesh and an inner foam windscreen; unscrews for cleaning. The capsule is fixed.
Placement (DPA)Asymmetric design for placement inside or outside the kick drum; moving it or changing its angle changes the sound
Spare partsDUA0720B grille (black); UA0961 holder; KE4055 zip casep. 5
WarrantyFive years, limited

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.

Other mics