DPA 4041 here

[ISedlacek]

I could not resist an offer from a friend - DPA dealer, to try a pair of these venerable and highly expensive mics (I have even one tube body to try extra).

I tried them on few acoustic instruments. The first impression is - they are quite bright sounding. If I try to forget about it, then for sure they sound quite different than Schoeps MK2 (4041 are LCDs, of course). The sound is tiny bit more "focused" as if. Not that decent/round like Schoeps, but a bit more "spotted", present ... For violin/viola/flute they were a bit too focused/bright. For monochord they sounded quite nice, although I would have to cut some HF to make them pleasant sounding. Unlike Schoeps, they bring some extra presence (not only frequency-wise), although I felt that Schoeps (maybe seemingly more "modest" sounding) sound kind of more decent/natural ...

For vocals, I was not much excited. Maybe it did not suit my voice at all, but even with the Thermionic Earlybird preamp, the result was a bit "hollow", lame, slightly nasal or how to put it (including the tube version). When I used omni pattern in my Horch mic, it was suddenly like getting to a next beautiful floor. Even the JZ Black Hole BH-1 in omni mode sounded somehow more pleasant to me on vocal.

So overall, I shall see whether I will start saving money for DPA 4041 ... Will still try some drums and guitar

[Remoteness]

Ivo,

It sounds like you got the DPA 3541 microphone kit. Very cool.

What's the difference in sound quality between the 4041 S and the 4041 T?
Was the T (tube) warmer or meatier sounding?

Has anyone used the DPA 4041 (S or T) on an instrument or vocals with similar results?

[fifthcircle]

The tube body has a slight smooth and natural warmth to it. The sounds aren't massively different, but the tube body is a great sounding body with that mic.

--Ben

[bcgood]

If you don't mind Ivo, post some samples when you get a chance. I'm quite interested in these mics because of there venerable reputation in some of the finest halls and orchestral recordings around the world. Granted I already have a CD full of samples so I guess I don't really need anymore. It would be interesting to hear them through the Forssell SMP-2 though although I would probably use them through a DACS Clarity.

[ISedlacek]

I would say that these mics are probably not useable for intimate studio recording, since they sound really sharp. For some orchestra or choir recording from distance, they can be good. For the tube body - as Ben said, the difference is rather rather subtle, nothing dramatic (I tried on vocals ...)

[Loki]

Ivo,

Curious if you've used the DPA4040... I was hoping the response/sound of the 4041-T was the same as the 4040 as it is near impossible to rent in a 4040.

[Jan_M]

I've had my 4041-S for a bit now, as I've only had one I have been using it for spot purposes and found that it can be a bit bright but not a bad bright. For spoting classical vocals it has been excellent, I have also used it for spotting cello nice but too bright to use without eq.

I did put it up against my Brauner VMA for some pop vocals and for this singer it sounded absolutly fantastic, mind you I had to eq out a few db at 8k but it sounded so good. The words that came to mind were ultra real, worked very nice in the context. I did find though that positioning is key with this mic for vocals as well as angling. I got the final sound with the mic pointing down almost 60 or 70 deg from horizontal.

Generally a nice mic but bright, if you are in too close on axis.

I just got a great deal on a 3541 kit with a 4041-S that matches mine very closely so I will be checking out the tube body as well as stereo work with some upcoming projects.

[Jim vanBergen]

I used five 4041(S) for an orchestral recording and loved the results. The event demanded no greater than medium field, so I chose to suspend overhead and the results were stunning. In this instance, the mics blew away a recording by the house engineer using a very nice rig. I'm sure this was partially due to less than ideal acoustics in this particular venue, but I have a special place in my ears for these mics as a result.

Just thought it was worth a mention.

JvB

[tenor39]

Originally Posted by Jim vanBergen

I used five 4041(S) for an orchestral recording and loved the results. The event demanded no greater than medium field, so I chose to suspecd overhead and the results were stunning. In this instance, the mics blew away a recording by the house engineer using a very nice rig. I'm sure this was partially due to less than ideal acoustics in this particular venue, but I have a special place in my ears for these mics as a result.

Just thought it was worth a mention.

JvB

Ditto. Jim is right on the money.