Multiplatinum Grammy-Nominated Artist Uses the DPA 3521 and DPA 4099 Microphones for All Live Performances

BURBANK, CA — DPA Microphones’ 4099 Live Instrument microphones and 3521 Cardioid Compact Stereo Kit provide the kind of discreet and lightweight micing that is perfect for any size live acoustic music ensemble on Michael Bublé’s Crazy Love tour. Craig Doubet, Bublé’s FOH mixer, chose DPA because of the complete transparency of the mics. He was also looking to reduce the amount of gain before feedback in the piano and the bleeding of other instruments into the mic while still allowing for easy and repeatable placement. The 3521 stereo kit in particular, has been integral to Bublé’s live sound, since the piano is a large part of the show. more

OLD LYME, Conn. – March 27, 2012 –Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Julio Figueroa is a percussionist and multiple Grammy award winner whose unique style of drumming has been featured on performances by artists such as Michael Jackson, B.B. King, Patti LaBelle and others. Like many other musicians today, Figueroa has created a semi-professional recording environment in his own home and simply uploads his tracks to an FTP server, where they are accessed by various production teams all over the world. He considers the Sennheiser-distributed TRUE Systems Precision 8 preamplifier a fundamental component of his setup.

“For drums and percussion, the Precision 8 captures my sound exactly as I hear it and this is what I value the most,� he states. Figueroa started with one Precision 8 and then acquired a second one so he could accommodate a greater range of percussion and other instruments, as well as take them on the road. “Now if I want to do a live recording I have everything I need,� he observes.

M-S Decoder and Mic Placement
In addition to the transparent sound characteristics of the Precision 8, Figueroa also appreciates the unit’s powerful integrated M-S decoder, which provides greater versatility and enables him to control the stereo spread of his drum overheads via the front panel of the unit with minimal mic repositioning. “For jazz, that M-S capability is incredible if you want to get a great room sound. You set up a couple of mics (cardioid and figure-8 pattern) and it is just unbelievable,� he says. Figueroa frequently uses both the M-S technique and the “Recorderman� technique simultaneously, along with four additional mics on individual drums. This provides him with tremendous flexibility when it’s time to mix down.

Figueroa, who has over 60 snare drums to choose from and four full kits (Jazz, Classics, Collectors and Performance series) from drum manufacturer DW, wants to stay focused on the sounds he is getting out of his instrument rather than fiddling with knobs and settings. “The TRUE Systems Precision 8 is great for someone like me who is not overly technical,� he says. “The units are simple to use right out of the box and there is nothing complicated about it. This means I can get to work faster.�

By using his Precision 8 preamplifiers, Figueroa is confident that when his producers access his percussion tracks on an FTP site, they will like what they hear. “My engineer and producer colleagues get a pristine-sounding file and they can tweak it any way they want for the mix,� he explains. “This is very important when you are doing tracks from a remote location because there is no producer here to tell you how they’d like it to sound. Since the sonic signature is more transparent, this gives them more flexibility in the final stages of the production.�

Tried and TRUE quality
The TRUE Systems Precision 8 uses a high-voltage composite architecture with discrete devices plus integrated circuits, and offers very low noise and distortion as well as high headroom. The totally balanced dual-servo design eliminates nearly all capacitors in the audio path and is DC-coupled at the output. This results in a very detailed and transparent sound characteristic.

Features of the Precision 8 include:

• Eight highly transparent solid state microphone preamps in a 1 unit rack configuration
• Built-in M-S (Mid-Side) decoding for creative spatial image control
• Active, high-impedance instrument inputs (“DI’s”) selectable on two channels
• 5-segment level indicators with peak-hold feature and selectable peak reference
• Smooth continuous gain controls
• Easy integration with MDM’s, HDR’s, DAW’s, or consoles
• Dual DB25/TRS outputs for flexible interconnection

FRANKFURT, Germany – Highlighting the latest in digital wireless capabilities, HARMAN’s AKG DMS70 – a true uncompressed digital wireless system – makes its European debut at Musikmesse 2012. The DMS70 operates with 24bit 48 kHz transmission in the 2.4GHz ISM band, a worldwide license-free frequency range, to ensure top-quality audio for every customer.

“HARMAN’s AKG DMS70 system offers exceptional studio-quality sound thanks to its uncompressed digital audio transmission capability,� said Thomas Umbauer, Product Manager, AKG. “The DMS70 is designed for the most exacting applications where the highest level of wireless audio performance is required. It is especially recommended for guitar and bass because of its ideal frequency response between 20 Hz to 20 kHz.�

DMS70 is ideal for live sound, club sound, conferences, seminars and school and universities – whenever quick and easy setup up is required. The entire DMS70 package includes: AKG’s DSR70 Quattro or DSR70 Dual Receiver, DPT70 Digital Pocket Transmitter and DHT70 Digital Handheld Transmitter, available with patented D5 acoustics or DHT70 Perception with standard supercardioid capsule. The DSR70 Quattro includes a rack mount kit, power supply and other accessories. DMS70 systems are fully compatible – able to be customized and combined for any customer’s needs.

All DMS70 devices are available separately or in the following prepared packages: The Vocal Set, Instrumental Set and the mixed version of Vocal/Instrumental Set . The Quattro sets include two digital transmitters and the Dual sets, one digital transmitter.

All DMS70 devices feature bidirectional communication between the transmitter and receiver. The dynamic frequency selection provides “intelligent� operation in the crowded 2,4 GHz band, enabled by digital diversity from receiver and transmitter side. Its easy setup functions make the system simple to use, even for less experienced operators, while the AES 128-bit encryption ensures secure 2-way wireless communication.

The DSR70 Quattro receiver can work with up to four channels of audio in parallel, which can be mixed down directly to its balanced XLR sum output. The DHT70 mic employs AKG’s patented dynamic D5 capsule to deliver outstanding sound quality with less feedback and handling noise.

Based on the bidirectional communication DMS70 offers a number of additional new and unique features, including power off from receiver side for all connected transmitters, battery status monitoring, adjustable mic/guitar input level (DPT70), high/low level gain switch (DHT70) and more.

For more information about AKG and DMS70, please visit http://www.akg.com and http://www.youtube.com/AKGacoustics.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.2 billion for twelve months ending December 31, 2011.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – DPA Microphones is featuring its expanded range of d:fine™ headset microphones at Prolight + Sound 2012 (Hall 8, Stand F22). The choice of single- or dual- ear mount allows artists to select the optimum version for their performance. more

FRANKFURT, Germany – HARMAN’s AKG is proudly launching the new Perception 170 condenser microphone set at ProLight & Sound. Consisting of two factory-matched, small diaphragm condenser mics, with cardioid polar patterns, the P170 Stereo Set extends both the successful Perception Series and studio sets by the Vienna-based microphone manufacturer.

Designed for the home recording and live club market, each pair is selected from a large quantity of individual mics to create a matched pair that enables stunning and convincing studio recordings.

“AKG has helped artists achieve great musical success with studio sets, from our C414 and C214, to the C451. The P170 Stereo Set will bring convincing sound when used in the home, studio or in a small club at an affordable price,� stated Thomas Stubics, product marketing manager, recording and broadcast, AKG. “With the P170 Stereo Set, musicians and sound engineers will be able to record a true, convincing stereo sound, backed by the quality and reliability of AKG.�

At a price of €199, the P170 Stereo Set offers the highest SPL capability and the only set with an attenuation pad, which enables recoding for loud instruments as drums or brass, and underscores the proven AKG reputation for quality and workmanship around the globe.

For more information about AKG, please visit http://www.akg.com and http://www.youtube.com/AKGacoustics.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.2 billion for twelve months ending December 31, 2011.

FRANKFURT, Germany – With a continued focus of providing the highest quality and most versatile microphones available, HARMAN’s AKG announces its latest addition to its installed systems – the Discreet Acoustics Modular PLUS Series. With a wide range of goosenecks and installation modules available, compatible with existing AKG CS5 modules, the Discreet Modular PLUS Series offers optimal adaptation for all types of room setups and speakers, with quick microphone capsule exchange – options never before available from a conferencing system.

The reliability stemming from the models’ LED Ring underscores the ability to reduce the risk of operating errors, sturdy material to reduce fatigue and improved protection from signal block outs. The LED Ring uses special circuitry to operate off standard phantom power, as two separate leads carry supply voltage and provide extra shielding to the audio signal.

The Modular PLUS Series’ interface module connects the high-quality gooseneck to the phantom power source, which adds flexibility to all mounting modules. The self-cleaning connector is reliable, inconspicuous and safe – allowing for simplified and cost-effective microphone replacement. The goosenecks themselves are tested under extreme circumstances, bent and twisted into extreme shapes, ensuring their quality and flexibility.

“AKG has specialized in developing, designing and manufacturing quality microphone capsules for more than 60 years and the Discreet Acoustics Modular PLUS Series is a testament to the continued strategy to offer the best in sound in any mic’d application,� stated Thomas Giczy, Business Development Manager Installed Sound and Conferencing, AKG. “The variety offered through the Modular PLUS Series, from the power offerings to the mounting and capsule modules, is the best in class and will provide optimum audio for videoconferencing or presentations around the world.�

The CK43 supercardioid condenser capsule offers users a 95-degree pickup angle, ideal for situations where unwanted noise pickup is a concern. The CK49 is a reference condenser capsule with an 80-degree pickup, with clean, off-axis response. It is ideal for use with inexperienced speakers, focusing on the voice when the speaker is distant, and reducing pop if close to the mic.

AKG’s Gooseneck GN155M is a 155cm module with a heavy, shock-mount floor stand that works perfectly as a stand-alone unit or on stages placed in front of a large group of instruments or speakers. HM1000M is a reference-hanging module used to fly mics from the ceiling to record or reinforce music or speech in houses of worship, theatres or conference halls.

AKG’s PAE M reference powering module offers the phantom power for fixed and mobile installation, providing a gold-plated, 3-pin XLR connector. Its wide voltage range fits most mic mixers. PAESP M is a programmable power module for fixed and mobile installation, fitted with a unique binary coded decimal switch to recall operating modes. PAESP M’s noiseless mic switch reduces its level by 26dB, avoiding the irritating crackling sound when phantom power is interrupted. The PAE5 M provides a 5-pin XLR connection allowing audio signal and central voltage to be fed separately.

For more information about AKG, please visit http://www.akg.com and http://www.youtube.com/AKGacoustics.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.2 billion for twelve months ending December 31, 2011.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY, MARCH 21, 2012 – DPA Microphones is pleased to announce the unveiling of its new d:vote range of instrument microphones at Prolight + Sound 2012 (Hall 8, Stand F22). Building on the success of the highly acclaimed 4099 instrument clip mic series, d:vote has been enhanced with a new shock mount to provide even better absorption.

DPA’s original instrument microphones have been widely embraced by international artists including Sting, Randy Brecker, Wayne Shorter and Bobby Ricketts. They are also indispensable tools for gigging musicians around the world, who appreciate the level at which the microphones can accurately capture their acoustic tone. In addition to the shock absorption upgrades, the new d:vote instrument microphones now feature a cable available in a heavy duty 1.55 mm and 2.2 mm diameter versions, which can now be detached from the end of the gooseneck. Further flexibility is available through an extension unit for the gooseneck supplied with the mic, which lengthens its neck by 50 percent. “After a long introduction, the 4099s have more than tripled the amount of microphones sold in the last two years and the curve is only going up,� says DPA CEO Christian Poulsen. “We have listened to what our users want and the new improvements make it even more durable and less sensitive to noise. The new extension unit brings maximum value to demanding applications, achieving just the right sound from the instrument.�

d:vote condenser mics feature supercardioid polar patterns for highly uniform off-axis frequency response and superior gain-before-feedback. Capable of handling high sound pressure levels, these microphones live up to DPA’s pedigree of breathtaking clarity and richness.

Despite its tiny, discreet size and lightweight design, d:vote is rugged and stable, while the versatile and extendable gooseneck provides stable positioning. The mics can easily be unclipped and repositioned or moved to another instrument with only one hand. d:vote’s microphone mounting system is designed to be extremely gentle, never marring the finish of an instrument.

The MicroDot connector and more than 35 DPA adapters ensure compatibility with just about any wireless system, and the product can also be used as a standard 48V phantom powered microphone via its supplied XLR connector.

ABOUT DPA:
DPA Microphones A/S is a leading manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions for professional applications in studio, broadcast, theatre, video/film and sound reinforcement environments. All DPA microphones and components are manufactured at the company’s purpose-built factory in Denmark.

For more information on DPA Microphones, please visit www.dpamicrophones.com or contact:

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – DPA Microphones is pleased to announce the launch of its handheld d:facto vocal mic at Prolight + Sound 2012 (Hall 8, Stand F22). Building off the success of the DPA reference standard cardioid 4011 microphone, the company has pooled its years of expertise and resources to bring the eagerly awaited, high-quality vocal condenser mic to the market. more

FRANKFURT, Germany – Originally launched in 1993, HARMAN’s AKG C3000 condenser microphone brought a remarkable level of quality and performance to musicians and sound engineers with a foundation of audio perfection and reliability. With the C2000, C4000 and C4500 BC debuting in the following years, the Project Studio Line was born. Nearly 20 years later, AKG’s workhorse C3000 is back, designed as a cost-effective, aesthetically beautiful mic, channelling the popular characteristics it maintained in the ‘90s.

The revamped Project Studio Line focuses on the home recording/project studio market, but the mics, underscoring the AKG’s reputation for versatility, perform just as well on stage. The new designs of the C2000, 3000, 4000 and 4500 BC maintain many of the technical aspects of the earlier models, but are now encased in a more sleek design, showcasing AKG’s quality and design work. The line’s edge-terminated capsule mimics AKG’s premium line of mics, including the C414 and C12VR.

“AKG’s new Project Studio Line takes a fresh look at a technology that has stayed true to the recording industry for 20 years, which is testament to the quality and reliability of our world-leading microphones,� stated Thomas Stubics, product marketing manager, recording and broadcast, AKG. “The relaunch of C3000 and company offers artists and engineers looking for a cost-effective, high-quality solution the opportunity to continue doing what they love, channelling their art in tremendous, warm and clear sound.�

The C3000 is best used for miking lead vocals, electric and acoustics guitars and for drum overhead applications. Its switchable attenuation pad and low-cut filter enable high SPL up to 150dB and eliminates proximity effects. The C2000 small-diaphragm condenser sounds like a real large-diaphragm microphone but at a more affordable price. It is ideal for vocals, brass and percussions thanks to its great transient response and remarkable low end. Its low-noise electronics ensure low distortion and a high dynamic range.

The C4000’s high-performance, multi-pattern, large-diaphragm design provides exceptionally high headroom and low self-noise. With one of the widest dynamic ranges for condenser mics, the microphone provides users with excellent results in the studio or on stage. Its warm, dark-sounding character is perfect for thin vocals, bright brass and acoustic guitars.

AKG’s C4500 BC is specially designed for on-air broadcast purposes. The mic is designed with cardioid pickup for voice friendly tuning and low proximity effect, along with high RF/EMI insensitivity. Its low noise and 165dB maximum SPL capability make it an ideal tool for close micing of low instruments, such as bass drums, low brass and guitar amps.

For more information about AKG, please visit http://www.akg.com and http://www.youtube.com/AKGacoustics.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.2 billion for twelve months ending December 31, 2011.

Indianapolis, Indiana – March 8, 2012: In the fractured and multifarious landscape of modern media, the Super Bowl stands as a monolith, gathering the nation together before its television sets to partake of common experience. Indeed, this year’s game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots was the most-watched program in television history, earning 111.3 million viewers. Of course, the modern Super Bowl experience includes much more than football. In addition to the multi-million dollar commercials, many are drawn to watch the celebrities and celebrity performances. This year, Country Music’s first couple, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, kicked things off with a rousing duet. Shelton was later featured in his judge’s chair on the season premier of NBC’s hit, The Voice. At halftime, Madonna starred in a richly choreographed medley of her chart-toppers (to the tune of 114 million viewers – more than the game itself!). Rock-solid Sennheiser RF equipment gave everyone involved as much peace of mind as one dare hope at this, the most critical of all mission-critical events.

With a stirring rendition of “God Bless America,� Lambert and Shelton gave the Super Bowl a patriotic commencement. Lambert sang into a new custom-made pink Sennheiser SKM 2000-XP handheld mic with an MMD 935-1 capsule that was created for this event. Shelton sang into a Sennheiser SKM 5200-II handheld mic with an MD 5235 capsule. “On such a high-pressure show with so many top-of-their-field experts managing such a massive logistical undertaking, one has to be adamant to get the mics you want,� observed Brad Baisley, the duo’s monitor engineer. �Of course, Miranda used her new pink Sennheiser microphone, and Blake the Sennheiser SKM 5200. The top end is always superb, the sound is natural, and Miranda and Blake know how to work those capsules. Of course, Sennheiser’s RF has always been rock-solid for us, and that was proved once again at the Super Bowl. In addition to their great products, the assistance from Sennheiser’s Tim Moore was fantastic. He was extremely helpful in ensuring we had the equipment we needed in the appropriate frequency ranges.�

To put the magnitude of the Super Bowl in perspective, Madonna’s 2008-2009 Sticky & Sweet tour – the highest grossing tour by a solo artist and the fourth highest grossing tour of all time – played to 3.5 million people in just over a year’s time. If you crunch the numbers, Madonna would have to play over thirty such tours back-to-back to match her one-time TV-land attendance at the Super Bowl! “Once the show starts, there’s not a lot you can do if something goes wrong,� said Matt Napier, Madonna’s longtime monitor engineer. “The best – and really the only – thing you can do in a situation like that is to have the best equipment available and to prepare thoroughly. I trust Sennheiser in Madonna’s high-stakes concerts, and that trust was rewarded with a perfect performance at the Super Bowl.�

“On tour, we have our own dedicated RF tech,� said Napier. “But as a general rule, we keep things simple and reliable by using Sennheiser wireless exclusively and their Wireless Systems Manager software, which is an effective tool for managing our frequencies.� Madonna used the Sennheiser HSP 4headset at the start of the medley and then switched to a Sennheiser SKM 5200-II handheld Blake and Mirandatransmitter with an ME 5005 capsule for the remainder. All of Madonna’s guests (Nicki Minaj, MIA, LMFAO) used Sennheiser SKM 5200-II handheld transmitters with Neumann KK 104 capsules. Cee Lo Green’s mic used the MD 5235 capsule. Sennheiser EM 3732 receivers captured the on-stage magic for the wired world beyond. Finally, Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless personal monitors rounded out the equipment list for Madonna at her request.

“No matter where we’re playing, the combination of the Sennheiser SKM 5200-II transmitter, ME 5005 capsule, and EM 3732 receiver delivers fantastic audio quality and reliable, flexible RF performance,� said Napier. “Together with Sennheiser’s 2000 Series wireless personal monitors, we’re high fidelity start to finish, with rock-solid reliability and easy frequency coordination. In addition, having the full support of Sennheiser affords me peace of mind. We needed a gold-plated SKM 5200-II transmitter for Madonna and a chrome SKM 5200-II for Cee Lo. With no time to spare, Kristy Jo Winkler and Tim Hunten, Sennheiser, and Jason Bellamy at Soundtronics arranged the delivery of these transmitters. The mics were on their way the same day. That kind of service means a lot in this industry. A big thanks goes out to the Sennheiser team!�