Interview With Top Executive: Significant Transformations at DPA Microphones

Dishing the Deets: A Peek into DPA Microphones' Future

Kalle Hvidt Nielsen: Since joining DPA Microphones as CEO in September 2016, I've been driving the company towards a vision of delivering the finest audio solutions on the market. Having previously helmed CE positions at Bang & Olufsen and Brüel & Kjær Sound & Vibration Measurement, I brought years of experience to the table. Now under my leadership, DPA Microphones strives to foster an inspiring work environment that empowers our team to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning professional audio enthusiasts.

*[Executive Q&A: The Audiophile's Choice]***

Insight: DPA Microphones and Austrian Audio, both steeped in the pursuit of high-quality, precise microphone design, join forces to push the boundaries of audio technology.

SCN: What prompted the recent Austrian Audio acquisition?

KHN: You've nailed it! Austrian Audio's advanced focus on large diaphragm microphones and headphones complements DPA's strength in miniature microphones. Each company boasts a formidable engineering team, which, united, can catalyze a revolution in microphone design and performance. Rest assured, our brands will maintain their unique identities.

SCN: Delving into DPA's groundbreaking CORE+ technology, how does it enhance microphone sound quality?

KHN: We're ecstatic about CORE+ by DPA, our team's brilliant patent-pending innovation. Launched to surpass the original CORE amplifier technology debuted in 2017, CORE+ eliminates measurable distortion across the entire dynamic range. It's a groundbreaking achievement set to usher in a new era of condenser microphone design, promising an extraordinary sound experience for all users, whether they're recording or amplifying.

SCN: Can you elaborate on the implementation of CORE+ and its timeline?

KHN: CORE+ deployment necessitates a recalibration of our microphone capsule design. Although it will take time, we've already launched this technology in selected product lines, including the omnidirectional 4061 lavaliers and 4066, 4466 headsets. We plan to move on to miniature cardioids and other omnidirectional options, with completion anticipated by year's end. Ultimately, our ambition is to expand the use of CORE+ beyond miniature microphones, necessitating further research and development.

SCN: What makes the new MicroLock connector stand out from its predecessor, the MicroDot connector?

KHN: The MicroLock connector augmented with a locking mechanism, making it simple and secure for users to connect with peace of mind—no more worries about accidental disconnections! It's also backward-compatible with MicroDot connectors.

SCN: Does DPA's renewed interest in simplifying essentials apply to MicroLock and AIR1 universal fur windscreens?

KHN: Our company ethos revolves around ensuring sound engineers effortlessly capture the best audio possible. Basic necessities, such as MicroLock and AIR1, shall remain crucial elements of the audio hardware kit, designed to make sound engineers' lives easier and boost their confidence in capturing the best audio quality.

*[Unraveling Audio Manufacturers' Supply Chain Challenges]***

Insight: Immersive audio solutions have garnered increased attention as they continue to gain traction in the entertainment industry.

SCN: Is the demand for immersive audio solutions on the rise?

KHN: Indeed, the interest in immersive audio technology is steadily growing, particularly in the TV, film, and music production sectors. That being said, it also opens up exciting possibilities for installation applications.

SCN: Which DPA microphone models are the most popular among various applications?

KHN: Our varying microphone models enjoy wide popularity among professionals, depending on the application at hand. Miniature microphones, headsets, and lavaliers are widely sought after in theaters, live events, broadcast, and film arenas. Our instrument microphones, each featuring a range of clips and mounts catering to various instruments, are equally well-regarded in live performances and recording applications. Since introducing the 2028 Vocal, 2017 Shotgun, and 2012 and 2015 Pencil microphones, we've seen growing appreciation for these models in their respective categories.

SCN: With a focus on mastering shotgun microphone design, what’s DPA's secret sauce?

KHN: Crafting the perfect shotgun mic demands exceptional precision in the interference tube design and ultra-efficient wave cancellation. DPA takes great pains to minimize phase cancellation shifts and off-axis peaks and dips, resulting in a more consistent and authentic audio experience.

SCN: Explaining DPA's emphasis on education, what's the motivation behind Mic University?

KHN: At DPA Microphones, we believe in facilitating the sound engineer's quest for the ultimate audio capture. Given most engineers' time constraints, we believe it's crucial to share our expertise in theoretical acoustics and practical sound recording techniques.

*[Awaken the Hidden Potential of Houses of Worship Audio Systems with DPA Microphones]***

Insight: DPA Microphones is set to unveil a multitude of innovative product advancements at NAB 2025, in collaboration with Austrian Audio.

SCN: What does the future hold for the pro audio market?

KHN: Eager to fuel our users' creativity, DPA Microphones and Austrian Audio focus on delivering high-quality solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible in the audio realm. At ISE 2025, we debuted the new N-Series wireless microphone system, a dedicated wideband solution designed for reliability, flexibility, and clarity in a user-friendly package featuring true digital and wideband functionalities. This revolutionary product line platform marks a noteworthy milestone in DPA's journey and promises to support sound engineers in their daily endeavors.

Under the joint leadership of DPA Microphones and Austrian Audio, the combined engineering teams are working towards revolutionizing microphone design and performance, pushing the boundaries of audio technology.
DPA Microphones recently launched CORE+ by DPA, a patent-pending innovation that eliminates measurable distortion across the entire dynamic range, set to usher in a new era of condenser microphone design, providing an extraordinary sound experience for users.