When companies introduce a new product into the market, we always ask ourselves a few questions. One of them being – What need is it fulfilling? The DPA Necklace Microphone from their d:screet series is unique as it’s keeping audio for unscripted television in check with a simple yet ingenious idea: wrapping their 4061 omnidirectional miniature microphone in a soft, rubber necklace.
We were able to get our hands on a version for testing, and the results were positive. The Necklace comes in three flavors: black, white, or brown, and two different lengths at 20.7″ (53 cm) or 18.5″ (47 cm). At its heart is the 4061 lavalier. It’s a less sensitive microphone than the 4060, which we prefer when micing dialogue for TV and film dramas, but with this product being catered to the unexpected nature of reality TV, the 4061 implementation is a good choice. The mic itself is capable of handling 144db before clipping with low distortion and typical dynamic range of 97db.
The lav pinches itself through the necklace .59″ (1.5 cm) in length and has little wiggle room (not sure if this is intended) allowing it to extend to .75″ (1.9 cm) from its base. Connecting the necklace are two magnetic metal fasteners for quick linking. To secure it even further is a small pin and groove system. This is the one area where we saw potential for improvement. The pin and grove system is etched to one side which means the DPA Necklace should only be worn one way with the pin facing down. This way the cable that goes out the back, connecting to the transmitter won’t unlock the necklace through movement – the cable will always be pulling down on the pin. This creates an informed approach for implementation, but an easy way for the user to remember is to make sure the 4061 is on the wearer’s right side with the mic pointing to their left.
We tested the connection with three pounds of tugging and it was able to hold. We didn’t want to go any further in fear of breaking the unit (it’s just a loaner), but with a little bit more effort it’s definitely possible for the necklace to come apart. This seems like a logical design, so if a cast member gets into a physical fight or if the necklace gets caught, it can come apart without doing much harm.
The 4061 mic cable that extends to the transmitter is 3.6′ (1.1 m) in length and 0.06″ (1.6 mm) in diameter. The cable is secured to the necklace with a metal eye loop and there is strain relief on both sides. The connection for the 4061 is based on DPA’s MicroDot system. With MicroDot, you have a plethora of available adapters at your disposal so you can attach Audio Limited, Shure, Sennheiser, Lectrosonics, Zaxcom, or other wireless transmitters to the lavalier. The adapter line even has a straight to XLR connection. A threaded connection secures the adapter to the 4061 cable and you’re ready to go.
The DPA Necklace is being touted for reality shows and has been used on the Danish adaption of Big Brother, but we’re sure it could be used for other applications like a quick private line for boom operators. The list price is set at $649.95.
We recorded two different tracks using a quote from Big Brother. One indoors in a 10×20 non-professional sound room. Another outside in a park with traffic passing by from both sides. Both recordings are unedited with the following specs:
- Necklace was worn around the neck using normal speaking voice
- Recording device: Sound Devices 744T (using factory settings)
- 24Bit, 48K, 30fps ND
- Left channel
- XLR inputted directly into input 1
- Mic Level and 48V Phantom Power
- Output Meter -22db or the “last green meter before orange”
Download the original Sound Devices files here: DPA d:screet Necklace Microphone Indoors or DPA d:screet Necklace Microphone Outdoors
1 Comment
Would have liked to see some pictures on some people in different clothes in your review to see how well it blends in or stands out.