New Music Gear Monday: DPA 4097 CORE Supercardioid Choir Mic

I like gear that’s build with a singular purpose in mind. Not because it’s fun to find alternate uses for (which it is), but because that one application is usually much easier to deal with when using that product. With that thought in mind, the new DPA 4097 CORE mic touches all those bases as it’s meant to be used as a choir mic.

If you’ve ever tried to mic a choir for a live performance you know that it can be a nightmare of leakage, feedback and general unsightliness with lots of big microphones hanging in front of the singers. The DPA 4097 CORE is designed to overcome all of those problems. Its supercardioid pattern keeps the leakage to a minimum and the possibility of feedback down if floor monitors are in use, and its small size means that more of the choir can be easily seen.

The 4097 has both low self noise and high sensitivity, and is capable of handling extremely high SPL’s which allows the mic to deliver undistorted natural sound, even when the choir sings loudly. Configured with a MicroDot connector and a DPA adapter for wired or wireless, the 4097 also allows for the mic to go wireless.

One of the interesting features of this microphone is that it comes with a floor stand. The full system has 3 built-in shock mounts – in the microphone capsule, the swivel joint and the floor base – that combine to decrease rumble if bumps happen.

The unobtrusive, yet, balanced floor base contains an integrated shock mounting solution and helps stabilize the entire construction. The vertical pole that attaches to the base consists of three individual pieces that can be used to adjust the total height of the system. This unique design allows for a vertical pole that does not swing, but rapidly stabilizes itself after being positioned. A piece of the pole can quickly be removed to lower the unit without any tools.

If you do a lot of House of Worship or choir miking and are looking for a new solution, the DPA 4097 CORE could be the way to go. It’s a full system with an integrated floor stand, which I don’t think you’ll find with another microphone. The only potential downside is it’s price at $1,100, which some might find a tad expensive.

You can find out more on DPA’s website and on the video below.

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