NAB 2026: DPA Microphones [LIVE]

Product Reviewed (from the video)

DPA Microphones 4097 Micro Shotgun (part of DPA’s “revamp” of the line) shown at NAB 2026.

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Key Features Mentioned

CORE+ technology

• Claims to reduce THD (harmonic distortion) to a “non-measurable amount” until roughly 3 dB before peak.
• Practical implication:
  • No harmonic distortion during normal loud performance dynamics
  • Only potentially a very brief transient (~split millisecond) near the overload point
• Positioning/impact:
  • Cleaner sound at the source
  • Fewer distortion artifacts that would otherwise compound later in the chain

MicroLock technology (new mounting system)

• A proprietary MicroLock system across DPA instrument mics/lavs (including 4099s), but the 4097 has a special version.
• When tightened: 11 clicks provide tactile confirmation.
• Anti-slip/secure: the mic won’t move unless you pull back on the spring.
• Swivel/rotation advantage (unique for the 4097):
  • You can rotate the microphone while keeping the mount tightened
  • This allows mic orientation changes without moving the body pack

Installation / mounting versatility

Use cases described:

• Car visor / in-car scene capture
  • Position the mic without relocating the body pack
• Permanent choir / church hanging installs
  • Avoid the common issue where long hanging cables get twisted overnight and end up twisting the mic

Additional notes:

• Mentions a proprietary cabling setup for running up to a ceiling in these scenarios.
• Compatibility: the 4097 can use all 4099 mounts.
  • Film industry mounts referenced:
    • Universal mount
    • Piano mount (magnetic)
• Example mounting idea:
  • Doorframe placement for a metal doorframe, keeping the mic out of frame

Related lineup notes

• 4099s all have CORE+, but they do not include the swivel mount aspect of MicroLock (described as “not needed” there).
• The speaker suggests this may be the last CORE → CORE+ update, mentioning 4099 and 4097 specifically.

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Pros (as implied by the video)

• Extremely low harmonic distortion under loud dynamics (THD “non-measurable” until near peak).
• Better performance when multiple mics are used simultaneously (e.g., orchestral or loud event scenarios), since harmonic distortion is minimized at the source.
• Easier/safer real-world positioning, especially:
  • Car/visor setups without moving transmitters
  • Permanent hanging installs where cable twist is an ongoing problem
• Strong tactile feedback and secure attachment
  • 11 clicks; spring release required
• Mount ecosystem compatibility with existing DPA 4099 mounting options (e.g., universal/piano mounts).
• “Smooth operation” claim:
  • MicroLock is engineered so users don’t feel a noticeable difference during normal use (implying subtle mechanical/mount behavior changes).

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Cons / Limitations Mentioned

• No disadvantages were explicitly stated.
• Indirect “limitation” / competitive framing:
  • CORE+ is positioned as so advanced that other manufacturers will take a long time to catch up (not framed as a downside, but rather a competition point).

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User Experience / Workflow Notes (from examples)

• Positioning without moving the body pack
  • Particularly helpful in car and concealed body-worn setups
• Persistent orientation for hanging installs
  • Reduces “next morning the mic is twisted” cable-rest issues
• Production-friendly workflow
  • Out-of-shot placement (film)
  • Mounting via doorframe/metal surfaces
  • Using mounts rather than hand-holding

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Comparisons / Competitive Context Mentioned

• Against the rest of the market:
  • The speaker claims DPA’s THD performance is effectively unmatched, making it difficult for competitors to catch up quickly.
• Within DPA’s lineup:
  • CORE+ exists on 4099s, but the 4097’s MicroLock swivel/rotation behavior is the distinctive element.

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Other Discussion (relevant context)

The video also shifts into NAB discussion on capturing extremely loud sources (e.g., F1 cars):

• Typical approach: at least two microphones (engine compartment + exhaust side)
• Use of heavy-duty lav mics with high SPL handling
• Considerations: heat/dust, permissions, and weight constraints
• Uses include both:
  • Broadcast
  • Monitoring engine/exhaust condition via headphones

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Unique Product-Related Points (distinct statements)

• The 4097 Micro Shotgun uses CORE+.
• CORE+ reduces THD to non-measurable levels until ~3 dB before peak.
• Harmonic distortion won’t occur until about 3 dB before peak, only as a brief transient (~split millisecond).
• Cleaner source audio means less distortion compounding through the rest of the chain.
• The 4097 includes MicroLock technology.
• MicroLock provides 11 clicks of tactile tightening feedback.
• MicroLock prevents mic movement unless the user pulls back on the spring.
• The 4097 has a special MicroLock behavior: you can rotate the mic while leaving the mounting/body-pack position unchanged.
• Real-world benefit: car visor installs allow mic positioning without moving the body pack.
• Real-world benefit: permanent choir/church installs help avoid cable twist over long hangs that can twist the mic.
• Uses proprietary cabling for ceiling/permanent installs (as described).
• The 4097 can utilize all 4099 mounts.
• Film mounting use cases include a universal mount and a piano mount (magnetic).
• Mentioned usage scenario: mounting in/around a doorframe for events/actions (e.g., “shot happens in a doorframe”).
• 4099s have CORE+, but do not include the swivel mount on MicroLock because it’s not needed.
• The speaker suggests this may be the last CORE → CORE+ update, with 4099 and 4097 as relevant models.
• CORE+ and MicroLock are positioned as enabling solutions that are “more viable in the field” due to detailed mounting engineering.

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Speaker Notes (views/aspects)

• Paul (DPA Microphones): Presented the 4097 Micro Shotgun, including CORE+ THD claims, detailed explanation of MicroLock + rotation, and field/installation examples.
• Interviewer/Host (Gotham Sounds coverage): Asked follow-ups and contextualized topics like cable twist and market comparisons, plus referenced broader mounting examples.
• Gotham Sounds group/comments referenced (Kyle): Added anecdotal context about extreme vehicle audio capture (“very carefully” on high-power cars), though not a direct 4097 review.

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Concise Verdict / Recommendation

Recommended for users who need ultra-clean shotgun (or lav-adjacent) performance at very high SPLs, and want easier/more reliable positioning—especially for concealed/car and permanent installs.

The standout claimed differentiator is CORE+ THD performance, paired with the 4097’s MicroLock rotation, designed for real-world workflow and installation stability.