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DPA 4088 Finds Unusual Application with Norwegian Musician

Norwegian fiddle player Andreas Ljones believes in pushing the boundaries when playing and recording with his two bands by combining the latest technology with traditional instruments. Some of the most recent additions to his armoury include a DPA 4088 miniature cardioid headset microphone, which is being used in a somewhat unconventional manner.

Ljones has started using the 4088 traditionally used as a headset mic for vocal applications - for his fiddle when playing live with the Andreas Skeie Ljones band, but turning the microphone boom around so that it points towards the instrument. He has found its cardioid characteristics mean the mic is much less sensitive to feedback when sharing a stage with other amplified instruments, and it can be used with his wireless transmitter to allow free movement on stage.

"I achieved some great results during tests of the 4088 with DPA¹s Norwegian distributor Lyd-Systemer, and this has become my favourite performing microphone ever since," he says. "The 4088 is specially designed for singing and speech and is usually pointed towards the mouth, so I had to make some simple adjustments, turning it towards the violin instead. I always use it with the foam windscreen to protect my violin and to avoid picking up breathing sounds. This is the best microphone on the market for bands striving for a natural sound, who at the same time want the instrument to be heard above others on stage. I have also used it on the flute with great results, and believe it¹s the perfect solution for other soloists such as clarinet, oboe, sax, etc."

Ljones also uses a DPA 4021 compact cardioid mic with the VH4000 microphone holder for violins, and has just ordered a second 4021 with stereo mount. "This is the best mic ever made for an acoustic string instrument, and as it can¹t be used with wireless equipment it¹s perfect for when I don¹t need to run around on stage." he enthuses. "When I want a perfect recording of my violins, a string quartet or a small choir I use both my 4021s with DPA¹s stereo holder to get the perfect balance. We also use the 4021s to record samples for Andreas Ljones Band compositions. For large-scale samples, such as a church organ or an orchestra, we borrow a pair of 4006s omnidirectional mics, which are next on my DPA shopping list!"

Ljones also plays in acoustic band Majorstuen, who use a 4021 for the cello and have found that sound engineers around the world appreciate the mic and the resulting cello sound. All six violinists in Majorstuen also have a DPA 4061, which they use with DPA¹s microphone holders for strings, and wireless transmitters. He also uses the DPA 4065 miniature omnidirectional mic when playing the flute or other acoustic instruments in rapid succession. "This allows me to shift quickly between different instruments and get a nice, natural sound," he says. "By having the mic connected to my head I can also make different adjustment to the live sound by placing the instrument near or far from the microphone."

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DPA 4088 Finds Unusual Application with Norwegian Musician

26th May 2005

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