Children are lovely, but they do have a habit of breaking things, which is why any piece of equipment used in a school environment needs to be very tough.
According to Matthew Talks, founder of educational equipment specialists Podboffin, DPA’s versatile d:fineâ„¢ Headset Microphones certainly fit the bill because they are virtually unbreakable, even in the hands of kids.
“Usually, radio mics in schools have a short lifespan due to cables breaking,” Talks says. “However, I have yet to use the spare DPA mics that I bought recently because the first set I acquired are still going strong. Even if the cable were to break, the modular construction of DPA’s d:fine Headset Microphones means I can replace just the cable at a fraction of the cost of the initial outlay.”
Established in 2010, Podboffin provides recording, sound installation and live production services to schools and also offers advice on choosing the right audio equipment, setting it up and operating it. The company recently invested in a dozen omnidirectional single-ear DPA d:fine Headset Microphones, supplied by DPA’s UK distributor Sound Network, which are now being hired out to UK schools.
“I was familiar with DPA microphones having previously sub-hired d:fine units, so I decided to purchase my own,” Talks says. “In schools, the number one requirement is always for radio mics because the biggest sound problem school productions have is hearing students singing over a live band. The d:fine Headset Microphones completely solve this because I can get the capsule in really close to the singer with no plosive issues and with crystal clear sound.”
Talks admits that, in the educational market, cost is inevitably an issue.
“However, once schools hear the difference that pro mics make when compared to budget mics – and see how little effort is required to get superb results – they never go back,” he says. “I have yet to hire out d:fines and not get repeat business.”
DPA’s popular d:fine Headset Microphones are specifically designed for actors, public speakers, broadcast hosts, musicians and singers who want a lightweight, easy to wear headset microphone that leave them free to move around without compromising vocal quality. With their impressive gain before feedback and very stable construction, these unobtrusive microphones provide a discreet solution that can hardly be seen on the face. The range, which is renowned for its audio accuracy, is available in both directional and omnidirectional options and in single- or dual-ear designs with a choice of three lengths of microphone booms. They are also compatible with just about any wireless system.
Talks envisages his DPA d:fine Headset Microphones will be hired by “any school with a good business model for school productions”. Schools, he believes, can justify an increase in ticket prices and advertising when the production is good and is not let down by bad sound.
To date schools that have used DPA d:fine Headset Microphones for their concerts and drama performances include Dr. Challoner’s Grammar School, The Beacon School and Gerrards Cross Junior School.
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About DPA
DPA Microphones is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high quality condenser microphone solutions for professional applications. DPA’s ultimate goal is to provide you – whether you’re in live sound, recording, theater or broadcast – with the absolute finest possible microphone solutions for your tasks. DPA takes no shortcuts in the design processes nor makes any compromises in manufacturing, which is all done at the DPA factory in Denmark. As a result, DPA’s products are globally praised for their exceptional clarity and transparency, unparalleled specifications, supreme reliability, and above all, pure, uncolored and undistorted sound.
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