DPA d:fine™ CORE 6066 Omni Headset Mic DPA

Shrinking CORE into a 3 mm

CORE by DPA is a powerful new technology at the heart of our miniature microphones. We’ve minimized distortion. From a whisper to a scream, you will experience increased clarity and openness.

Prior to CORE, our 4066 Series contained the most clear, consistent and robust headset mics you could find on the market. These mics are known for working across a wide dynamic range as well as exhibiting low distortion across all SPLs. 

We’ve taken the amazing CORE technology and shrunk it down to fit into our 3 mm (0.12 in) subminiature mics. This means that, despite their small size, the performance of the 6066 CORE Headset Series is comparable to the 5 mm (0.20 in) miniature capsules that are beloved around the globe.

These subminiatures have a lower noise floor than any other 3 mm (0.12 in) capsule on the market and they are better able to capture high sound pressure levels without distortion as well. In terms of technical specifications, the 6066 has a noise floor of only 26 dB(A), which is fully comparable to the 5 mm (0.20 in) DPA miniature capsule. 

It’s the only 3 mm (0.12 in) mic that gives you the DPA sonic quality that you know and love. 

Technically advanced mechanical construction

The new one-size-fits-all Headset is the most advanced construction on the market. It ensures comfort, even during long-term wear, but does so without sacrificing security. Its form grips gently and snuggly around the head and is easily adjustable. The spring mechanisms that grip around the ears are gentle, yet firm enough for you to feel secure during your performance. The Headset can also be customized on site to suit individual performers for perfect fit.
 

One-size fits all, adjustable frame 

The headset frame is made of stainless steel and treated with a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating that makes it extremely durable. It is able to tolerate high temperatures and is resilient against impact and abrasion. The frame is one-size fits all with a simple adjustment mechanism for quick and easy resizing. Anatomically correct, it fits snuggly and comfortably around the head thanks to its unique shape. The entire mic has a pleasant matte look due to the coating, making the entire headset look small and less obtrusive than other headset solutions. Furthermore, it adds nothing to the size of the microphone, as the PVD is extremely durable but at the same time extremely thin.

2-way adjustable boom

The boom is 130 mm long but can easily be adjusted so that it sits perfectly at the corner of the performer’s smile (the optimal placement of a headworn mic). Not only can the boom be extended / shortened, it can be pivoted up and down at a fixed point below the ear (no more bending the boom). An anti-rotating mechanism designed into the boom shape, prevents it from rotating. A sliding lock system ensures that the boom is locked into the desired position. The entire boom can be detached at a point below the ear and moved from the right to left side of the frame. 

We have also added a service connector at the end of the boom pole so that the boom and cable can be replaced independently if needed. The service connector is well-protected by a plastic cover that slides over the gold-plated connectors. 
 

PVD-treated mic

The entire mic is made of stainless steel and is PVD coated, as is the grid that covers the capsule element. This has allowed us to significantly reduce the size of the mic as well as increase its durability. We have also added a click function – both tactile and audible – to the mic grid, so you are sure that the grid has been secured properly to the mic housing.

In addition, if you look closely, you might notice that when looking at the microphone housing head on, it resembles the well-known DPA logo grid. Not only does this look amazing, it also adds to the mics resilience to water and sweat. The tiny grid holes, combined with the material chosen make this mic extremely robust; able to withstand the tough environments where they are used. 
 

3-point ear grips

The ear grips on our new headset consist of some amazing technology. Most headsets have either a 1- or 2-point gripping system – resting on top of the ear or (sometimes) gripping below the ear. This headset relies on a 3-point gripping system – adding a support area behind the ear pressing gently inward.

This not only makes the headset sit more securely around the head even in jostling situations, it also makes it extremely comfortable to wear even over long periods. Furthermore, the advanced, ergonomic shape of these ear grips conforms to the shape of the head.
 

90° cable management system

The headset has its cable guide directly at the back of the headset frame, so that you can easily organize the cables to run unobtrusively down the back of the performers. The cable guide slides from side to side, so it can be moved out of, for example, the camera view. The special construction also separates the cables from the boom movement, which ensures that cables are not pulled on when the boom is moved. This helps ensure a longer life to the mic cables. 

The cable is often the weak spot on these types of mics, but we have opted to use the same size cable (Ø 1.6 mm (.06 in)) as on our 5 mm (0.20 in) mics. They are extremely rugged, do not become entangled and are equipped with an inner core made of Kevlar that withstands rough pulls. 

The cable, capsule and boom design, ensure immunity to noisy wireless devices. Headsets are typically connected to a wireless belt pack and we offer a comprehensive mix of adapters to suit the many wireless transmitters available. When used with an adapter, the connector is our MicroDot but we also offer hardwired terminations to suit the most popular systems from manufacturers such as Shure and Sennheiser. All of our connectors are equipped with a rugged strain relief.
 

A bit about omnis

An omnidirectional microphone has sensitivity at all angles – in principle picking up sound equally from all directions. This gives you extremely natural and realistic sound compared to a cardioid mic. A cardioid or any other directional microphone is much more sensitive to wind and pop (the plosives, i.e. the heavy air movement that comes with p-words) and thus requires a pop filter, which creates a larger footprint. Furthermore, a cardioid mic is also more sensitive to handling noise and placement due to the proximity effect. 

Nevertheless, a cardioid is typically the first mic that most people think of for a live performance with high amplifications and thereby a risk of feedback. DPA offers both omni and cardiod headsets. Both types can be used on stages with loud SPLs without having feedback issues. Not every location can use an omni due to the acoustical environment or loudspeaker placement, but having a linear and well-balanced PA system gives you the best possibility to offer very natural results from the omni with the smallest footprint on the face of the performer. DPA omnis are so linear and well controlled that risk of feedback is very low. As an example, we have seen actors in musicals performing elevated above the scene right in front of the PA speakers while singing their lungs out – without feedback!
 

Adapter system gives you flexibility

The adapters for wireless systems give you flexible, simple and affordable possibilities. You are no longer bound to only one wireless system. As circumstances change, you can just switch your adapter, instead of incurring the cost of a completely new microphone. When you make the switch, you won’t hear any loss or change in sound quality from the mic as the adapters are tailored to suit specific transmitter types.

DPA’s miniature microphones work with all leading wireless mic solutions, such as Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Wisycom, Zaxcom and many more. DPA Microphones’ ingenious adapter system is one of a kind in the industry. It protects your investment in fantastic sound for years to come. Should you prefer to have your mic hardwired to a specific connector type, DPA offers pre-terminated types for the most popular wireless systems.