In a harmonious partnership, Splitbeam, has chosen ApexPro for their audio needs. Splitbeam is the rental company behind the scenes of the current sensation, Mamma Mia! They have raised the bar yet again by integrating top-tier equipment into their arsenal.
Building on their dedication to delivering unparalleled sound experiences, Splitbeam has recently expanded their inventory. Concurrently, they now have a selection of Sennheiser and DPA equipment supplied by ApexPro. Among the additions and 16 dual-channel EW-DX receivers, 32 packs, and 4 additional handheld microphones. Completely kitted, they are consequently able to enhance their capability to cater to large-scale productions like Mamma Mia! with ease.
Joining forces with DPA Microphone, Splitbeam has already solidified their commitment to excellence. They have acquired 35 4061 DPA lapel microphones and 4 2028DPA handheld capsules. Evidently, this is the winning combination of DPA’s precision engineering and Sennheiser’s reliability. With unmatched clarity and fidelity, it captures every note; From the infectious melodies of ‘Honey Honey’ to the anthemic choruses of ‘The Winner Takes It All’.
“These miniature marvels,” Clifford Weilich from Splitbeam says, referring about the DPA4061’s, “have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric for most of our audio productions. Moreover, the DPA handheld capsules have now increased the variety of options available in our rental market.”
Splitbeam decided to trust us with their sound needs for Mamma Mia!. This is a testament to the unwavering quality and performance of our products. Together with Sennheiser and DPA, we are effectively setting new standards for sound excellence in musical theatre.
Dante enables network audio capability and integrates with Sennheiser equipment. This further underscores Splitbeam’s commitment to innovation and elevating the audience’s audio experience to new heights. Behind every electrifying note and heartfelt lyric of Mamma Mia! lies the meticulous attention to sound. This is all made possible by the seamless collaboration between ApexPro, Sennheiser, and DPA Microphones.
“DPA has become a household name of ours,” Clifford also remarks, “due to their transparent and natural sound reproduction. Currently, Mamma Mia is using it as a Forehand Worn Microphone Solution. As well as using the DPA 2028 Capsules for the infamous Donna and the Dynamos.”
As audiences immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Mamma Mia!, they can rest assured that ApexPro provides unparalleled quality and reliability, enhancing every moment. Together, we continue to bring the magic of musical theatre to life, one unforgettable performance at a time.
In the world of sound production, finding the perfect combination of equipment can be the difference between a good show and an unforgettable experience. At ApexPro, we understand that it’s not just about the products. We know it’s about finding the right solutions to meet your needs. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Eastern Acoustics, a leading sound rental company. Delivering top-tier audio solutions tailored to your production needs.
ApexPro is not just a product-based company; we’re a solutions company. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and expertise you need to create exceptional sound experiences. Therefor we stand behind the winning combination of Sennheiser and DPA equipment.
Why this combination?
DPA microphones have earned renown for their dependability and uncompromising quality. Designed with precision engineering, DPA microphones capture every nuance of the performer’s voice, ensuring crystal-clear sound reproduction. Moreover, DPA microphones also excel in discreet placement and offer the ability to colour-match to skin tones. This ensures the seamless integration into any production. With DPA, you can conceal microphones without sacrificing sound quality, allowing performers to move freely without distraction.
As a result, people know Sennheiser wireless systems for their reliability and long battery life, for providing peace of mind during performances. With Sennheiser, you can trust that your equipment with perform flawlessly, form the first act to the final curtain call. The Sennheiser monitoring and maintenance systems are second to none. Consequently it allows for real-time monitoring and adjustments during performances. Sennheiser allows you to maintain optimal sound quality throughout your show, ensuring a uniform audio experience for your audience.
“They’re taking our audio experience to a whole new level with their top-notch performance and integration,” Clifford Weirich from Splitbeam noted.
This is why we delight in supplying Eastern Acoustics with 12 EWD’s, further enhancing their capability to deliver exceptional sound experiences. As a solutions provider, we commit to helping you achieve your vision. Whether it’s a musical production, a corporate event, or a live concert.
“We are thrilled to express our profound enjoyment of the Sennheiser EW-DXX Dante receivers.” says Cliffor Weirich. “As industry professionals, we appreciate their seamless integration, exceptional sound quality, and effortless operation. With the Built-in Dante Option, we can soundly monitor all 32 channels with the click of a button all while fitting in a compact tour friendly 10U flight Case.”
Elevate your sound experience with top-tier audio solutions from ApexPro.
Newest Mic Captures Authentic, High-clarity Sound for Broadcasting Events
DPA Microphones, a leading manufacturer of high-quality miking solutions, has launched its new 2017 Shotgun Microphone. Designed to capture authentic sound with high directivity, clarity, and consistency, the 2017 excels in challenging broadcast scenarios. With its durable design and ability to withstand any environment or extreme application, DPA’s newest solution is ideal for broadcast and live events, from traditional news and sports to location sound or musical performances.
“In an industry with a variety of shotgun microphones, we built the 2017 to stand out from the crowd,” says Helga Volha Somava, Product Management Director, DPA Microphones. “Measuring just 184mm (7.24 inches) in length, the 2017 is more compact than many popular solutions and still offers impressive technological features. From its durable construction and ease of use to its leading acoustical properties, the 2017 can capture the energy of any event. Whether it is used in fixed positions at facilities or on camera systems and booms, our goal was to create a dedicated, optimized broadcast and live sound microphone that rivals the competition and provides exceptional value for professionals.”
Designed to endure extreme weather and mechanical impact, the 2017 will hold up to travel and repeated use in harsh environments. The microphone persists in humid conditions and direct rain showers, as well as dry, arid environments. It has been tested for use in settings with temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) with 90 percent relative humidity, and cold environments as low as -40°C (-40°F). With a consistent ability to easily withstand the effects of moisture, the 2017 ensures that any broadcast or event can go live with incredible sound, no matter the setting or forecast.
Featuring a specifically designed capsule that is perfectly paired with a cutting-edge interference tube and microphone grid, the 2017 offers outstanding performance, both on- and off-axis. It has a high degree of off-axis rejection which permits the main source to stand out. This heavily attenuated off-axis audio is authentic and extremely usable for mixing into the entire soundscape.
Audio professionals can now pick up accurate, clean sounds from even the most minute sources—the thud of a foot meeting a ball, the brush of a jostled jersey or a reporter’s voice against a crowd, as well as loud, ambient audio when preferred. For broadcasts that take place at quieter locations, the 2017’s low self-noise promises just as excellent a performance, even in the presence of many open microphones.
DPA has also prioritized versatility with the 2017, creating an easy-to-set-up mic that is ideal not only for fixed or booming applications in live sports and news broadcasts, but also in the theatre on a FOH boom or fly bar; for indoor or outdoor booming while capturing location sound; or to pick up a musician’s ambient blend for in-ear monitoring during live musical performances.
ApexPro is the sole distributor of DPA microphones in Southern Africa. If you would like to experience the DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone, reach out to Keith to book your demo.
General Manager Jeff Weinkauf trusts DPA Microphones for clear and authentic audio.
Photo Credit: Dan Olybrych with Hult Center for the Performing Arts
As one of the only performing arts centers of its caliber in the area, Hult Center for the Performing Arts regularly welcomes audiences from as far away as Portland, Oregon and the California Bay Area. In the venue’s 2,447-seat main hall, viewers can enjoy shows by Hult’s resident companies, which includes the Eugene Ballet and Eugene Symphony, as well as established touring artists, Broadway musicals and comedy shows. In the second, 495-seat hall, Hult Center provides up-and-coming acts with a space to perform, hoping to catalyse new artist growth and development.
Since opening in 1982, the Hult Center has prided itself on offering exquisite audio for each act that comes through its doors, no matter how large or small. To accomplish this mission, the venue entrusts General Manager Jeff Weinkauf, who pulls from his years of theatre sound design experience to provide solutions with crystal clear, authentic audio. A longtime user of DPA Microphones, Weinkauf credits the brand’s reliability, durability, and natural sound replication for its prominence in the industry.
Since starting at Hult Center, Weinkauf has incorporated several DPA solutions, including the 4060 and 4061 Miniature Omnidirectional, 6060 Subminiature Lavalier, and esteemed 4099 Instrument Mics. Continually impressed by the long-lasting quality of DPA’s mics, Weinkauf also recently added the brand’s 2011 Twin Diaphragm and new 4055 Kick Drum Microphones to Hult Center’s lineup. “Durability is absolutely key to our business,” says Weinkauf. “The demanding conditions and daily use can prove difficult for some microphones, but DPA mics stand up to our day-to-day demands. That durability and reliability is extremely important to us. Once we invest in a premium tool, we need it to deliver consistently and DPA mics provide a level of consistency unheard of with other brands.”
Built to provide that same reliable and natural sound quality, DPA’s 4055 Kick Drum Mic is filling an important role for the theatre. “The 4055 has not disappointed,” Weinkauf shares. “We had been using the previous industry kick drum mic; once we introduced the 4055, we could hear an immediate difference. I can put it in a kick drum and hear the natural sound of the instrument―every boom and effect. The audio team reports that they feel like they actually hear the drum now, as opposed to an effect placed on the drum. This is especially rewarding when you have a great instrument, knowing you can hear its natural sound, and not the mic.”
Weinkauf has found that these same results can be expected from the six 4099 Instrument Mics that the Hult Center utilizes, most prominently on two Steinway grand pianos. “I’ve always liked how transparent, natural and phase coherent DPA mics are,” he says. “After we added the 6060s, we started looking for something to mic our grand pianos. We initially tried the most expensive mics and esoteric solutions from around the world, but nothing ever captured the piano and presented it in a way that felt natural. It was during this process that we came across the 4099s. As soon as we put them on the piano, we knew they were exactly what we were looking for.
They’re great multi-use microphones that we throw on almost anything, like guitars or violin, but we especially love it for piano. They’re easy to use, very ergonomic and fit in transparently―both visually and sonically. Our sound engineers have even told me that they use far less equalization and processing in general now that we have these mics. The 4099s are consistently true to what you’re miking.”
Weinkauf particularly appreciates DPA’s transparent and accurate sound reproduction when miking orchestras like the Eugene Symphony, for which he relies on the 2011 Twin Diaphragm Mic for strings. “Because of the 2011’s natural translation, it takes less time and manipulation to get the results we want. Our instruments are more truly represented,” he shares. “Our workflow is ultimately faster, thanks to having the right mic, the correct placement and good gain structure.”
Already a DPA supporter for many years, Weinkauf happily awaits any new mic releases that come from the brand and plans to continue implementing its solutions at Hult Center into the future. “When I reach for a DPA product, I know it’s going to sound like the instrument I’m miking,” he adds. “I don’t have to do a lot of work to make it sound good, which makes for a nicer listening experience. After growing up running audio, I know what I’m going to reach for most of the time. DPA is the first microphone brand that I grab consistently. This is becoming even more prominent as we build out our mic locker at Hult Center.”
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts prides itself on strengthening and supporting the more than 700 artistic performances that come through the Oregon area each year. Throughout July, attendants can enjoy a series of shows from the Oregon Bach Festival, workshops and performances by the Missoula Children’s Theatre as well as comedic acts, such as those from Emmy- and GRAMMY®-nominated comedian, writer, radio contributor, and actor Tig Notaro.
Contact Keith at ApexPro to find out how you can access DPA Microphone technology in the Southern African Market
Associate Sound Designer Hyder Khalil Upgrades Show’s Sound With DPA Instrument and Headworn Mics
For the past 15 years, Associate Sound Designer Hyder Khalil has been crafting the breathtaking audio that brings the long-running London stage musical “Wicked” to life. Working alongside Sound Designer Tony Meola, Khalil abides by Meola’s philosophy when making shows: whether you’re working with instruments or cast members, get the mic in the correct place without being intrusive, and then get the sound as perfect as possible. With these goals in mind, microphones designed to provide authentic audio were the obvious choice when upgrading the theatre’s sound system.
DPA Microphones fit all of the sound needs for “Wicked,” offering numerous clear, natural and versatile mics. After initially integrating the DPA 6061 Subminiature Lavalier Microphones, the theatre added the brand’s 2011 Twin Diaphragm Cardioid, 4055 Kick Drum, and 4099 Instrument Mics to its lineup. “As a whole, DPA makes things easier,” Khalil explains. “You’re not fighting against the microphones—they have such a low noise floor. Compared to our old mics, the DPAs take the sound to another level; details are getting picked up where they weren’t before. Whether you want to hear those details or not is up to you but at least instead of getting lost, we now have the option to keep them in.”
Khalil first introduced the team to the 6061s, which they slowly deployed on individual performers until the entire cast was covered. “I’ve been a fan of DPA for a long time, so I knew the sound quality side of the brand was a given,” he shares. “The main challenge we were looking to solve was aesthetics. The DPA 6061 capsules are small enough to blend into the show while also high-quality enough to bring out the details and nuances of the performers’ voices.”
The detail provided by the 6061s was crucial for Khalil, who has seen numerous casts of “Wicked” and understands the importance of the miniscule differences between each actor’s performance. “It’s not that we had bad sound before, but with DPA it was an immediately noticeable difference,” he explains. “The 6061s sound as if you’re speaking to the actors face-to-face. This also helps improve the humor of the show because you can hear the little comedic changes in the actors’ voices. These mics are just raising the bar another step that wasn’t there before.”
“Wicked” is not only known for its comedic tone, the show’s soundtrack is also popular for its dramatic, sweeping ballads and energizing pop/rock hits. To account for this broad spectrum, the band and orchestra pit rely on the equally versatile microphone solutions from DPA. “We’ve had 4099s on the violin, cello and French horn for several years, and we most recently added them to the drum kit,” Khalil shares. “We’re now also using them for the toms and added 2011s on the snare top and bottom. It’s been a real improvement. The musicians love the DPAs because they’re so small and unobtrusive while playing. Plus, the sound stays consistent between performers.
“We were also lucky enough to get one of the new 4055 Kick Drum Mics, and it has been great,” continues Khalil. “With other kick drum mics, I always found that you’re essentially carving away at them to get usable sound—which becomes more of a compromise than an artistic choice. The 4055 is the first mic I’ve come across where you can actually bring out qualities in the kick drum. The mic is very versatile and acts more like a scalpel than a broad sword, allowing you to carve out little details and be selective in your sound. It’s more of a tool than just a means to an end.”
Owing to the mics’ minimal need for EQ, the sound department consistently experiments with mic placement to improve sound. “We used to always keep the 6061s in the same place,” Khalil says. “Now, we found we can shift them up and hide them and still get the same sound quality. No matter where they end up, whether buried under a hat or rigged as an ear hanger, they sound great. Same with the 4055; we tested out a couple of placements but landed on it being just outside of the drum hole.”
The “Wicked” audio team is dedicated to continually modernizing its sound system to enhance the actors’ performances. Beyond the DPA mics supplied by Sound Network, the sound department additionally relies on a DiGiCo SD7 console and a self-powered Meyer Sound PA designed by Meola and provided by Autograph Sound Recording. A TC Electronics System 6000 handles the reverbs, and various Lexicon units provide special effects throughout the show. Backstage, Sennheiser transmitters and receivers work with the DPA mics to create an excellent sound. As DPA maintains that transparent, natural audio worthy of a global favorite like “Wicked,” Khalil will continue to love and trust the brand’s solutions, saying, “Given the choice, DPA would always be my go-to.”
ABOUT “WICKED”: “One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), “Wicked” is already the 12th longest-running production in West End history. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s award-winning musical is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” revealing the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk
Designed with durability and versatility at the top of its requirements, the kits will fill a vital role for sound professionals. “We are excited to share these new solutions with our industry colleagues,” says Helga Volha Somava, Product Management Director, DPA Microphones. “We have listened to and taken notes from experienced sound engineers within multiple industries to correctly define which mics are most critical for each application. With the flexibility to easily upgrade the mics, tools and accessories, we aimed to provide audio professionals with the best starting point to reach their end goal.”
Offering an ideal microphone and accessory selection for touring sound engineers, the DLK4000 Live Microphone Kit features 20 mics and capsules, along with a multitude of useful accessories that will enhance sound quality, clarity and consistency. Included in the kit are mics for lead and backup vocals as well as instrument mics for close-miking any live instrument. To further equip the entire live stage, the kit’s lineup features various pencil mics, which are ideal for spot-miking instrument groups or capturing ambient sounds. Accessories such as extension cables, mic clips, mounts and wind screens ensure easy set-up and breakdown no matter the instrument.
For those miking more in the studio than on the stage, the DSK4001 Studio Microphone Kit offers a premier solution for small home studios and large professional spaces alike. The brand’s prestigious, high-quality condenser mics that are provided are ideal for recording bands, vocals and anything in between. This medium-sized kit contains both instrument and vocal mics, as well as a wide variety of helpful clips and holders, allowing for simple setup when close-miking a single instrument or spot-miking an entire group.
The DRK4001 Ultimate Recording Kit features even more top-of-the-line professional microphones to make a trip to the recording studio a breeze. Over two-dozen DPA condenser microphones and close to 100 functional accessories sit within this case, making it possible to mic any instrument imaginable. No other kit available can handle miking a full-service recording studio in such style. As DPA prioritizes versatility, the DRK4001 can additionally aid in live-stage recordings.
This adaptability also shows in the DLS4000 Location Sound Microphone Kit, which features all the standard TV/film production solutions, along with cables, holders, concealers, adapters, clips and more. From shotguns for booming to micro-shotguns for discreet plant-miking and a range of lavaliers for close-miking, each microphone included in the kit has been specifically chosen based on input from professional sound engineers, to prepare users for whatever task is thrown their way.
Previously introduced at NAMM 2023, the DDK4000 Drum Miking Kit is designed to deliver a clear and natural reproduction of the low-frequency, high SPL instrument. With consideration for durability at the forefront of this solution, the microphones have also been rigorously tested to perform flawlessly for all types of music genres and instrument types, and to withstand the demands of life on the road.
Each of the new DPA Microphone Kits is now available for purchase. For more information, including pricing and a full listing of type and quantity of mics in each kit, please visit HERE.
