Chris Kaplinski deploys a variety of DPA microphones on all of his gigs. “I’ve used DPA mics for a long time; since Gerr started distributing the line and putting them in the hands of techs to experience. As soon as I heard their vocal mic years ago, that was it for me. Shortly after that, I ended up trying other DPA mics and they’re incredible. The bottom end is untouchable and there’s no harsh sibilance. They’re so clean and clear with this airy bottom and great high-end across the whole range of their microphones – and the new 4055 is no different.”
“When I heard that DPA was releasing a microphone for the kick drum, I was really excited to try it out. I have since added one to my kit and have been using it as often as possible – so far, on dates with Arkells, Lights, and Dwayne Gretzky.” In that short time, it’s replaced “all the usual suspects” Chris previously used for kick. “The first time I used the 4055 was during sound check with Dwayne Gretzky. As an experiment, I put it up flat to the head to see what it sounded like, and I’m not exaggerating; it was the first time I didn’t apply any EQ on the kick to get it sounding the way I wanted. Not only did it have all of this extra punch, but the monitor tech even asked, ‘What’s on the kick? It sounds amazing!’ And that was completely unsolicited – he didn’t know what brand of microphone I had used.”
Kaplinski’s primary usage of the 4055 will be for outside kick. “I don’t mic bass cabinets. I don’t need it for floor toms - although it’d be great in both scenarios; perfect for any bass amp, and I’d use it on guitar, too. It’s also super rugged which is important. The asymmetrical shape of the 4055 makes it an easy fit as well.”
Overall, DPA microphones “expose the sound of the source for what it is,” Kaplinski adds, “which I think is a huge benefit.” The 4055 is the only kick drum mic that has not been sonically pre-tailored to fit a traditional sound for a specific genre. Kaplinski concludes, “with DPA, if you have a good source, you’ll know it. If not, you work on it – tune it or change the source - which is how you should approach sound anyways.”
Written by: Kevin Young
DPA 4055 Replaces 'Usual Suspects' on the Kick Drum for FOH Engineer Chris Kaplinski