Review: Da-Cappo Micro Mics

Da-Cappo is a relative newcomer to the headset microphone market, but when it comes to audio recording in harsh environments this fledgling outfit may well have the upper hand over the more established brands. You see, while there are established microphone manufacturers keeping the headset market happy, none offer the resilience to environmental conditions that Da-Cappo ‘micro’ microphones do. But more on that shortly, firstly let’s have a look at the microphones themselves.

The range encompasses four microphone options, all utilising the same 2.5mm diameter back-electret omnidirectional capsule. The capsule is rated to withstand a maximum SPL of 140dB and offers an equivalent noise rating of 25dB. First of the group is the lavalier system that includes the microphone, clip, cable and a foam windsock. It’s quite minute, and measures a mere 10mm across with the foam windshield fitted.

The next ‘micro-mic’ is auspiciously named, ‘The Stick’, and consists of the Da-Cappo capsule melded with a 1.2mm thick stiffened wire – it’s this wire that carries signal to the mic and acts as the entire microphone body as such. Being slightly bemused as to The Stick’s usefulness, I prodded the manufacturer as to its ideal deployment (no, I didn’t use The Stick to prod the manufacturer). As it transpires, The Stick’s ‘schtick’ is in the arena of theatrical production – it’s an ideal microphone for weaving or sewing inconspicuously into costumes, masks and wigs. The wire body can even be carefully bent into shape to fit into even more obscure locations. Break a leg!

The overall design is, in fact, decidedly bulletproof. With carbon/Kevlar-coated cabling and screw connectors, these mics are capable of withstanding a good degree of physical abuse, so field uses are vast and possibly yet to be imagined. No doubt these mics will find themselves in some quirky and mechanically compromising locations.

HEAR HEAR!

Let’s look at the actual headset designs. These are available in two basic flavours, those being a dual earpiece, and a single earpiece design. The dual earpiece is undoubtedly the more secure of the two. With its adjustable headband, the unit should fit most human skulls, and the silicone earpieces are exceedingly comfortable. These rubberised silicone earpieces are impregnated with a strip of spring steel to allow the earpiece to fit all (human) ear sizes. I wore the headset around the office for the day, and actually forgot I was wearing it. It wasn’t until a courier looked at me as though I was about to supersize his order that I twigged to the fact that I looked like a drive-thru attendant. Make no mistake – this is a comfy headset. What’s attractive about the Da-Cappo earpiece design is its sheer simplicity – compare the design with other manufacturers’ take on headsets and you’ll see what I mean. There are a minimum of moving parts, and nothing to detach or loosen from the headset assembly. Plus, once fitted, the mics are largely invisible.

The single earpiece design is exactly what you’d expect: a microphone with a single silicone earpiece. This mic takes earpiece comfort to a new level entirely – very lightweight and, unlike the dual earpiece design, can be adjusted to fit on either the right or the left ear. All the mics and their accessories are available in four colours: beige, black, coffee, and white. Plus recently I’ve been notified of a 24-carat gold-plated version for ‘bling’-oriented performers – hey, why disguise that mic when you can present your 24k headset! An interesting inclusion on both headset designs is the small silicone ring that slides along the microphone shaft. This is referred to as a ‘sweat-ring’, and alleviates sweat ripping down toward the microphone capsule. Which brings me to what is possibly the most interesting aspect of the Da-Cappo microphones – their moisture and water resistance.

MOIST

That’s correct, these mics will function after being splashed, dashed, doused, or drenched with water. Now while that doesn’t imply use by your local surf lifesavers as a back-to-base comms channel, it does mean these microphones are an excellent choice for recording outdoors where the recordist and talent are susceptible to the forces of nature – most notably rain, hail and snow. This is an undeniable boon for alfresco recordists, and already the broadcasting fraternity and sports reporting industry are jumping on the Da-Cappo bandwagon. For a bit of a demonstration, hop onto Da-Cappo’s website to witness its managing director being dunked in water while using these amphibious marvels.

SOUND AS A POUND

As for the sound of the micro-microphones, the specifications are certainly respectable, with 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range with a slight raise to 7dB at 10kHz. This response begins its rise at around 2kHz and no doubt aids the intelligibility of the microphone’s response and reproduction. In use they sound very good. In fact, during a recent trade show I used the lavalier system for some impromptu interview opportunities and the Da-Cappo microphones kept their own against the traditional brands we had in use. Incidentally, Da-Cappo has covered all the bases as to connection of the mics to the various beltpack wireless transmitters – again these are available in either beige or black, and Da-Cappo will supply your flavour of adaptor when you initially order a particular microphone model. Each mic is also available with either 35dB or 45dB sensitivity, the former offering a higher output for the broadcasting arena. It seems Da-Cappo has covered all the bases – innovative, discreet, versatile while providing some unique possibilities when it comes to discreet microphone placement and those damp and sweaty recording situations.