DPA ST2012 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphones, Stereo Pair

Great close miking on any instrument on the live stage
The 2012 Compact Cardioid Microphone is an all-around generalist pencil mic that guarantees excellent results on any instrument on a live stage.

The 2012 Compact Cardioid Mic is the best all-around, generalist mic that you can find to cover a wide range of close-miking needs on the live stage. It is a robust and reliable condenser mic, best for single instrument pickup. Its specifically powerful characteristics make it an extremely flexible mic that will shine on many instruments, particularly those in the high-frequency range.

Durable, reinforced construction
The 2012 is constructed to withstand rough handling on a hectic live stage. It has a thicker, more robust body construction of brass that is very durable and known for its corrosion resistance and tolerance against metal fatigue. In addition to the heavy-duty materials used, the surfaces of the mic handle and grille are treated with a protective black chrome finish, which ensures more graceful ageing.

Unmatched transient response
The 2012, is a professional condenser mic, making it the best choice for those instruments that produce high frequencies. It has a far better transient response than any dynamic microphone, which allows it to pick up the most delicate sound with tremendous accuracy.

Uniform cardioid directionality
The 2012 has a cardioid capsule with DPA’s famously flat off-axis response. Besides a high gain-before-feedback, this characteristic makes it easier for sound engineers to handle bleed from other instruments at close proximity. The 2012 picks up off-axis sounds in a very natural and attenuated way.

Outstanding SPL handling
The 2012 can cope with both extremely high SPLs as well as capture very delicate sounds. With a max SPL, peak before clipping of 156 dB, the 2012, works well on many different instruments and can handle the loudest drums, guitars, horns and more.

Natural and precise sound reproduction
Like all other DPA microphones, the 2012 delivers pure, transparent sound quality.

Key Features

• Durable, reinforced construction
• Excellent transient response
• Uniform cardioid directionality
• Outstanding SPL handling
• Natural and precise sound reproduction

Technical Specifications

Directional pattern
Cardioid
Principle of operation
Pressure gradient
Cartridge type
Pre-polarized condenser
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Effective frequency range, ±2 dB, at 30 cm (11.8 in)
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz
8 mV/Pa; -42 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted
20 dB(A) re 20 µPa (max. 22 dB(A))
Distortion, THD < 1%
148 dB SPL (151 dB SPL peak)
Dynamic range
Typ. 131 dB
Max. SPL, THD 10%
153 dB SPL (156 dB SPL peak)
Rated output impedance
60 Ω
Minimum load impedance
2 kΩ
Cable drive capability
100 m (328 ft)
Output balance principle
Impedance balancing with Active Drive
Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR)
> 60 dB
Power supply (for full performance)
P48 (Phantom Power)
Current consumption
0.7 mA
Connector
XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: - phase
Color
Matte black
Weight
83 g (2.9 oz)
Microphone diameter
19 mm (0.75 in)
Capsule diameter
17 mm (0.67 in)
Microphone length
94 mm (3.7 in)
Maximum output voltage, RMS
8.7 V (21 dBu)
Polarity
+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range
-40 Degrees C to 45 Degrees C (-40 Degrees F to 113 Degrees F)
Relative humidity (RH)
Up to 90%
Sensitivity selection tolerance (at 1 kHz)
±1.5 dB