DPA 4055-B – Professional Kick Drum Microphone
The DPA 4055-B completely redefines kick drum capture with a natural, powerful and non pre-equalized sonic approach. Unlike most kick drum microphones “pre-shaped” for a specific musical style, the 4055 offers a totally flat frequency response, allowing sound engineers to freely craft their own signature sound for any context: jazz, rock, pop, metal, orchestral music, live or studio.
With the exceptional transparency DPA is known for, this microphone reproduces a clear, precise and authentic kick drum sound, both on-axis and off-axis. Its impactful low-frequency response, extended dynamics and natural rendering of mids/highs make it an extremely versatile tool capable of revealing the full harmonic richness of the instrument.
The 4055-B also stands out with its ultra-durable construction designed for demanding live environments: reinforced wide-body housing, integrated shock-mount system, internal wind damping foam and resistance to temperature and humidity. Its unique asymmetrical design makes it easy to position inside the bass drum port without damaging the resonant head — a crucial advantage for drummers and live engineers.
Highly adaptable, the 4055 also excels on other sound sources such as electric guitar/bass amps, brass instruments and large percussion. Its linear response and outstanding dynamic range (up to 164 dB SPL) allow it to handle extremely high sound pressure levels without distortion, delivering a controlled and fully usable signal for post-production.
Specifications:
- Type: Pre-polarized condenser kick drum microphone (open/wide cardioid)
- Principle of operation: pressure gradient
- Polar pattern: open cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Effective frequency range ±2 dB at 20 cm: 40 Hz – 18 kHz with soft 6 dB boost at 10 kHz
- Sensitivity (nominal): 2 mV/Pa (–54 dB re. 1 V/Pa)
- Equivalent noise level: 27 dB(A) typical
- THD < 1%: 156 dB SPL RMS / 159 dB SPL peak
- Max SPL (10% THD): 164 dB SPL peak
- Dynamic range: 132 dB typical
- Rated output impedance: 380 Ω
- Power supply: P48 (phantom power)
- Connector: XLR-3M (pin 2 = + phase)
- Dimensions: microphone diameter 57 mm, length 132 mm
- Capsule diameter: 17 mm
- Weight: 241 g
- Operating temperature: -40°C to +45°C
- Relative humidity: up to 90%
- Color: matte black
Key Points:
- Fully linear frequency response: no pre-EQ — complete freedom to sculpt the sound.
- Clear, natural and precise sound: faithful reproduction both on-axis and off-axis, with DPA’s signature transparency.
- Outstanding dynamics: handles up to 164 dB SPL peak without distortion — ideal for powerful kick drums.
- Easy placement: asymmetrical body design simplifies insertion into the bass drum port.
- Rugged construction: integrated shock-mount + internal wind damping to reduce unwanted noise.
- Versatile performance: excellent on guitar/bass amps, brass and large percussion instruments.
- Reliable for stage and studio: resistant to heat, humidity and harsh conditions.
