DPA 2012B – Compact cardioid instrumental microphone – Black Version
The DPA 2012B is a compact cardioid condenser microphone designed as a true all-purpose pencil mic, capable of delivering excellent results on virtually any instrument on stage. Thanks to its rugged build, sonic precision and outstanding SPL handling, it is a reliable and highly versatile choice for close-miking in live environments.
Drawing from DPA’s expertise in instrumental microphones, the 2012 excels with its exceptional transient response, making it ideal for instruments with fast and complex attacks such as percussion, plucked strings, brass or acoustic instruments. Its uniform cardioid pickup pattern offers excellent gain before feedback, controlled bleed and a natural, linear off-axis response—an essential advantage for complex or crowded stage setups.
Built to withstand the demanding conditions of live performance, its body and grille are made of robust brass with a protective black chrome finish, ensuring long-term durability and resistance to heavy handling. With a maximum SPL of 156 dB peak, the 2012 can easily capture high-output sources (drums, brass, guitar amps) while preserving great nuance on more delicate instruments.
It is also available as a factory-matched Stereo Pair, ideal for overheads, percussions, instrumental ensembles and precise stereo recordings.
Specifications:
- Type: Compact cardioid condenser microphone
- Polar 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): 40 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 8 mV/Pa
- Equivalent noise level: Typ. 20 dB(A) (max. 22 dB(A))
- THD < 1%: 148 dB SPL / 151 dB SPL peak
- Dynamic range: 131 dB typical
- Max SPL (10% THD): 156 dB SPL peak
- Output impedance: 60 Ω
- Minimum load impedance: 2 kΩ
- Cable drive capability: 100 m
- CMRR: > 60 dB
- Power supply: P48 Phantom Power
- Connector: XLR-3M (Pin 2 = positive phase)
- Weight: 83 g
- Microphone diameter: 19 mm
- Capsule diameter: 17 mm
- Length: 94 mm
- Maximum output voltage: 8.7 V RMS (21 dBu)
- Operating temperature: –40°C to +45°C
- Relative humidity: Up to 90 %
- Colour: Black
- Also available as: Stereo Pair (factory-matched)
Key Points:
- All-purpose pencil mic: excellent results on any stage instrument.
- Rugged construction: reinforced brass body with durable black chrome finish.
- Exceptional transient response: perfect for percussion, strings, brass and dynamic instruments.
- Uniform cardioid pattern: natural off-axis response, high gain before feedback.
- Extreme SPL handling: up to 156 dB SPL—ideal for loud sources.
- DPA sound quality: clear, accurate and natural reproduction.
- Available as Stereo Pair: perfect for professional stereo capture.
