DPA 2011C

DPA 2011C – Compact Twin-Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone – Compact Version

The DPA 2011C is a twin-diaphragm cardioid microphone built around DPA’s renowned Twin Diaphragm Capsule technology. Designed to deliver a unique blend of clarity, richness and dynamic response, it stands as a leading choice for close-miking instruments both on stage and in the studio.

It features two closely paired miniature diaphragm capsules within the same housing, combining the fast transient response of small diaphragms with the low self-noise of a larger diaphragm area. This design provides a precise, fast and natural response across a wide range of instruments.

Its interference tube technology gives the 2011C exceptional off-axis rejection, making it highly efficient for live applications where spill control is essential. It also handles very high SPL (up to 146 dB peak) while maintaining excellent tonal consistency.

As part of DPA’s modular microphone family, the 2011C can be paired tool-free with a variety of preamps (MMP-A, MMP-C, MMP-E, MMP-G), allowing engineers to adapt its tonal character and connectivity to any setup—from live stages to broadcast and wireless systems.

More compact than the 2011A version, the 2011C delivers a slightly warmer low end and is easier to position, making it a favourite choice for snare drums, percussion, brass, strings, guitars and many other instruments.

Specifications:

• Type: Twin-diaphragm cardioid microphone
  
  
• Directional pattern: Cardioid
  
  
• Principle of operation: Pressure gradient with interference tube
  
  
• Cartridge type: Pre-polarized condenser, Twin Diaphragm Capsule
  
  
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  
  
• Effective frequency range ±2 dB (at 30 cm): 50 Hz – 17 kHz, 3 dB soft boost at 12 kHz
  
  
• Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa (–40 dB re. 1 V/Pa)
  
  
• Equivalent noise level: Typ. 20 dB(A) (max. 23 dB(A))
  
  
• Equivalent noise level ITU-R: 33 dB (max. 36 dB)
  
  
• Dynamic range: 117 dB typical
  
  
• THD < 1 %: 134 dB SPL RMS / 137 dB SPL peak
  
  
• Max SPL (THD 10 %): 146 dB SPL peak
  
  
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
  
  
• Minimum load impedance: 2 kΩ
  
  
• Cable drive capability: Up to 100 m
  
  
• CMRR: > 50 dB
  
  
• Power supply: P48 (phantom power)
  
  
• Current consumption: 2.8 mA
  
  
• Connector: XLR-3M (Pin 2 = hot / positive phase)
  
  
• Weight: 64 g
  
  
• Microphone diameter: 19 mm
  
  
• Length: 92 mm
  
  
• Max output voltage: > 4 V RMS
  
  
• Operating temperature: –40°C to +45°C
  
  
• Relative humidity: Up to 90 %
  
  
• Sensitivity selection tolerance: ±1.5 dB @ 1 kHz

Key Features:

• Signature balance of clarity, richness and dynamic response thanks to the Twin Diaphragm technology.
  
  
• Outstanding off-axis rejection via interference tube design — perfect for live use.
  
  
• Fully modular and compatible with all DPA pencil preamps (MMP-A, MMP-C, MMP-E, MMP-G).
  
  
• Handles very high SPL up to 146 dB — ideal for snare, brass, percussion.
  
  
• Excellent transient response for accurate and detailed capture.
  
  
• Compact version: easier positioning with a slightly warmer low-end tone compared to the 2011A.
  
  
• Highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of instruments.