‘DPA microphones are always my first choice of microphone, because they give me the sound I want without any feedback problems,’ says sound engineer Raul Mendez. ‘Whether I am miking an acoustic instrument, voices for an event or a musical, I know these microphones will work perfectly every time and in all of these different areas of performance.’

Mendez is currently using a selection of DPA microphones to capture the sound of guitarist, composer, dramatist and producer Paco Peña. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Peña has changed perceptions of the Flamenco style by fusing its traditions with contemporary culture. Now touring in the US, Peña recently gave a series of concerts at London’s Sadlers Well’s where he presented his 2010 work Quimeras, a marriage of traditional Spanish and African music and dance.

For these performances, DPA UK distributor Sound Network supplied Mendez with a selection of DPA microphones, including DPA d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones. Paco Peña’s guitar was miked using a DPA 4061 omni miniature microphone, while for the show’s vocalists Mendez chose DPA d:fine headset microphones.

‘I prefer all my microphones to be wireless, and with DPA technology this is really easy,’ Mendez says. ‘I particularly like DPA’s wireless miniature microphones for vocals as they provide the perfect solution for the performer, while still giving me the sound I need.’

For Peña’s US tour Mendez has also specified DPA and has switched Peña from a DPA 4061 omni miniature microphone to a DPA d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphone because both preferred the sound.

‘The two other guitarists in my company use DPA d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones with an attachment that allows them to be suspended away from the instrument,’ Peña says. ’At first I found the actual support used for attaching them to the guitar a little difficult to deal with – I play with the guitar quite close to my body, and I move while playing and tuning, so I tended to knock the support on occasions. For that reason I was initially using the DPA 4061 omni miniature microphone, which was attached to the guitar instead of being suspended in the air. However, I have now experimented with the d:vote and have found a spot to attach it to the guitar where I can manage it pretty well. It is a really great microphone and I am very happy with the sound it is giving me.’

‘I am very happy with the sound we are achieving on this tour,’ Peña scontinuesays. ‘I have known for a long time that DPA microphones are held in very high regard in the industry, but using them on a regular basis really makes the run of the show a whole lot better; the quality is excellent, but also the actual physical design allows musicians to attach them to the guitar and to move the instrument without altering the amplification and the EQ, and move around the stage without hindrance. The vocals are also performing well with the DPA d:fine Headset Microphones.’

‘I have compared DPA microphones with others on the market and I definitely prefer them,’ Mendez adds. ’I spend a lot of time in different venues with different PAs and consoles, but with DPA the one thing I know is that the sound won’t change. This is a good way to start the day, especially when you consider that during our current US tour we will be doing shows in 32 different venues.’

More: www.dpamicrophones.com