As The Latin Crooner, Juan Carlos Coronel draws directly on a style of singing that was only made possible by the introduction of stage microphones. Recently, the Colombian singer, songwriter and producer went on the hunt for a new microphone…

Perfectly suited to sentimental singing, his soft and low voice demands something particular from his mic. His solution was DPA Microphones’ d:facto Vocal Microphone and Lectrosonics HH digital wireless transmitter. Since its acquisition, Coronel has used the mic for a repertoire of songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett – all reworked and delivered in Spanish for his latest album, Lenguaje Universal/Universal Language.

‘We had a few mic options for Juan but recommended DPA’s d:facto Vocal Mic with a golden grid, paired with a Lectrosonics transmitter,’ says Christian Cabezas, of Colombia distributor, VCR LTDA. ‘We set him up with a demo during a performance and he said he knew he didn’t have to look any further. The moment he heard the d:facto is when he fell in love with the microphone.’

In the near future, Coronel will use the d:facto for the recording of a live DVD to support his new album. ‘I was astonished by the d:facto mics ability to highlight my vocals and enhance my sound,’ Coronel reports. ‘The first time I used it, I performed several genres- ballads, pop and salsa - the microphone complimented all scenarios. Other mics I’ve used during live performances always required additional EQ, but the d:facto doesn’t need any adjustments. It is clear, robust and has such a dynamic range; it can capture the low end of vocals and has a sweet mid- to high-range as well. The d:facto is the best mic I have heard so far.’

Coronel has achieved success both as a professional musician and producer. In 2005, he was cast as a judge for the Colombian television production of X Factor, which helped boost his career. Since then, he has worked closely with producers and musicians on a series of album recordings. In 2011, he was awarded the Latin Grammy Award for Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album for Tesoros.