DPA 4080-DP-D-B90 Lavalier Condenser Microphone

Cardioid Lavalier Microphone for Broadcast and Live Performance

The DPA 4080-DP-D-B90 is a miniature cardioid lavalier microphone engineered for professionals who need clear, focused vocal capture in demanding acoustic environments. Where DPA's omnidirectional lavaliers excel at capturing broad ambient sound, this directional model steps in when off-axis rejection matters — on a busy conference stage, in a reverberant house of worship, or during a live broadcast where background noise competes with the speaker. The 4080 is acoustically pre-equalized with a 4 dB presence boost in the 4–6 kHz range, lifting vocal intelligibility the moment the mic is clipped to a chest position. This subtle high-frequency lift reduces the need for aggressive post-production EQ, saving time in the edit suite.

CORE+ Amplifier and MicroLock Connector System

What sets this lavalier apart from generic miniature condensers is the integration of DPA's CORE+ amplifier technology, which lowers harmonic distortion across the entire dynamic range while maintaining the brand's reputation for transparent sound. The MicroLock connector on the B90 variant locks securely into compatible wireless bodypack transmitters, eliminating the wobble and intermittent signal loss common with friction-fit miniature connectors. A modular adapter ecosystem means the same capsule body can be re-terminated for Shure, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Sony, Lectrosonics, Wisycom, or standard wired XLR use with the DAD6001-BC phantom-power adapter.

Polar Pattern and Capsule Technology

The directional characteristics of the 4080 determine how it behaves in real-world environments, from crowded press conferences to theatrical stages.

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid — rejects side and rear noise, focusing on the speaker's voice
• Operating Principle: Pressure gradient — enables directional pickup in a miniature form factor
• Cartridge Type: Pre-polarized condenser — true condenser response without external polarization voltage
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz — full-range capture from deep chest resonance to sibilance

Sensitivity, Noise Floor, and Dynamic Range

Speech intelligibility depends on a clean signal-to-noise ratio and headroom for sudden loud peaks, both of which the 4080 delivers through careful analog design.

• Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (-34 dB re. 1 V/Pa) — strong output level for wireless transmitter input stages
• Equivalent Noise Level: Typ. 23 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 26 dB(A)) — quiet self-noise for broadcast-grade recordings
• Dynamic Range: Typ. 106 dB — wide working range from whispers to raised voices
• Max SPL: 134 dB SPL peak (THD 10%) — handles shouting, laughter, and sudden peaks without clipping

Physical Dimensions, Cable, and Power Requirements

The 4080 is built to disappear on camera while withstanding the rigors of daily professional use, from touring theater productions to permanent broadcast installations.

• Microphone Diameter: 5.7 mm — slim profile that hides easily under clothing
• Microphone Length: 30 mm — compact capsule housing for chest or collar placement
• Weight: 15 g (incl. cable and MicroLock connector) — light enough for all-day wear without pulling on fabric
• Cable Length: 1.2 m with 1.6 mm diameter — runs cleanly under wardrobe to bodypack transmitter
• Cable Drive Capability: Up to 300 m with DAD6001-BC XLR adapter — supports long cable runs in fixed installations
• Power Supply: 5 V – 10 V via DPA wireless adapter; P48 phantom power with DAD6001-BC (works from 12 V)

Who Is the DPA 4080-DP-D-B90 For

The DPA 4080-DP-D-B90 is the right choice for broadcast engineers, AV integrators, and live-sound professionals who need a lavalier microphone that rejects off-axis noise while delivering intelligible, studio-quality speech. Television presenters benefit from the cardioid pattern's rejection of studio reflections and off-camera crew noise, while corporate conference operators appreciate the discreet profile and the included black and white pop filters that match different wardrobe choices. Theater sound designers rely on the 4080 for principal actors who need a consistent vocal capture that won't change character as the performer moves across the stage. Houses of worship, panel discussions, and live-streamed events all benefit from the same combination of focused pickup and rugged construction.