Assunto, an avid user of DPA microphones, was confident the mics would be capable of handling the challenges that come with miking a large number of performers in a temporary outdoor venue.
"Amplifying a symphony orchestra with 70-plus musicians on stage in a windy environment is not an easy task," says Assunto. "We had to give care and consideration for the microphone placement with the addition of windscreens, and also avoid interaction between all the microphones. We needed microphones that were very directional and had great frequency response in close proximity. We also required microphones that were capable of handling a live performance that was also being recorded for television. With all of these challenges coming into play, we knew we could count on DPA for exceptional audio quality."
In order to get the sound he was looking for from the cellos, violins, violas and percussion section, Assunto clipped d:vote Instrument Microphones directly onto each instrument. For the ambient sound of the string sections, Assunto relied on d:screet 4098 Supercardioid Microphones and for overhead of the percussion section and full orchestra, he used d:dicate 2011A Cardioid Microphones. DPA d:facto Vocal Microphones were used for all of the vocalists on stage.
"The main reason I use DPA is because they perform incredibly well with barely any EQ or processing," adds Assunto. "They provide a natural sound and I am always impressed when I hear how a new instrument sounds through a DPA mic. The clarity and richness of the sound that I get out of DPA's is amazing."
Thanks to DPA, says Assunto, the evening was a resounding success. "The sound was extremely clean, like always, and the Miami Symphony Orchestra's performance of one of the songs from Star Wars was definitely the highlight of the night. We are now producing all of the Miami Symphony Orchestra's performances and, because the DPA mics provide the best possible sound, we will be expanding our DPA inventory in the very near future."
(Jim Evans)
