"I have been using DPA microphones for a long time now and they are always my first choice of microphone because they give me the sound I want without any feedback problems," Mendez says. "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."
Raul Mendez is currently using a selection of DPA microphones to capture the sound of legendary guitarist, composer, dramatist and producer Paco Peña. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Peña has expanded the possibilities of flamenco and changed perceptions of the art form by fusing the richness of its traditions with contemporary culture.
Peña, who is now touring in the USA, 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. Directed by Jude Kelly, artistic director of London's Southbank Centre, Quimeras tells the story of sub-Saharan African immigrants who move to Spain in search of a better life. The shift from hope to disillusion as reality confronts them is summed up by the title of the piece, which means chimeras or illusions.
For these performances, DPA's UK distributor Sound Network supplied Mendez with a selection of DPA microphones, including DPA d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones, which Mendez used to bring the sound of the guitars to life. 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 Paco 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.
(Jim Evans)
