Continuity of sound between venues and PA systems is primary reason engineer Raul Mendez selected several company products for Peña’s U.K. and U.S. tour dates
ALLEROED, DENMARK, FEBRUARY 19, 2013 – Sound Engineer Raul Mendez relies on DPA Microphones for legendary guitarist Paco Peña’s current U.K. and U.S. tour. Mendez lists his ability to move from venue to venue and achieve the same sound regardless of the acoustics or the PA system as his main reason for selecting the d:vote™ 4099 Instrument mics, 4061 Omni Miniature mics and d:fine™ Headset mics for the tour.
“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,” says Mendez. “Whether I am miking an acoustic instrument or a voice, for anything from event to a musical, I know these microphones will work perfectly every time and in all different areas of performance.”
Mendez is currently using a selection of DPA microphones to capture the sound of legendary guitarist, composer, dramatist and producer Paco Peña. During his 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 U.S., 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 U.K. distributor Sound Network supplied Mendez with a selection of DPA microphones, including the d:vote™ 4099 Instrument microphones, which Mendez used to bring the sound of the guitars to life. Peña’s guitar was miked using a DPA 4061 Omni Miniature microphone, the show’s vocalists were supplied with DPA d:fine™ Headset microphones.
“I prefer all my microphones to be wireless, and with DPA technology this is really easy,” explains Mendez. “I particularly like DPA’s wireless d:fine miniature headset microphones for vocals as they provide the perfect solution for the performer, while still giving me the sound I need.”
For Peña’s U.S. 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,” explains Peña. “At first, I found the actual support used for attaching them to the guitar was a little difficult to use. I play with the guitar quite close to my body, and I move while playing and tuning etc, so I tended to knock the support on occasions. For that reason I was initially using an equally excellent mike – 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.”
Both Mendez and Peña feel that when it comes to the choice of microphone, the most important aspect is the sound.
“I am very happy with the sound we are achieving on this tour,” adds Peña. “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. They can also 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,” concludes Mendez. “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 U.S. tour we will be doing shows in 32 different venues.”
ABOUT DPA:
DPA Microphones A/S is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions for professional applications in studio, broadcast, theatre, video/film and sound reinforcement environments. All DPA microphones and components are manufactured at the company’s purpose-built factory in Denmark.
For more information on DPA Microphones, please visit www.dpamicrophones.com.
