Use the table to get an overview of your instrument's tonal range, sound pressure level, and dynamic range. It will help you decide on the required minimum specifications for your microphone.
Live microphones
The clip mics in the 4099 series offer natural reproduction and high gain before feedback. Dedicated holders are available for a range of instruments.
Studio microphones
In controlled environments you could benefit from a mic with even lower distortion and a huge dynamic range. DPA's Standard series is excellent for e.g. symphonic concert hall recordings and as support mic for acoustic instruments.
Microphone guide
If you are in doubt about which mic to choose, try the product finder. Select your application to see products that match your needs: DPA Microphone guide
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Tonal range |
Frequency content
Harmonics / noise |
Typ. max.
SPL, 3 m |
SPL |
Dynamic range |
Attack time |
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Lower |
Upper |
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Strings |
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At the ear |
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Violin |
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g4 (3136 Hz) |
→ 10 kHz / 16 kHz |
95 dB |
up to 109 dB |
30 dB |
Hard: up to 110 ms
Soft: up to 450 ms |
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Viola |
c (131 Hz) |
c3 (1047 Hz) |
→ 10 kHz / 16 kHz |
30 dB |
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Cello |
C (65.4 Hz) |
c3 (1047 Hz) |
→ 8 kHz / 16 kHz |
35 dB |
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Double bass |
E1 (41.2 Hz) |
g (196 Hz) |
→ 7.5 kHz / 10 kHz |
95 dB |
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35 dB |
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Brass |
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0.5 m from bell piece |
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Hard attack |
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Trumpet |
e (165 Hz) |
d3 (1175 Hz) |
→ 15 kHz / 15 kHz |
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Normal forte: 108 dB
Extreme forte: 128 dB |
Lower tonal range: 30 dB
Higher tonal range: 10 dB |
20 - 40 ms |
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French horn |
H1 (61.7 Hz) |
f2 (698 Hz) |
→ 10 kHz / 10 kHz |
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Middle tonal range: 40 dB
Higher tonal range: 20 dB |
20 - 40 ms
In lower tonal range:
up to 80 ms |
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Trombone |
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→ 7 kHz / 10 kHz |
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Middle tonal range: 45 dB |
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Tuba |
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→ 4 kHz / 7.5 kHz |
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Middle tonal range: 40 dB |
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Woodwind |
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Low register |
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Piccolo flute |
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→ 10 kHz / 15 kHz |
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Flute |
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→ 6 k Hz / 15 kHz |
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Oboe |
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→ 15 kHz / 15 kHz |
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Clarinet |
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→ 10 kHz / 15 kHz |
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Bassoon |
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→ 8 kHz /12 kHz |
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Contra bassoon |
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Soprano sax |
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→ 12 kHz / 16 kHz |
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Alto sax |
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Tenor sax |
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Baritone sax |
D♭ (69.4 Hz) |
a♭1 (415 Hz) |
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Bass sax |
A♭1 (51.9 Hz) |
d♭1 (278 Hz) |
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Acoustic guitar |
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Acoustic guitar |
E (82.4 Hz) |
c3 (1047 Hz) |
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Grand piano |
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Lid in 45° position |
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Three strings: c5- F
Two strings: F - F1 |
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Percussion |
Tuning |
Frequency range
with highest level |
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Timpani |
80 cm |
E♭ (77.8 Hz) - G (98 Hz) |
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70 dB |
10 - 18 ms |
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75 cm |
F (87.3) - c (131 Hz) |
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65 cm |
A (110 Hz) - f (175 Hz) |
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60 cm |
c (131) - a♭ (208 Hz) |
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Bass drum |
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With pedal,
20 cm from drumhead:
120 - 128 dB |
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Snare drum |
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Cymbal |
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Sizzling cymbal |
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Triangle |
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