Leading trumpet player Randy Brecker has adopted the DPA 4099 clip mic for his international tours
Brecker put the mic through its paces during a two-week tour which took place in Lisbon, Singapore and Finland, and on returning from this hectic schedule, he declared himself to be addicted to the mic.
“It's the first time I've ever had a so-called 'clip-on' that not only covers the full sonic range of the horn but, due to the ingenious bell-clip, has virtually no valve noise whatsoever,” he says. “I think it actually improves my playing. This tour was acoustic, and in that kind of situation I would never have used clip-ons in the past.”
Brecker has been known to use various guitar effects on the trumpet. “This is partially because I have trouble hearing myself over the din of the electric guitars and basses, but with the DPA 4099 the sound is full and warm when I need it to be, but also edgy when I need it,” he says. “I think that often I’ll be able to forgo the guitar effects altogether.
“In situations where a lot of dynamics are called for I intend to use the DPA 4099 on a mic stand so I can back off when I need, for the very soft parts.”
Brecker was delighted to find a DPA 4099 in place when he arrived to play a Portuguese concert. “I arrived with my mic in my pocket, and lo and behold, using their own discretion, the sound people had already provided a DPA 4099,” he recalls. “It really is a sound that is instantly recognisable; amazing, right across the full spectrum.”