For Oana and Hlatky, even the selection of the recording and source-mic solutions took a great deal of research and reviewing. “DPA was among the first mics we tried in this bottling and re-amp system we developed,” says Oana. “After comparing six or seven mics, we arrived at the DPA
4011 as being one of our two bottling microphones. This high-quality cardioid microphone has the ability to capture the natural sound of a voice or acoustic guitar and retain all the life and intimacy in our re-amp system. It sounds as if each one of these 250 large-diaphragm condenser mics was in front of the source, live, from the beginning. It removes a layer of translation.”
In creating Audio Test Kitchen, the co-founders felt an immense responsibility to honor the design and the blood, sweat and tears that the manufacturers have poured into their products. “We have to represent all of the manufacturers with the utmost accuracy so that users can be sure what they are hearing is true,” adds Oana. “DPA’s attention to the smallest of details is now cascading into Audio Test Kitchen’s users’ ability to hear the true personality of the 250 large condenser-style mics. I think it’s easy to take for granted the care, design, passion and professionalism that a manufacturer like DPA pours into its products. In addition, the team at DPA, especially Chris Spahr and Gabriel Antonini, were incredibly supportive of us from the early stages and we are extremely grateful for their help in bringing this resource to the public.”