“My first experience with DPA mics was in late 2016 for Pitbull’s Time of Our Lives Las Vegas residency,” says Madera. “I fell in love with DPA and the natural sound it brings immediately. Our second experience was in my studio for Pitbull’s 2016 New Year’s Eve Revolution recording where I used all DPA microphones to record. Since that day, I was hooked. DPA has helped me create the sound I have always looked for.”
Madera also brings 26 DPA mics to the stage for Pitbull’s shows. In all, he uses 20
d:voteTM 4099’s and six
d:dicateTM 2011C’s, including a setup on the drums. ”Using the d:dicate
TM 2011C on the kick drum brings a certain air and punch that you feel right away,” he says. “The d:dicate
TM 2011C on the snare brings a different characteristic and warmth to the sound that really cuts through the mix. The d:vote
TM 4099 is my secret weapon on percussion. On congas, it gives me the true dynamics of the instrument with only a high pass. The band noticed an immediate change with DPA. Mixing and matching the microphones, I was able to achieve a true, impactful sound.”
As the tour makes its way across North America, DPA continues to hold up to the tour’s rigorous demands while delivering unrivaled sound quality. “Even though they are surrounded by pyrotechnics and flames, our DPA microphones perform flawlessly night after night,” says Caipo. “I couldn’t imagine using anything else.”
Madera echoes Caipo’s sentiments. “I love DPA,” he says. “It has made a huge difference in my workflow and has changed my FOH mix. It helps me recreate my ‘Chilly Willy’ sound.”