One of Shelby’s biggest apprehensions, prior to using the
d:dicateTM 4011 with the MMP-G and GSM400 live on stage, was flexibility. “It’s always a concern when using a small mic, because you usually sacrifice something in quality, especially on the low end,” says Shelby. “With this d:dicate
TM 4011 solution, that was not the case. Alto sax can be a very bright instrument on its own and I was sensitive to not add any top or brightness, and just get a true representation of the sound. The d:dicate
TM 4011 totally did that for me.”
The modularity of the
d:dicateTM 4011-series has also allowed Shelby to easily transition from a live mic to a studio mic while on tour. “As a touring musician, I have been recording on the road in between shows,” adds Shelby. “With the d:dicate
TM 4011, I simply pop the capsule onto the longer MMP-A mic preamp and it becomes my go-to studio mic. It’s not only satisfying my needs on stage, but when I’m back in my room, I have a mic that sounds fantastic for remote recording. The bottom line is that no matter where I am in the world, people are going to expect quality recording and the d:dicate
TM 4011 delivers that.”
With a break after Collins’ tour ended, Shelby stayed in Europe and did a series of clinics and master classes for Yamaha, where he continued to use the
d:dicateTM 4011. Shelby has released several CDs with his own group, and continues to perform at jazz festivals around the world, including Montreal, Montreux, Monterey, Tokyo, Manila, Nice and Paris.
“The great thing about DPA
d:dicateTM microphones is that it is a modular system,” he concluded. “You can screw the mic onto the larger A-preamp or the smaller bell mounted G-preamp, and then you just pop on your attachment for whatever wireless unit you have. Most importantly, the mic sounds fantastic both on tour and in the studio.”