“I’ve been using DPA microphones for years – firstly the
d:screet™ 4060 miniature microphone, which I originally tried out on strings with Tindersticks in 2008, and subsequently the
d:vote™ 4099 Instrument Microphone, which I am now completely hooked on,” Hickey says. “After Tindersticks, I went on tour with David Gray and we started using the d:facto™ Vocal Microphone on his vocals. That tour quickly ended up with DPAs everywhere – d:vote™ 4099s on toms and cello, d:dicate 2011Cs on snares,
d:dicate™ 4011s as overheads and 4023 Compact Cardioid Microphones on piano – the list goes on and on.
“I also had great success with the
d:facto™ whilst working with the band Daughter. That’s the thing about the d:facto™, it’s an absolute belter. I’ve not yet found a singer that it doesn’t work on. With Gary, for example, there was no need for persuasion – he arrived for rehearsals where we already had the mic set up. He sang with it, loved it and that was that.”
Hickey adds that, from a monitoring point of view, the d:facto Vocal Microphone makes life much easier because it is very directional.
“With live sound, the nature of the beast is that you’ll end up with cymbal wash and other spill coming down the vocal mic,” he explains. “However, with
d:facto™, that spill is much less of a problem. Also, it’s not overly harsh or bright so it doesn’t cause any drama.”
Having a good relationship with DPA’s UK subsidiary Sound Network is something Hickey values, mainly because there is always help on hand if he needs equipment at short notice.
“I’m a big fan of the entire DPA product range and their whole ethos and approach to running the company. It’s nice to know you’re not just another sale in the till - and that’s rare these days.”