"We had an extensive band on stage, which included a string section," he explains. "The microphones I normally use were not appropriate for strings so I decided to try DPA because they have such a great reputation in the classical world."
May got in touch with DPA's UK distributor Sound Network and they recommended
d:vote™ 4099 Instrument Microphones – not just for strings, but also for percussion and drums. DPA
d:dicate™ 4011 Cardioid Microphones were used as percussion overheads, and the line-up was completed with three
d:facto™ Vocal Microphones, which were used by Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, and Andrew Bown. "The d:facto™ Vocal Microphone has a really clear and natural sound, which makes it ideal for acoustic performances like these," May says. "I did wonder what Francis, Rick and Andrew would say about using a different microphone because they have been using another brand for years, but I stuck the d:facto™ mics up at the first rehearsal and used them for the entire tour."
From May's point of view, the most impressive feature about the d:facto™ Vocal Microphone was its ability to seamlessly handle the switch between Andrew Bown's vocals and his harmonica.