DPA Reference Standard brings back the Phantom
Published: ASIA
AUSTRALIA: The recently debuted Reference Standard range from DPA Microphones is being used for a Melbourne production of Love Never Dies, a sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-running musical The Phantom of the Opera. The modular series of microphones is being used for all cast members and the 21-piece orchestra.
Currently running at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, Love Never Dies continues the story of the titular Phantom, moving from the original story’s setting of Paris to Phantasma, an early 20th century showground in Coney Island, New York. The Reference Standard microphones were specified by the show’s sound designer, Mick Potter, and supplied by Amber Technology to Melbourne production company System Sound.
A selection of Reference Standard mics are being used for the orchestra, including new 4011A and 4011C cardioid mics plus 4007 omni-directional models across brass, woodwind and percussion. For the string section, Mr Potter chose a combination of 4011As and 4011Cs as ambient mics and 4061 omni miniatures for close miking, with a 4099B clip-on mic used on double bass. All 36 cast members are miked with DPA 4061 miniatures, while the principals wear two each with dual transmitters and receivers.
According to Amber Technologies’ Leon Hart, the modular range was chosen due to its pricing structure and performance. ‘DPA’s Reference Standard microphones not only offer the convenience of modular capsules and microphone preamps at a new price point, but the new design sees changes such as an increase in dynamic range to 120dB and improved RF rejection,’ he explained.
The musical’s sound supervisor, Shelly Lee, added: ‘The orchestra sound is amazing and the overall sound of the show is very impressive. I’m particularly impressed with the cello and bass sound as these instruments can be the most challenging to amplify. I would choose to use DPA microphones whenever possible.’