Japanese engineer uses DPA for Fukada Tree invention
Published: ASIA
JAPAN: Recording engineer and lecturer Akira Fukada has announced that he uses DPA’s Reference Standard microphones for his Fukada Tree, a seven-microphone mount that acts as a surround sound technique for recording orchestral music for broadcast or CD release.
The Fukada Tree was developed to resolve some of the problems engineers encounter when recording in spatial environments with traditional omni-directional microphones. ‘I insist on using DPA because I like the transparent feel they deliver,’ Mr Fukada explained. ‘When recording piano, for example, they give me the clear attack sound and the beauty of reverberation when the sound attenuates. Their dynamic range and rich bass vigorously catches the expression of an orchestra, while for string ensembles recorded in a studio, they capture the rich overtones and give a better feeling of air.’
Mr Fukada is now using DPA’s Reference Standard microphones, including the 4011A directional and 4006A omnidirectional models, supplied by Japanese distributor Hibino Intersound. He recently used the Fukada Tree, along with his DPA microphones, to record Shostakovich’s Symphony No 5 with the Saito Kinen Orchestra, directed by Seiji Ozawa.
‘I also use DPA microphones for projects that don’t require the tree,’ continued Mr Fukada. ‘Recently I used a DPA 4006 on a Decca Tree stereo configuration to pick up string ambience in a studio setting. I also use a DPA 4015 wide cardioid ORTF for piano, and if I am recording acoustic guitar I like to use a DPA cardioid 4011 XY. For me, DPA microphones are indispensable because they suit any musical instrument and provide all the accuracy that I need.’
‘Following the upgrade and release of our Reference Standard microphones, and given Mr Fukada’s requirement for the best audio equipment, I’m very pleased to see that he continues to rely upon our 4006A, 4011A, and 4015A mics for his recording sessions under Dream Windows Inc,’ added Ken Kimura, DPA Microphones’ regional sales director, Asia Pacific.
Mr Fukada originally developed the Fukada Tree while working for Japanese state broadcaster NHK, but since 2011 he has been CEO of his own company, Dream Windows, a consultancy specialising in music recording, sound design and audio.