GERARDS CROSS, ENGLAND, NOVEMBER 13, 2013 ― Children are lovely, but they do have a habit of breaking things, which is why any piece of equipment used in a school environment needs to be very tough. For Matthew Talks, founder of educational equipment specialists Podboffin, DPA Microphones’ versatile d:fine™ Headset Microphones certainly fit the bill as they are virtually unbreakable, even in the hands of kids.

Established in 2010, Podboffin provides recording, sound installation and live production services to schools and also offers advice on choosing the right audio equipment, setting it up and operating it. The company recently invested in one dozen omnidirectional single-ear DPA d:fine Headset Microphones, supplied by DPA’s UK distributor Sound Network, which are now being hired out to UK schools.

“I was familiar with DPA microphones having previously sub-hired d:fine units, so I decided to purchase my own,” says Talks. “In schools, the number one requirement is always for mics, because the biggest sound problem school productions have is hearing students singing over a live band. The d:fine Headset Microphones completely solve this because I can get the capsule in really close to the singer with no plosive issues and with crystal clear sound. Usually mics have a short lifespan in schools from extensive use, which causes cables to break. However, I have yet to use the spare DPA mics because the first set I acquired are still going strong. Even if the cable were to break, the modular construction of the d:fine means I can replace just the cable at a fraction of the cost of the initial outlay.”

DPA’s popular d:fine Headset Microphones are specifically designed for actors, public speakers, broadcast hosts, musicians and singers who want a lightweight, easy to wear headset microphone that leave them free to move around without compromising vocal quality. With their impressive gain before feedback and very stable construction, these unobtrusive microphones provide a discreet solution that can hardly be seen on the face. The range, which is renowned for its audio accuracy, is available in both directional and omnidirectional options and in single- or dual-ear designs with a choice of three lengths of microphone booms. They are also compatible with just about any wireless system. With such versatility, many see the benefits of the added upfront investment, which Talks admits is an inevitable issue in the educational market.

Despite this fact, he notes that “once schools hear the difference that pro mics make when compared to budget mics, and see how little effort is required to get superb results, they never go back to other mics. I have yet to hire out d:fines and not get repeat business.”

Talks foresees his DPA d:fine Headset Microphones being hired by schools with good business model for school productions and believes they can justify the investment with an increase in ticket prices. This ensures that the production is top notch and audiences are not let down by bad sound.

To date, Podboffin has rented its DPA d:fine Headset Microphones for concerts and drama performances at Dr. Challoner’s Grammar School, The Beacon School and Gerrards Cross Junior School.

ABOUT DPA:

DPA Microphones is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high-quality condenser microphone solutions for professional applications. DPA’s ultimate goal is to always provide its customers with the absolute finest possible microphone solutions for all its markets, which include live sound, installation, recording, theatre and broadcast. When it comes to the design process, DPA takes no shortcuts. Nor does the company compromise on its manufacturing process, which is done at the DPA factory in Denmark. As a result, DPA’s products are globally praised for their exceptional clarity and transparency, unparalleled specifications, supreme reliability and, above all, pure, uncolored and undistorted sound.