The DPA ST2015 is a stereo-matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones engineered to meet the rigorous demands of live sound applications, specialising in capturing broad soundscapes with impeccable realism. Featuring a wide cardioid polar pattern, the DPA ST2015 pair ensures consistent sound capture across an extended area while maintaining excellent off-axis rejection, making it ideal for stereo recording of drum overheads, brass sections, and ensemble performances. Whether in live or studio settings, the matched pair offers a balanced stereo image with exceptional transient response. Encased in a robust yet lightweight aluminium housing, the DPA ST2015 provides superior protection against mechanical stress and challenging conditions, ensuring reliable performance on tour and in the studio.
Each DPA ST2015 microphone is fitted with a 17mm pre-polarised pressure-gradient transducer that captures the 40Hz - 18kHz frequency range with meticulous precision, naturally attenuating unwanted low-end noise. The stereo-matched pairing ensures consistent sensitivity and frequency response between both microphones, delivering a coherent and natural stereo image. With an SPL handling capacity of up to 153dB and minimal distortion (<1% THD), the ST2015 excels in high-energy applications such as drum kits, grand pianos, and orchestral ensembles. The wide cardioid polar pattern captures a natural, ambience-rich image without compromising detail. DPA's proprietary Active Drive technology optimises impedance balancing for a clean and consistent output signal, ensuring seamless integration with professional audio interfaces and mixing consoles requiring 48V phantom power.
The DPA ST2015 provides an ideal solution for engineers seeking to capture large and complex sound sources in stereo with minimal effort. Its compact 94mm length and light weight of 83g design allow for discreet placement on stage or in studio environments without compromising performance. Whether used in an XY or ORTF configuration for drum overheads or a spaced pair setup for orchestral recordings, the DPA ST2015 ensures accurate and immersive stereo imaging. Its linear frequency response remains consistent across the spectrum, allowing for a natural and detail-rich capture of musical performances with minimal post-production outlay.
The Danish manufacturer DPA emerged from the measurement microphone manufacturer Brüel & Kjaer, thus building upon six decades of experience from the start. It is no surprise, therefore, that many users today consider DPA microphones as the utmost reference in precise sound conversion and consistently high production quality. The microphones, hand-assembled in Denmark, are always calibrated several times before delivery ensure the highest standards of manufacture. DPA is also renowned for its discrete miniature microphones, inspired by hearing aid technology, and which offer a very natural sound. DPA microphones are very popular in the theatre and public events sectors.
The DPA ST2015 ships with two sturdy UA0961 mic clips, ensuring secure and precise positioning on any standard microphone stand. Proper placement is essential to achieving the best stereo image and tonal balance. For drum overheads, positioning the microphones above the kit in a spaced pair configuration captures a wide and natural stereo field with crisp transients and extended tonal depth. When used for piano or marimba, careful placement at a moderate distance ensures an even tonal distribution across the instrument while maintaining clarity and articulation. The wide cardioid pattern provides exceptional flexibility, making the ST2015 an excellent choice for capturing large ensembles, orchestral sections, and other broad sound sources with accuracy and coherence.
Traditional microphones often rely on output transformers to balance the signal; however, these can introduce high-frequency losses and distortion. To overcome these challenges, DPA developed Active Drive, an advanced output stage circuit that ensures optimal impedance balancing without compromising signal integrity. This proprietary technology compensates for both the output and phantom power resistances, delivering zero output impedance while maintaining sufficient headroom for highly dynamic signals. As a result, the DPA 2015 achieves an exceptionally clean and natural sound, capturing every nuance with remarkable accuracy - even under extreme sound pressure conditions.