Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,197
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$100
$401+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone, a game-changer for both studio recording and live performances. Renowned for its supercardioid condenser design, this microphone provides exceptional clarity, definition, and sound separation, truly setting the stage for an unparalleled audio experience.
The d:facto Vocal Mic embodies DPA's commitment to the highest quality sound, bringing their studio-grade expertise to the handheld mic market. This microphone is not only designed to capture natural-sounding vocals with amazing precision, but it's also engineered to minimize bleed from other instruments, ensuring that your vocals always take center stage.
The d:facto's multi-function capsule is a standout feature, providing maximum flexibility for various applications. With an optional adapter, this microphone can be seamlessly integrated with wireless microphone systems from Sony, Lectrosonics, Shure, Wisycom, Sennheiser, and more. This unique capability allows you to enjoy the superior sound quality of the d:facto even when you're on the move.
Key Features:
- Supercardioid, condenser vocal microphone with built-in optional wireless adapter system
- Exceptional clarity, definition, and sound separation
- High SPL rating of 160dB
- Excellent gain-before-feedback
- Effective separation from other sound sources
- Three-stage pop screen to eliminate unwanted noise
- Can be used with various wireless systems via an optional adapter
- Compatible with Sony, Lectrosonics, Shure, Wisycom, Sennheiser wireless units and more
- Requires +48V phantom power
- Natural sound and high level stability
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Dynamic range: 120 dB
- Maximum sound pressure: 160 dB SPL max.
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 160dB |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 75dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.68 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the polar pattern of the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone?
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The DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent off-axis rejection and is ideal for isolating vocals in live performance settings.
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How does the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone handle high sound pressure levels?
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The DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone can handle a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 160dB, making it suitable for capturing loud vocal performances without distortion.
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Is the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone suitable for studio recording?
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Yes, the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone is suitable for both live stage performances and studio recording, offering natural sound reproduction and high spill rejection.
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What type of connector does the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone use?
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The DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment and ensures reliable connectivity.
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Does the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone have a built-in soft boost feature?
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Yes, the DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone includes a soft boost feature, enhancing the clarity and presence of vocal performances, particularly in live settings.
Videos
Production Expert
Review Of The DPA d:facto II Microphone System
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clarity across all frequencies, sounds natural
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Versatile, excelling in multiple genres and vocal styles
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Impressive performance with both wired and wireless setups
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Hygienic with a detachable, washable grille
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Outperforms more expensive microphones in studio comparisons
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Durable and reliable for live performances
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High-quality build and sound transparency
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Endorsed for beatboxing, showing unique versatility
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Provides vocal confidence without needing to adjust technique
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Cuts through full band setups, ensuring vocals are heard
CONS
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Price may be prohibitive for some budgets
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Slight high-frequency boost may not suit all preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone.
User experience
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Users observed that broadcast mixes often affect perceived mic quality, indicating that some criticism may stem from mix choices rather than microphone performance.
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Users report a noticeable improvement in sound quality when transitioning from an SM58 to a Sennheiser e945, highlighting its clarity and overall tone for vocal intelligibility.
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Owners found that performers with dynamic stage presence, such as heavy choreography, might experience fluctuating mic positioning, impacting sound consistency.
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Touring artists with endorsements express high satisfaction, highlighting the microphone's performance in professional settings.
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Features and functionality
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The Shure KSM8's dualdyne capsule effectively reduces proximity effect, maintaining vocal consistency whether the mic is close or at a distance.
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The DPA d:facto is praised for its exceptional detail and strong off-axis response, making it less prone to feedback than Neumann microphones.
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The DPA d:facto's ability to handle off-axis performance is highlighted, blending ambient sound seamlessly without significantly affecting vocal isolation.
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Handles EQ adjustments effectively, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preference.
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Comparisons
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The SE V7 is frequently chosen over the SM58 for its superior feedback rejection and tonal clarity, making it a preferred choice for loud stages.
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The d:facto is considered a top-tier mic, positioned above options like the Sennheiser e965 and Neumann KMS, with diminishing returns beyond the $300 range.
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In live pop performances, backing tracks often stem from studio versions, which can lead to discrepancies in perceived vocal clarity compared to live microphone use.
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Compared to the DPA 2028, the d:facto is noted for producing a more 'dynamic-like' response, with the 2028 being favored for its flexibility in live settings.
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The DPA d:facto is compared favorably to less expensive options like the SE V7 for its superior sound quality, despite the higher price point.
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Outperforms other high-end microphones in A/B tests, noted for its clarity and natural sound, especially with deep baritone voices.
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Use cases and applications
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The d:facto is praised for its ability to deliver consistent vocal clarity across varying mic distances, beneficial for singers who adjust their distance for different vocal dynamics.
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The d:facto is particularly effective in capturing intimate vocal performances in large venues, providing clarity akin to studio large-diaphragm condensers.
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For small venues and noisy bars, alternatives like the Sennheiser e935 and SE V7 are suggested over the d:facto.
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Ideal for live performances with detailed vocal needs; not recommended for rock vocals or noisy environments due to potential bleed.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Mentioned in this November 12, 2014 article from the official DPA website.
"We use DPA's d:facto™ Vocal Microphone on vocals and d:vote™ 4099 Instrument Microphones on snare bottoms and toms," says Front of House engineer Phil Jones from Output Audio.
According to the DPA website, Sting is an endorsing artist and has been using their d:facto microphone both onstage and in the studio.
"Necesitábamos un gran micrófono en vivo que pudiera transmitir claramente el sonido de James sin demasiado ambiente indeseado, especialmente porque hace muchas bucles vocales sobre la marcha", dice Harley. "The d: facto ™ es sólido como una roca con un patrón polar ajustado para las voces en el escenario, lo que permite que nuestro ingeniero de monitores logre un sonido vocal fantástico y limpio para James y un excelente sonido en todas partes. Es el micrófono perfecto para este tipo de música, que tiene mucho espacio alrededor para que las voces se sienten. También es muy sólido y realmente se nota la diferencia entre d: facto ™ y algunos de los viejos fieles que solía usar ".
in this video you can see Stevie Wonder using the d:facto for vocals and harmonica.
This microphone is used on Tool live shows, as you see on the image, DPA can be readed on the microphone, close to the XLR output.
"FKA twig's switch to DPA's d:facto™ Vocal Microphone was inspired by her Front of House engineer Andy Carrington. He recommended a wireless version, in conjunction with a Sennheiser 5000 wireless system, to give her maximum flexibility on stage."
"Award-winning singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ellie Goulding has switched to a DPA d:facto™ Vocal Microphone after trying it for the first time at the Chime for Change concert, which took place in London in June. Currently touring in the USA to promote her second album, Halcyon, Goulding is now using the a wireless version of the d:facto Vocal Microphone for all of her concerts. "
in this image from Chvrches playing at the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, you can see Lauren using a DPA d:facto head on a wireless base. The DPA logo is clearly visible in the photo linked.
https://www.mixonline.com/live-sound/vance-joy-breaks-out “The concept of the band is that every single part of the music should be played live by a band member, night in and out, and by doing so, every performance becomes unique,” Vertanessian explains. “I apply the same concept to my FOH mixing, and I do not use snapshots or any major automation. Although I have a number of cues per song, I do them manually every night, with the help of a few specific macros which I may or may not use depending on that night’s performance. We have a fair amount of acoustic guitars, ukeleles and guiteleles, whose sound can change drastically under different weather conditions. “The Avid S6L has a fantastic sound by itself. I only use a handful of really good plugins and let the desk do the rest. However, for reverbs I rely heavily on hardware units—Bricasti M7, Lexicon PCM 92, TC 3000 and TC 4000,” he continues. “In terms of microphones, we have DPA d:facto on the main vocal, DPA 2011s on snare drum, DPA 4099s on toms and horns, and a combination of Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, and Audix for the rest of the inputs. All our DIs are Radial.”
Album Usage
The DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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