The DPA ST2012 is a matched stereo set of small-diaphragm condenser microphones designed to meet the rigorous demands of live sound applications. Offering exceptional directional control and consistency, their highly accurate cardioid polar patterns provide excellent off-axis rejection, making them an ideal choice for stereo recording of individual instruments, ensembles, and ambient environments. Whether used for drum overheads, acoustic instruments, or orchestral performances, the DPA ST2012 ensures a natural, transparent sound with outstanding transient response. Encased in reinforced aluminium, these microphones provide robust protection against mechanical stress and environmental challenges, making them a reliable companion on tour or in the studio.
At the core of the DPA ST2012 set are two precisely matched 17mm pre-polarised pressure-gradient transducers, designed to capture sound with meticulous accuracy across the 40Hz - 20kHz frequency range. Their exemplary linear response, with a subtle high-frequency presence boost, ensures that instruments sit naturally in any mix without the need for extensive EQ adjustments. With a maximum SPL handling of 156dB and minimal distortion (<1% THD), they excel at capturing high-energy sources such as drum kits, brass instruments, and amplifiers with remarkable clarity. The "open cardioid" pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection while maintaining a smooth tonal balance. DPA's proprietary Active Drive technology further optimises impedance balancing, guaranteeing a clean and consistent output, making them fully compatible with professional mixing consoles and audio interfaces requiring 48V phantom power.
Whether capturing the full breadth of a drum kit or the intimate details of an acoustic guitar, the DPA ST2012 stereo set delivers outstanding stereo imaging with minimal effort. The matched pair ensures precise phase coherence and balance across the stereo field, making them an ideal solution for XY, ORTF, and NOS stereo recording techniques. Their compact 94mm length and lightweight 83g build allow for discreet placement, while their cardioid pattern provides focused isolation with minimal bleed from adjacent sources. From drum overheads to orchestral sections, the DPA ST2012 offers a consistent and natural reproduction with minimal setup time.
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 ST2012 ships with a stereo bar and two UA0961 compression screw clamps, ensuring stable and precise positioning on any standard microphone stand. Proper placement is essential to achieving the best sound quality: in XY configurations, positioning the microphones at a 90° angle offers accurate stereo imaging, while the NOS technique provides a wider spread with enhanced depth perception. When used for stereo overheads on drum kits, positioning the pair above the kit results in a well-balanced and natural sound image, capturing crisp transients and extended tonal depth. The durable aluminium housing offers superior protection against accidental impacts and handling wear, making the DPA ST2012 an essential tool for both stage and studio applications.
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 2012 achieves an exceptionally clean and natural sound, capturing every nuance with remarkable accuracy - even under extreme sound pressure conditions.