DPA Microphones: AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen at IBC 2024

Designed for round, omnidirectional headset or lavalier microphones between 0.1-0.23 inches (2.5-5.8mm), the AIR1 is built to excel in challenging outdoor environments. Its patent-pending design offers highly efficient and consistent wind protection with exceptional acoustic transparency, addressing all wind-related issues during outdoor performances.

Efficient Wind Protection

The AIR1 provides effective and uniform wind protection through the fixed size of the air cavity surrounding the microphone capsule. This design ensures complete and consistent wind rejection, capturing the voice with perfect intelligibility. The windscreen employs two consistent layers of wind protection, starting with a newly designed acoustic fur. The hair length, material, and density of the fur, as well as the inner lining, are fine-tuned to offer excellent wind rejection while maintaining outstanding acoustic transparency. The shorter fur length, 30-percent less than other wind protection accessories, reduces the visual impact of the windscreen. The acoustic fur consists of specially formulated fibers that guarantee long-lasting color, shape memory, and easy maintenance.

Design and Construction

The second layer of protection is the air cavity that surrounds the microphone, keeping the fur spaced away from the capsule and maintaining a constant air volume. This is achieved using two sturdy arches and a mic stop, ensuring the microphone’s position in the ‘acoustic sweet spot’ is most protected. Additionally, a revolutionary boundary surface behind the capsule generates a pressure field around the microphone diaphragm, acoustically amplifying a specific frequency range. DPA adjusted the dimensions of the boundary surface to match the frequencies that the fur attenuates.

User-Friendly Features

The AIR1 features sturdy handles at the windscreen opening for swift and effortless mounting and perfect placement on the microphone. Unlike other windscreens that can be difficult to position correctly and may alter the microphone’s frequency curve, the AIR1 alleviates these issues. The handles minimize handling of the fur, ensuring the AIR1 maintains its shape significantly longer than traditional windscreens.

Durability and Compatibility

Constructed from highly durable, ultra-robust UV-stabilized hard plastic used in automobile headlights, the AIR1 withstands harsh weather and repeated use. To ensure a consistently strong grip on the microphone, DPA implemented a stainless-steel spring that will not snap or deteriorate over time, unlike elastic bands used in traditional wind protection accessories.

Versatility

The AIR1 is compatible with DPA’s lavaliers and headsets and can be used on a wide range of other professional miniature microphones. It is available in two sizing options to fit most major brands’ professional miniature microphones, offering a universal solution. To further enhance versatility, the DPA AIR1 is offered in six color options (black, brown, beige, white, off-white, and gray) to complement most apparel. Each box includes two windscreens of the same size and color.

The DPA AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen represents a significant advancement in wind protection for miniature microphones, combining innovative design with user-friendly features and robust construction.