UK-based pro audio provider 22live has added DPA Microphones‘ new N-Series Digital Wireless System to its equipment inventory for touring, corporate and live event applications. A recent UK tour with Dutty Moonshine Big Band provided an ideal proving ground for the new wireless system.
‘When we first encountered the N-Series, we were intrigued,’ says Alex Penn, Commercial Director at 22live. ‘DPA is synonymous with high-performance microphone capsules, so seeing them enter the wireless space caught our attention. Once we looked more closely at the RF heritage behind the system and what it offers in terms of tuning range and workflow, it became clear there was a real opportunity.
‘It’s not about competing with every wireless system on the market, it’s about providing a solution that works particularly well with DPA’s lavaliers, headsets and handheld capsules.’
For Dutty Moonshine’s 24-date run, which spanned eight weeks at venues with anywhere from 500 to 2,000 capacity, 22live supplied N-Series handheld wireless systems fitted with DPA 2024 Cardioid and 2028 Supercardioid Vocal Microphone capsules, alongside six DPA 4099 Instrument Microphones on wireless transmitters for brass.
For 22live, the tour demonstrated N-Series’ strengths in a practical, high-pressure environment. ‘One of the key advantages is the wide tuning range,’ Penn notes. ‘For touring engineers working in busy city centres, spectrum can be challenging. The flexibility of N-Series makes coordination simpler, especially on productions that don’t have a dedicated RF technician.’
A central reason for 22live’s N-Series investment is the ability to maintain DPA’s audio integrity through the entire signal chain, which was exemplified on the tour. ‘The band sounded exactly as I expected from any group using equipment with a DPA logo on it,’ says rreelance monitor engineer Tom Chitson, who managed the stage set-up, Chitson. ‘It’s a very natural, raw sound. Since they’re so transparent and flat, you might need to do a little processing to get a specific sound, but that’s because the DPA gear gives you the real source. I’d rather start there.’
The 2024 and 2028 capsules offered also found favour on the band’s male and female vocalists, who adapted quickly to the new handhelds. ‘There were no real complaints at soundcheck,’ Chitson says. ‘Just a few small tweaks and they were ready to go.’ Meanwhile, the 4099 Instrument Mics delivered detailed brass capture across the entire tour. ‘I’ve used a lot of 4099s – they’re a go-to,’ he adds.
Founded in 2022 by a team of industry veterans, 22live has positioned itself as a next-generation rental and sales company, combining decades of experience with a forward-thinking technology portfolio. The comapny’s relationship with DPA dates back through the 22live leadership team’s previous experience in the industry. By investing in N-Series alongside its established portfolio of DPA instrument and vocal microphones, 22live reinforces its commitment to premium audio solutions. ‘We’re building a portfolio that gives our clients confidence,’ Penn concludes. ‘With DPA, whether it’s instruments, vocals or now wireless transmission, we know we’re delivering a level of quality that stands up to real-world touring demands.’
More: www.dpamicrophones.com