Andrea Taglia, live sound engineer for Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, utilizes DPA microphones in his work and even personally owns a selection of DPA mics, in addition to regularly sourcing additional units when on tour with Bocelli.
“I’ve been using DPA Microphones for many years and bought my first stereo d:dicate 4006 recording microphone when it was still known by the old Bruel & Kjaer name,” says Taglia. “I first became familiar with the DPA brand when I was using the company’s miniature microphones on singers in musical productions. I eventually began using them on instruments as well, which gave me great results. I’m now a huge fan and have bought quite a few for my own microphone collection, including the d:dicate 4006 and 4011 recording microphones and a selection of d:screet 4090 and 4061 miniature microphones.”
Bocelli’s most recent concerts have taken place all over the world, and at each venue Taglia uses only his own DPA collection, with additional microphones supplied by DPA’s Italian distributor M. Casale Bauer.
“We used the DPA d:screet 4061 miniature microphones as close proximity mics for the strings—four on first violins, three on second violins, three on violas and three on cellos,” he explains. “We have also been using them for our guest violin soloists and for our guitar duo CARisMA, who usually play at Bocelli’s concerts. In large and reverberant venues, where the noise floor can be pretty high, it is important to have good close-proximity microphones to help reduce feedback and deliver more attack and a present and detailed sound. This is especially important when the orchestra is playing over pre-recorded tracks.”
Taglia adds that DPA’s wide range of instrument clips and accessories adds an extra dimension to the versatility of the company’s products. “DPA has always been very careful about providing the correct accessories so that users can get the best from their products,” he continues. “For example, the DPA MHS6001 rubber suspension, which we use on strings with the 4061, is a real problem solver as it is universally accepted by every musician, even on very expensive instruments. They are happy to use it because it doesn’t actually touch the instrument. Instead, it allows the microphone to float under the strings on the rubber mount.
“I’m also a big fan of the DMM0007 rubber holder as it allows me to position a 4061 miniature microphone very close to the strings on an acoustic guitar without annoying the musician playing it. With this solution, I can get the full sound of the instrument in a way that wouldn’t be possible with a pick-up.”
Taglia adds that he uses the mics on a daily basis for live recording work and for aligning sound systems, which is what he does when he isn’t on tour. “Over the years, I have used literally tons of DPA miniature microphones on singers in the theatre and I’ve also used my fair share of d:vote 4099 instrument microphones on double basses and cellos,” he says. “Every time I need a linear, true microphone that is capable of handling high SPL, I always choose DPA.”
