DPA Microphones has introduced the new AIR1 universal miniature fur windscreen at the 2024 NAB Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (booth C7307), designed for quick mounting on round, omnidirectional headset or lavalier microphones between 0.1-0.23 inches (2.5-5.8 mm) with a patent-pending development intended to provide efficient and consistent wind protection with acoustic transparency in outdoor applications.
The uniform wind protection of the AIR1 is achieved through the fixed size of the air cavity surrounding the microphone capsule, which the company states provides consistent acoustical transparency that enables it to capture the voice with intelligibility. The sturdy handles at the windscreen opening are designed to foster fast mounting and optimum placement on the mic.
“The DPA AIR1 windscreen eliminates all the worries associated with using a windscreen on a miniature microphone during outdoor broadcast projects,” says Helga Volha Somava, product management director, DPA Microphones. “Many windscreens currently on the market are time consuming and difficult to mount. They can also be cumbersome to position correctly and can alter the frequency curve of the microphone, but the DPA AIR1 breaks these stereotypes. It’s rare to find a windscreen that can be considered groundbreaking, but the new DPA AIR1 windscreen is exactly that. We look forward to presenting this revolutionary technology to attendees of the 2024 NAB show.”
Th AIR1 rejects wind noise through two consistent layers of wind protection, the first of which is a newly designed acoustic fur. By fine-tuning the hair length, material and density, as well as the inner lining, the company states that the fur contributes to high wind rejection while maintaining acoustic transparency.
The second layer of protection afforded by the AIR1 is the air cavity that surrounds the microphone to keep the fur spaced away from the capsule and maintain constant air volume. This is achieved using two arches as well as a mic stop, which helps ensure that the mic’s position in the “acoustic sweet spot” is most protected. By adding a patent-pending boundary surface directly behind the capsule, a pressure field is generated around the mic diaphragm, which has a specific frequency range that is acoustically amplified. Fine-tuning the dimensions of the boundary surface enabled DPA to adjust the frequency boost to match the frequencies that the fur attenuates.
The AIR1 consists of a durable UV-stabilized hard plastic that is found in automobile headlights and can withstand harsh weather and repeated use. To maintain a consistently strong grip on the microphone, DPA implemented a stainless-steel spring that, unlike elastic bands, is designed to not snap mid-use or deteriorate over time.
Additionally, the acoustic fur used on the cover consists of specially formulated fibers that are designed to provide long-lasting color, shape memory and easier maintenance. Further, the handles on the device minimize handling of the fur to help ensure that the AIR1 will maintain its shape longer than traditional windscreens.
In addition to being compatible with DPA’s lavaliers and headsets, the AIR1 can be used on a wide range of other professional miniature mics. Two sizing options are also available to fit most major brands. The AIR1 is offered in six color options (black, brown, beige, white, off-white and gray). It ships with two windscreens of the same size and color in the box.
