DPA and Klang collaborate on immersive monitoring system
Posted on: Wednesday 22nd of September 2021
DPA Microphones and KLANG:technologies have teamed up to create an immersive in-ear monitoring system for singers and musicians. The solution integrates DPA’s 5100 Mobile Surround Microphone and Klang’s ground-breaking Immersive Mixing Processor. In addition to the benefits of Klang’s panning capabilities, the use of DPA surround mics replaces the need for large quantities of microphones to capture the entire environment.
Inspired by high-profile live sound users, the collaboration came to fruition during a series of workshops between KLANG and DPA. Engineers from the brands saw a bridge between DPA technology and the KLANG processing, which makes the system well-suited for everything from small clubs to large arena tours. Dedicated presets can be integrated through the KLANG:app, a control application for all Klang immersive in-ear mixing processors, including the just released KLANG:vokal and KLANG:kontroller. DiGiCo – Klang’s parent company – users can also take advantage of the full workflow implementation on the surface of their SD or Quantum range desks.
KLANG will add unique presets to its in-ear technology that work directly with the DPA 5100 Surround microphone, to make it “easier for people to assimilate the DPA 5100 with all our solutions,” says Dr. Roman Scharrer, CEO of KLANG:technologies. “For touring engineers, it’s always important to have a really straightforward, fast and reliable workflow to get the best possible result; the DPA 5100 used in conjunction with Klang’s immersive in-ear technology is the perfect approach. We’re excited to have been able to collaborate with such a premier surround microphone manufacturer as DPA.”
The solution makes it possible to have a “fully immersive live experience” with a conventional set of stereo headphones or in-ears, that makes the artists feel as though they are listening to the performance without the isolating effect of IEMs, because Klang’s functionality – a mixing engine specifically designed to be used with IEMs and provides musicians with individual, natural and three-dimensional sound – allows its in-ear users to hear each area of the venue from the exact position at which they are standing. For example, the main performer would hear drums behind them, keys to the right, audience to the front.
The brands first collaborated on this effort when the Klang team created a branded app for DPA to use during tradeshows.
“We were very impressed with the way the Klang software allows performing musicians and show attendees to move through the different sound sources,” says Kalle Hvidt Nielsen, CEO, DPA Microphones. “We realised that the DPA 5100 and KLANG’s technology would be a powerful tool for live productions. The DPA 5100 has been a great solution when needing to capture an arena full of people for a recording. With this collaboration between DPA and KLANG, live sound engineers are afforded an integrated, complete audio capture solution. We’re excited to see how the pros deploy this system for monitoring, but also look forward to the benefits it will bring to recording and streaming concerts.”
Designed with five built-in pressure microphones, the 5100 works to mitigate the proximity effect common among other brands. As such, the 5100 is capable of capturing the low-end frequencies from across long distances, while still delivering a natural sound. The arrangement of the microphones within the 5100 follows ITU standards for surround and eliminates gaps between front and rear positions. Popular among front of house engineers for high-profile artists such as Aerosmith, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osborne, the DPA 5100 has primarily been used to capture ambience in a live sound setting, as well as for communications and archiving during band rehearsals.
