DPA 2017 vs 4017C and other Comparisons

Date: December 11, 2023 06:35

Key Selling Points

Accurate, clean sound from the primary sound source combines effortlessly with natural sound captured off-axis
Extraordinary durability, with reinforced construction to perform in challenging environments, including high humidity
Extremely directional pick-up pattern, with an effective interference tube in a compact housing
Low self-noise, for excellent performance in quiet environments or with many open microphones

Spec	2017	4017C
Directional pattern	Supercardioid at 1 kHz	Supercardioid, lobe-shaped
Principle of operation	Pressure gradient, with interference tube	Pressure gradient, with interference tube
Cartridge type	Pre-polarized condenser	Pre-polarized condenser
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz, permanent third order high pass filter* at 60 Hz	20 Hz - 20 kHz, permanent third order high pass filter at 50 Hz
Effective frequency range, ±2 dB	70 Hz to 18 kHz at 60 cm (23.6 in), with typ. 2 dB soft boost at 15 kHz	40 Hz - 18 kHz at 60 cm (23.6 in) with typ. 3 dB soft boost at 15 kHz
Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz	25 mV/Pa; -32 dB re. 1 V/Pa	19 mV/Pa; -34.4 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted	Typ. 13 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 15 dB(A))	Typ. 13 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 15 dB(A))
Distortion, THD < 1%	140 dB SPL RMS, 143 dB SPL peak	134 dB SPL RMS, 137 dB SPL peak
Dynamic range	Typ. 130 dB	Typ. 124 dB
Max. SPL, THD 10%	148 dB SPL peak	146 dB SPL peak
Rated output impedance	60 Ω	100 Ω
Minimum load impedance	2 kΩ	2 kΩ
Cable drive capability	100 m (328 ft)	100 m (328 ft)
Output balance principle	Impedance balancing with Active Drive	Impedance balancing with Active Drive
Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR)	>60 dB	> 50 dB
Power supply (for full performance)	P48 (Phantom Power)	P48 (Phantom Power)
Current consumption	1.8 mA	2.8 mA
Connector	XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: - phase	XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: signal - phase
Color	Black	Matte black
Weight	115 g (4.1 oz)	73 g (2.57 oz)
Microphone diameter	19 mm (0.75 in)	19 mm (0.75 in)
Capsule diameter	17 mm (0.67 in)	19 mm (0.75 in)
Microphone length	184 mm (7.24 in)	154 mm (6 in)
Maximum output voltage, RMS	8.7 V (21 dBu)	4.5 V
Polarity	+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure	+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range	-40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F)	-40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F)
Relative humidity (RH)	Up to 90%	Up to 90%
Modularity	No	Yes

*High-pass filter = low-pass filter

Frequency response

The frequency response of the 2017 is comparable to the 4017C, but the 2017 low-cut filter @60 Hz results in an earlier low-end roll-off than in the 4017C. The MMP-B has a built-in roll-off @ 50 Hz and a switchable first-order roll-off @ 120 Hz allowing more user options.

Acoustic performance

We have not compromised on the sonic character of 2017 but kept it similar to the 4017. Despite the new amplifier and new capsule design, it still has the renowned DPA signature sound clarity.

Modularity

The 4017C is modular in contrary to 2017, which has a fixed capsule.

Sensitivity

We designed the 2017 with a slightly higher sensitivity than the 4017B and C to keep the self-noise of the microphone as low as you would expect from a microphone in this class.

Robustness

The housing of 2017 has been made thicker than the 4017’s. This guarantees a long life in the broadcast environment.

Price

The 2017 is priced below 4017C, as it has a non-modular design and simplified compact packaging concept.

Spec	Sennheiser MKH416	Audio-Technica BP4073	RODE NTG3	DPA 2017
Polar Pattern	Hypercardioid at low and medium frequency / Supercardioid/Lobar	Supercardioid	Supercardioid	Supercardioid at 1kHz
Capsule	12.7 mm / 0.5 in	17 mm / 0.67 in
Frequency Range	40 Hz – 20 kHz	20 Hz – 20 kHz	40 Hz – 20 kHz	20 Hz – 20 kHz
Max SPL	130 dB	151 dB	130 dB	1% THD 140 dB SPL (143 dB SPL peak)
Dynamic Range	117 dB	128 dB	117 dB	130 dB
Sensitivity	-32 dB re 1 V/Pa	25 mV / Pa	-29 dB re 1 V / Pa	35.5 mV / Pa
Equivalent Noise Level (A-Weighted)	13 dB(A)	13 dB(A)	13 dB(A)	13 dB(A)
Weight	165 g / 5.8 oz	99 g / 3.5 oz	163 g / 5.7 oz	115 g / 4.1 oz
Dimensions	Ø19 x 250 mm / 0.75 x 9.8 in	Ø21 x 233 mm / 0.8 x 9.2 in	Ø19 x 255 mm / 0.75 x 10 in	Ø19 x 184 mm / 0.75 x 7.2 in

How is 2017 different from the competition?

2017 delivers on DPA’s core values of clarity, consistency and durability, hereby offering a rather unique combination of crystal-clear authentic sound and stable, consistent performance under harsh conditions.

This mic wins over the competition on the acoustical performance: it has more efficient off-axis rejection combined with a more linear off-axis frequency response. This is exactly the capabilities needed to result in an outstanding authentic sound.

The consistency of the sound of the 2017 is also something that sets this microphone apart. DPA’s tight control of production tolerances, in combination with the axisymmetric grid design, offers stable performance day after day.

With an extreme SPL (Sound Pressure Level) handling of 143 dB SPL Peak, low self-noise of 13 dB(A) and a 130 dB dynamic range, the 2017 excels where other good shotgun microphones fail, making it useful in applications where shotguns traditionally do not perform well.

Simple robust construction, both internally and externally, is extremely effective at protecting 2017 against impact caused by falls. This keeps the microphone functioning and on-spec longer than many other shotgun microphones on the market.

Excellent performance in humid environments is a highly-appreciated feature for many users. We have made the 2017 to:

Perform without interruptions in humid conditions
Recover quickly If exposed to a water shower. It can be put back into action faster than many other shotguns

The shorter form factor, due to smart internal design, makes 2017 an excellent choice for use on professional cameras. In addition, with its total weight of 115 g (4.1 oz), the 2017 is extremely light compared to other shotguns of its type.