DPA Microphones and KLANG:technologies Collaborate on Fully Immersive In-Ear Solution

ALLEROED, DENMARK, AUGUST 31, 2021 ― DPA Microphones and KLANG:technologies have teamed up to create a system that will enable live event teams to immerse singers and musicians in their on-stage performances. The solution integrates DPA’s renowned 5100 Mobile Surround Microphone and KLANG’s ground-breaking Immersive Mixing Processor for a fully engrossing experience. 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.

Initially inspired by high-profile live sound users, the collaboration ultimately came to fruition during a series of workshops between KLANG and DPA. Engineers from the brands saw a natural bridge between the uncoloured DPA sound and the KLANG processing, which makes the system well-suited for everything from small clubs to large arena tours. Dedicated pre-sets 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 users can also take advantage of the full workflow implementation on the surface of their SD or Quantum range desks.

To best serve its customers, KLANG will add unique presets to its in-ear technology that work directly with the DPA 5100 Surround microphone. “The goal is to make it even 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 and look forward to the incredible productions that will result from this solution.”

KLANG’s offerings help musicians become fully immersed in their performance and, with the addition of the DPA 5100, monitor engineers can now add the crucial factor of a natural ambience into the system with even more ease. 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. This is because KLANG’s specialised functionality 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.

Building off a long relationship, 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 does not suffer from 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 the front and rear positions. This creates a smooth and uncoloured pickup, without any phase issues. 

“The 5100 is also incredibly lightweight, which makes it possible to hang from the rig if needed, allowing monitor engineers to easily and efficiently set up the stage,” adds Bo Brinck, Global Sales Support Manager, DPA Microphones. “Additionally, the DPA 5100 is now seeing a new objective as a 5.1 surround microphone on stage to capture the ‘being there’ experience for each musician. This is especially true when incorporating the directional functions of immersive in-ear technology of the KLANG systems.” 

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. Building off DPA 5100’s benefits for broadcast applications in combination with the KLANG technology, live event teams will now also be able to create exceptionally immersive experiences for the at-home viewer. This will be particularly beneficial to live streaming applications as it allows a person to bring the arena home to remote audiences.