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Need help?Do you have a question about the Focusrite Vocaster DM14v and is the answer not in the manual?
The Vocaster DM14v is a dynamic microphone specifically engineered for capturing broadcast, webcast, and podcast-style studio-quality voices. Its design prioritizes clear, articulate vocal reproduction, making it an ideal choice for content creators who demand professional audio quality.
At its core, the Vocaster DM14v is a dynamic moving coil microphone, which means it operates without the need for external power, such as phantom power. This characteristic simplifies its setup and makes it highly versatile for various recording environments. The microphone is tuned to deliver a smooth and wide frequency response, ensuring that voices are captured with a natural and rich tone. This tuning is crucial for broadcast and podcast applications where vocal clarity and presence are paramount.
A key feature of the DM14v is its cardioid polar pickup pattern. This pattern is designed to capture sound primarily from the front of the microphone, while significantly reducing sound from the sides and rear. This directional characteristic is highly beneficial in environments where background noise or room acoustics might otherwise interfere with the recording. By focusing on the sound source directly in front of it, the DM14v helps to isolate the speaker's voice, resulting in cleaner and more professional-sounding audio.
The microphone also incorporates an integrated windshield. This internal component is designed to mitigate plosives—the harsh "p" and "b" sounds that can cause undesirable popping noises in recordings when speaking close to the microphone. The windshield allows users to get closer to the microphone for a more intimate and bass-rich sound without compromising audio quality due to these common vocal artifacts.
Furthermore, the DM14v features internal suspension and a shock mount. These components work together to isolate the microphone capsule from external vibrations and handling noise. This means that accidental bumps, desk thumps, or movement of the microphone stand are less likely to be picked up and transmitted into the recording, ensuring a cleaner audio signal.
The Vocaster DM14v is designed for ease of use and integration into existing recording setups. It comes equipped with a built-in broadcast-style stand mount, which simplifies attachment to various microphone stands. This integrated mount is compatible with standard screw sizes, and a removable adaptor is provided to ensure compatibility with both 5/8" and 3/8" threads. This flexibility allows users to quickly and securely mount the microphone in their preferred position.
For connectivity, the DM14v is supplied with a 3-meter XLR cable. XLR is the industry standard for professional audio connections, ensuring a balanced and robust signal transmission to an audio interface or mixer. The microphone's design specifically recommends the use of an XLR cable for optimal performance, as alternative cables like XLR to jack might not provide the same level of audio quality or functionality.
When it comes to microphone placement, the DM14v encourages close-proximity recording. Speaking close to the microphone enhances the bass response, which can add a desirable richness and warmth to certain voices, often referred to as the "proximity effect." This technique also helps to minimize the impact of poor room acoustics on the recording, as the microphone picks up more of the direct vocal sound and less of the reflected room sound. For a more natural vocal sound, users can experiment by moving slightly further away, typically about 10-15 cm (the length of a fist). The integrated windshield and cardioid pattern are particularly effective in these close-mic situations, allowing users to achieve a clear, focused vocal sound even in less-than-ideal acoustic environments.
The DM14v is robustly built, with a matte black/red trim finish, giving it a professional and sleek appearance suitable for any studio or broadcast setting. Its dimensions and weight are designed to provide stability when mounted, contributing to its overall reliability during use.
The Vocaster DM14v is built for durability and long-term use, with several features that contribute to its low maintenance requirements. The dynamic capsule itself is generally more robust than condenser microphones, making it less susceptible to damage from accidental drops or impacts.
While the microphone does not require phantom power, it is designed to withstand accidental phantom power application without damage. This is a significant advantage, as it eliminates a common concern for users who might inadvertently enable phantom power on their audio interface or mixer, ensuring the microphone's longevity and preventing costly repairs.
For ongoing maintenance and potential repairs, Focusrite provides access to spare parts. Users can contact the Spares team or a local distributor to obtain specific components. This includes items such as metal wave washers, flat metal washers, the XLR dress ring, pop shield, capsule cage, XLR connector assembly, mic capsule assembly, mic support bracket, thumb screw, and plastic wave washers. The availability of these individual parts means that minor wear and tear or specific component failures can be addressed without needing to replace the entire microphone, extending its lifespan and providing a cost-effective solution for users. This commitment to spare parts availability underscores the DM14v's design as a long-term investment for serious content creators.
General| Type | Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 15 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -58dBV/Pa (1.3mV) |
| Impedance | 200 Ohms |
| Connector | XLR |
| Max SPL | 140dB |
