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The Shure DH5 DuraPlex™ Omnidirectional Headset is a high-performance microphone designed for both speech and performance applications, prioritizing durability, minimal visibility, and exceptional sound quality. This headset is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of professional use in various environments, from theater productions and corporate events to television broadcasts.
The DH5 DuraPlex headset serves as an omnidirectional microphone, capturing sound equally from all directions. This characteristic makes it highly versatile, as it does not require precise aiming towards the sound source, offering consistent audio capture even with slight head movements. The omnidirectional pattern also contributes to a more natural sound reproduction, often preferred in theatrical and broadcast settings where a broad and uncolored sound pickup is desired.
At its core, the DH5 features a 5mm subminiature microphone capsule, which is discreetly integrated into a lightweight and bendable headset frame. This small size ensures that the microphone remains inconspicuous during use, an essential factor for performers and presenters who need to maintain a professional appearance without distracting equipment. The headset's design allows for flexible boom mounting, meaning the microphone boom can be positioned on either the left or right side of the head, accommodating individual preferences and specific staging requirements.
The microphone is equipped with Shure's PLEX Cable technology, a 1.6mm diameter cable known for its durability, paintability, and resistance to memory effect. This means the cable can be easily routed and concealed, and it retains its shape without kinks or twists, ensuring a neat and professional setup. The paintable nature of the cable allows it to blend seamlessly with costumes or skin tones, further enhancing its discreet profile.
A key functional aspect of the DH5 is its high RF immunity. This feature ensures that the microphone operates reliably even in environments with strong radio frequency interference, making it compatible with modern digital wireless systems without experiencing signal degradation or dropouts. This is particularly crucial in live performance and broadcast scenarios where multiple wireless devices are often in use simultaneously.
The DH5 also includes an attachable Presence Cap, which allows users to tailor the microphone's frequency response. This cap can be used to enhance vocal clarity and intelligibility, making speech cut through a mix more effectively, especially in situations where a stronger presence is desired. This adaptability in sound character provides sound engineers with greater control over the audio output, optimizing it for different voices and performance styles.
The DH5 DuraPlex headset is designed for ease of use and comfort, ensuring that performers can wear it for extended periods without discomfort. The headband is adjustable in width, allowing for a secure yet gentle fit on various head sizes. The earhooks are also adjustable, and the boom arm can be slid within the boom pivot, which can then be twisted to fine-tune the height and length of the microphone placement. This multi-axis adjustability ensures optimal positioning of the microphone capsule, typically around 13mm (0.5 inches) from the corner of the mouth, for consistent sound capture.
Reversing the boom arm is a straightforward process, enabling the microphone to be worn on either the left or right side of the head. This involves squeezing the earpiece towards the headband, pushing out the boom arm and pivot, repositioning the boom arm to the desired side, and then pushing the pivots back into place. This flexibility is vital for accommodating different user preferences, stage blocking, or camera angles.
The inclusion of two types of windscreens—a slide-fit windscreen and a snap-fit windscreen—provides options for wind and plosive noise reduction. The slide-fit windscreen is designed for use with the Presence Cap, while the snap-fit windscreen is used when the Presence Cap is not attached. Users are advised not to use the snap-fit windscreen with the Presence Cap, as the cap can become caught inside. This thoughtful design ensures effective wind protection while maintaining the desired acoustic characteristics.
For cable management, the DH5 comes with a single tie clip and a dual tie clip, as well as sticky mounts. These accessories help secure the microphone cable to clothing or other surfaces, preventing it from snagging or creating unwanted noise during movement. The collar clip, for instance, can be used to route the cable neatly down the user's back, keeping it out of sight and minimizing interference with performance.
The headset is available in Black, Tan, and Cocoa finishes, offering aesthetic choices that can blend with different skin tones or costumes, further contributing to its discreet appearance. This range of colors ensures that the headset can be matched to the user's needs, enhancing its visual integration.
The Shure DH5 DuraPlex headset is built with durability in mind, featuring an IP57 certification. This rating signifies that the microphone is dust-protected and waterproof/sweatproof, making it highly resilient to challenging environmental conditions. This level of protection is crucial for applications where the microphone is exposed to sweat, humidity, dust, or even accidental splashes, such as in theater, fitness instruction, or outdoor events.
The IP57 rating also simplifies maintenance, as the microphone can be cleaned using distilled water and a mild detergent when necessary. This capability to withstand cleaning without damage ensures that the headset can be kept hygienic and in optimal working condition, extending its lifespan and maintaining its performance quality over time. The robust construction and materials used in the DH5 are chosen to endure the rigors of professional use, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
The PLEX Cable technology not only offers flexibility in use but also contributes to the headset's overall durability. Its resistance to memory effect means it is less prone to kinking and damage from repeated coiling and uncoiling, a common wear point for microphone cables. This robust cable design ensures a longer operational life for the headset, even with frequent handling and storage.
The DH5 is supplied with a comprehensive set of furnished accessories, including a storage pouch. This pouch helps protect the headset during transport and storage, preventing physical damage and keeping all components organized. Proper storage is a key aspect of maintaining the longevity and performance of any delicate electronic equipment, and the included pouch facilitates this.
In summary, the Shure DH5 DuraPlex Omnidirectional Headset is a meticulously engineered microphone that combines discreet aesthetics, exceptional sound quality, and robust durability. Its omnidirectional pattern, flexible boom placement, and tailored frequency response options make it highly adaptable for diverse vocal and performance applications. The IP57 rating and easy cleaning procedures underscore its resilience and ease of maintenance, ensuring reliable performance in demanding professional environments.
General| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
|---|---|
| Cable Length | 1.67 m |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Connector | TA4F |
| Element Type | Condenser |
| Color | Black, Tan |
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