About CORE and CORE+ technology

Why are CORE and CORE+ needed?

DPA Microphones constantly strives to push the boundaries of technology because innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Before CORE, we had already produced sonically superior miniature mics, but adhering to our principles, we developed something that was just a bit better than the best.

In addition, in recent years, we have seen that the entire pro audio sound chain has improved – from the microphone at the beginning of the chain all the way to the speakers at the end; innovations in technology mean that the sound that reaches the public’s ears is generally of a much higher quality. This is due, in large part, to the improvements in wireless transmitters and the digitalization of wireless systems. In fact, today's high-quality wireless transmitters and receivers are so good they can handle dynamic ranges higher than some professional microphones can deliver.

Based on these market advancements, DPA decided to innovate our miniature mics to match the sound chain's improvement. CORE, and the newer CORE+, both improve how the impedance converter (preamplifier) interprets the minuscule diaphragm movement within the capsule and electrically converts it into an electrical signal. By enhancing how we interpret the analog signal, we have been able to transform the sound without changing the legacy characteristics of our miniature microphones.

Why do CORE and CORE+ sound better?

Dynamic range is the range of sound pressure levels that a microphone can handle without significant distortion. It is measured from the level of the noise floor (the mic’s self-noise) to the SPL at which Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 1% occurs. At 1% THD, most people listening will be able to detect a negative change in audio quality.

Any improvement in the microphone that can raise this distortion point improves the dynamic range and therefore the quality of the signal. This is exactly what CORE does – minimizes distortion by expanding the upper range of sound pressure the microphone can comfortably manage.

This gives users more flexibility by expanding the range of sounds that can be captured. In most cases, sound engineers prefer a mic with a wide dynamic range because they can use one mic to capture a wider range of sound levels and in more applications (from a whisper to a scream).

Increased dynamic range = Increased workable range
Increased dynamic range = Less vulnerable to overload

CORE+ is DPA's latest technological invention (patent pending), which extends the CORE technology. It is important to emphasize that CORE technology is implemented in all CORE+ products.

Where CORE basically provides a linearization of the electronics, CORE+ linearizes the diaphragm output at the SPL range close to the clipping point. The effect is an unmeasurable THD in the upper part of the dynamic range. CORE+ does not raise the maximum SPL but makes the upper range as clean as already found at lower ranges. The illustration below shows the effect of CORE+.

How important is CORE/CORE+ to the audio chain?

The first step in the audio chain is crucial. It doesn't matter if you are working with sound in a theater, on a film stage or in the recording studio, if the sound you capture is inferior quality, it cannot be fixed. Each step of the audio chain introduces its own artifacts, which reduces the quality of the sound – this is unavoidable –  it’s physics. Therefore, the higher quality that you start with, even with all the quality reductions throughout the chain, the higher quality the sound that comes out at the other end.

If you want to create a great audio experience, you need to start with the best sound coming into the chain – and that takes a microphone that can handle whatever you throw at it.

For more information about our mics with CORE/CORE+ technology, check out these products:
•    Miniature Microphones with CORE/CORE+ 
•    Headset Microphones with CORE/CORE+ 
•    4099 CORE Instrument Microphones
•    6000 Series CORE Subminiature Microphones
•    4098 CORE Supercardioid Gooseneck Microphones

How durable is the technology used for miniature microphones?

DPA miniature microphones are used in a wide range of environments, some rougher than others. For this reason, we go a long way to ensure that the microphones have the durability that our users have come to expect. Durability and robustness are inherent in the mechanical design of the mics, which is aimed at minimizing the impact of exposure to heat, cold, tension, water, sweat and dust, to mention a few.

This durability is achieved through a number of defense mechanisms. Water-repellant nano-coating of the cover and housing, hermetic sealing of the sensitive amplifier in the housing of the microphone, and gold plating of the diaphragm ensure maximum stability and performance under the toughest environmental conditions.

DPAs miniature and subminiature microphones have been tested* against the international standard IEC 60529:2013 edition 2.2: “Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)” resulting in an IP58 rating:

First digit: Solid particle protection = class 5
Ingress of dust does not interfere with the functionality of the microphone and will produce no permanent harmful effects.

Second digit: microphone into one meter of water for three hours will produce no permanent harmful effects. Note digit: Liquid ingress protection = class 8

Submersion of the that the frequency response and sensitivity will be naturally affected by the water during submersion.

Most DPA miniature microphones with CORE/CORE+ technology are IP58 certified. 

*The test was conducted by Force Technology, a third-party, certified institute in Denmark.