The Da-Cappo DA07 dual-ear micro microphone features hypoallergenic ear cushions for long-wearing comfort. Its unique, fold-flat design facilitates safe storage and transport. The adjustable boom may be worn on the left or right and positioned for optimum sound quality. It’s available in two sensitivities: –35 dB and –45 dB. The DA07B is produced specifically for users requiring extra headroom, like professional broadcasters.
THE PROS
I did an A/B test with the Da-Cappo DA07 and another brand of microphone we’d been using and was amazed with the difference in the quality of sound. The sound of the DA07 was much rounder and warmer with minimal EQ needed compared to the other mic, especially at higher SPL levels. It also was very easy to fit them for our singers. The headpiece and earpieces fit very well with no movement when the performers were dancing or moving around. The singers loved the way they fit and could barely feel that they were wearing the DA07. One huge advantage that these have for us is that they’re very resistant to sweat and moisture, which sometimes caused other microphones we’d tried to quickly fail.
THE CONS
One concern with the DA07 was that the ear piece sometimes slipped off the ears of some singers; the folding mechanism fails after some wear and tear and doesn’t lock in place. Other than some issues with the headpiece, the microphone works great. It does lack a bit of low end, especially with singers whose voices are not as strong in the lower register. That being said, it’s still warmer than the others we’d used in the past.
THE APPLICATION
We use these microphones in the main 1,350- seat theaters onboard our cruise ships for the production shows that our casts perform a few times per week, as well as for a few variety acts. During those shows we have up to six singers on stage at any given time, which definitely can cause some headaches, especially considering that both monitors and front of house (FOH) sound are mixed by a single engineer at the FOH position.
THE RESULT
I have been using the Da-Cappo DA07 microphone on a few of Royal Caribbean’s ships, and this microphone works great. Even with six live microphones on stage, this microphone performs very well. In my opinion, the DA07 combines the best qualities of the two brands of headset microphones I’d been using in the past, and I am very happy with its performance. The microphone is well constructed; I’ve never had one fail due to sweat or makeup issues, and these mics sound amazing and very consistent from model to model.
Reagan D’Mello is a sound technician with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Miami FL.