Unfortunately, NAB 2020 was canceled this year. This did not stop Deity Microphones from kicking out another great year of amazing products and firmware updates. One of the surprise additions was a new microphone in their lineup called the V-Mic D4 Duo. This is not the only thing they came out with and if you want to learn more about the other updates, click here.
One Size Never Fits All
We need to face reality. Just like Camera Operators and DPs never use the same lens for every shot. It is all about what they can do to utilize their tools in order to tell the story. Well, this is the same with sound! If we just stop investing in sound after purchasing a Deity D3 Pro Kit (which is a stellar beginner microphone if you are getting your feet wet). This is why I am happy that our fellow camera operators can add the V-Mic D4 Duo to their kits for when they are in documentary mode.
With all this being said, it is not enough to just have one! Depending on your production, you may need another style of microphone that helps you to record more channels of audio without pulling out wireless and complicating the whole chain. The V-Mic D4 Duo is great for interviews because it records both ways: in front of AND behind the camera.
Tell the Story from Every Angle
The V-Mic D4 DUO lets you capture the story you want to tell from every angle. It has a dual-capsule design, allowing you to record the audio coming from behind the camera. This seems silly, but for a DSLR Operator or Documentarian, this is gold. Before they would have to mic themselves or turn the microphone 90 degrees in order to get their audio clean as well.
- Dual Cardioid Pickup Patterns
- Low noise circuitry
- AUX Input for lavaliers microphones or wireless receivers
- Rycote® LYRE shock mount
- 1/4″ and 3/8″ threaded mounting options
- 40 Grams in Weight
Specifications
| Pickup Pattern | 50Hz-20KHz |
| Capsule Size | 14mm |
| Pickup Pattern | Dual Cardioid |
| Capsule Type | PrePolarized |
| Sensitivity | Front(-42±3dB re 1 V/Pa @ 1kHz) Rear(-51±3dB re 1 V/Pa @ 1kHz) |
| Maximum SPL | 120dB(@1KHz,1% THD into 1K) |
| Microphone Type | Passive |
| Operating Voltage | External bias voltage |
| AUX Input Connector | TRS 3.5MM |
| AUX Input Voltage | 2-5VDC |
| Output Connector | TRS 3.5MM |
| Output Type | Dual Mono Stereo |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 21mmD x 93.5mmH |
| Weight | 40g |
Aux Input
The 3.5permm AUX input on the V-Mic D4 Duo is another new idea from Deity. This feature allows the microphone to temporarily send audio that comes into the jack to the right channel (bypassing the rear microphone until the source is unplugged). This allows the operator to carry even less equipment with them. You will not need splitter cables or other dangly options hang off the camera. No longer do you need to carry around bulky camera mixers or hard-to-find stereo splitter cables. All of that is built into the microphone. This allows you to always record an additional source into the camera without sacrificing your microphone of choice.
What Comes In D4 Duo Box?
- Deity D4 DUO Microphone
- Rycote® LYRE shockmount
- 2x Deity Windshields
- 3.5mm TRS Coiled Cable
What are your thoughts on this new microphone? Is it hype or is the value necessary for our DSLR operators to achieve higher quality tracks on their own? Does this microphone really hold up when it comes to Recording Better Interview Audio?
Leave a comment below and tell us what you think!
