DPA 4088-DP-A-F90-LH Headset Condenser Microphone

DPA 4088-DP-A-F90-LH — Industry-Standard Cardioid Headset Microphone

The DPA 4088-DP-A-F90-LH is a directional headset microphone widely regarded as the industry standard for professional headset mics, offering an open and natural sound for spoken word and vocal performance. Built around a 5.4 mm electret-condenser capsule, this beige dual-ear model delivers clean audio in conferencing, theater, house-of-worship, and broadcast environments. CORE+ amplifier technology extends the usable dynamic range and almost completely neutralizes distortion at SPLs up to 133 dB. The directional cardioid polar pattern suppresses distant sound sources and stage bleed, making it well suited to demanding live environments where feedback is a concern.

What Sets the CORE+ 4088 Apart

CORE+ is the headline upgrade over earlier 4088 generations: while standard CORE handles higher SPLs without significant artifacts up to 1% THD, CORE+ eliminates those artifacts completely across the dynamic range. The microphone ships with a factory-tuned 4–6 dB soft boost at 15 kHz for added clarity and speech intelligibility. A double-vent protection system pairs with a drop stopper and water-resistant materials, earning the capsule an IP58 rating for dust and moisture resistance.

Capsule and Audio Performance — Clear, Natural Sound for Voice

The miniature capsule sits unobtrusively close to the performer's mouth, removing the disadvantage of changing color as the head moves around. A wide frequency response captures the full body of the human voice without sounding thin or boxy.

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid — directional pickup that rejects off-axis sound and stage bleed
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz — full-range capture that reproduces both chest warmth and high-frequency articulation
• Sensitivity: 6 mV/Pa at 1 kHz

Dynamic Range and SPL Handling — Built for Loud Stages

Where many miniature headsets compress or distort on loud vocalists, the CORE+ amplifier keeps the signal clean from whisper-quiet speech to full-throated singing. The result is a single headset that handles spoken word, sung vocals, and high-energy presenters without re-EQing between acts.

• Maximum SPL: 144 dB — tolerates the loudest vocal peaks with only 10% distortion
• Distortion-Free Headroom: 133 dB SPL thanks to the CORE+ amplifier
• Equivalent Noise Level: 26 dB (A-weighted) — quiet floor that preserves the detail of soft speech

Build, Cable, and Wireless Connectivity — Touring-Ready Construction

Engineered for daily use in harsh environments, the headset pairs a moisture-resistant capsule with a rugged cable designed to survive the constant twists, bends, and pulls of live performance. The MicroLock connector is fully backwards compatible with the older MicroDot system, and a wide range of separately available adapters lets one headset work with virtually any wireless transmitter brand.

• Cable Length: 1.19 m with Kevlar strain relief
• Weight: 14.2 g — light enough for hours of wear without neck fatigue
• Connector: MicroLock (MicroDot-compatible) with adapter options for Shure, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Lectrosonics, Sony, and Wisycom wireless systems

Who This Headset Is For

This headset is the right choice for broadcast presenters, theater actors, and worship leaders who need a discreet, hands-free microphone that stays out of the camera frame while delivering broadcast-grade vocal clarity. Touring vocalists and active stage performers benefit from the secure dual-ear frame, which keeps the capsule stable during choreography and movement. Houses of worship and conference venues appreciate the cardioid rejection of room reverb and feedback, while the modular MicroLock/MicroDot system makes it a flexible long-term investment for organizations that run mixed wireless inventories.

DPA Microphones — Danish Pro Audio Heritage

DPA Microphones is the leading Danish professional audio manufacturer of high-quality condenser microphone solutions for professional applications. The 4088 has long been positioned as the industry standard in professional headset microphones, and the current CORE+ generation reflects the company's continued investment in dynamic range and distortion reduction across its miniature microphone lineup.