SMK 4060 stereo set faulty?

[GML1320]

Hi folks, long time listener, first time caller. Anyway...

 

I recently bought a new DPA SMK 4060 stereo set from an online dealer. As soon as it was delivered I hooked them up to my 633 and was very disappointed to hear that the two mics had a totally different levels of self noise. As far as I was concerned the difference was like night and day so I sent them back and the dealers sent out a replacement set, but yet again the self noise level of the two mics was completely different, one having a much lower frequency hiss than the other. 

 

I know that DPA and the 4060s have a very good reputation so I have been staggeringly unlucky enough to get two faulty sets or am I too picky? Am I the only one that thinks that the difference is unacceptable?

 

I tested both sets on a SD 633 AND a SQN IVe on all the P48 inputs, panned Left, Right & Centred, ISO'd, with multiple XLRs, etc. etc. always with the same results, so I'm confident it's not my gear at fault.

 

Here's a test I uploaded to Soundcloud:

 

https://soundcloud.com/gml1320/dpa-smk4060-stereo-set-test-2

 

Here's the original file on dropbox:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/is4rbfhtloibmt0/LIFET88.WAV?dl=0

 

Does everyone else think this is within tolerances for a 4060 stereo set?

 

Cheers,

 

Gabe       

[Alan H. Chang]

Could it be that the microdot/XLR adapters are faulty particularly the one with high SN?  Have you swapped them around and still getting the same SN on the same mic?  We have about a dozen of the 4061 stereo sets and some 4060 stereo sets, and have yet to exp this kind of high SN you're describing.

[GML1320]

Hi Alan, I have swapped the XLR adaptors around & the higher SN always stays with the same mic. Would I be right in thinking your sets are better matched than mine?

[soundmanjohn]

Gabe,

 

Rather than going back to your dealer again, I suggest that you contact Rob Ramon at Sound Network, the UK distributors for DPA, and let him hear the file. His number is 020 3008 7530 and he's always been very helpful to me. I'm sure he'll sort you out.

 

Best wishes,

 

John

[Alan H. Chang]

Hi Alan, I have swapped the XLR adaptors around & the higher SN always stays with the same mic. Would I be right in thinking your sets are better matched than mine?

Can't say exactly that they're better matched, but I'm suspecting that your capsule must have been damaged somewhere between their after-QC process and shipment to you.  Call them directly, not your dealer.

[soundtrane]

experienced something similar with a SMK 4081. two mics were 12 dB apart. returned them to DPA. Also two TA5F adapters were DOA. 

[GML1320]

Thanks very much for the replies.

 

I have sent files to DPA already but they've said they can't deal with it till after the holidays & want me to go through the dealer. The dealer is doing a great job of ignoring me at the moment. I'll try Rob at Sound Network (thanks for the number John) and see what he thinks, after that I'll get much more heavy handed with the dealer.

 

Think my problem is as soon as I say I've had two problem kits in succession everyone assumes I don't know what I'm doing or I'm trying to pull a fast one... or both.