Best DPA Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones 2025

Premium DPA small diaphragm condenser microphones - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Acoustic Instruments For Overhead For Piano For Strings For Classical For Field Recording

BRANDS: Schoeps Rode DPA Sennheiser Neumann Shure the t.bone SE Electronics Audio-Technica Sontronics Sanken Microtech Gefell AKG

DPA ST2012 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

DPA ST2012

by DPA

Field Recording Acoustic Instruments Overhead

Key Feature:

• Accurate transient response

✓ PROS

• Minimal coloration of sound
• Accurate transient response

✗ CONS

• Less forgiving than large diaphragm
• Requires careful positioning

DPA ST2012Stereo Microphone SetConsisting of 2 DPA 2012 condenser directional microphonesIdeal for recording individual...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 561858

$1,538

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4018C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4018C

by DPA

Field Recording Acoustic Instruments Overhead

Key Feature:

• Professional recording standard

✓ PROS

• Accurate transient response
• Minimal coloration of sound

✗ CONS

• Can emphasize room acoustics
• Less forgiving than large diaphragm

DPA 4018CCompact Small Diaphragm Condenser MicrophoneCharacteristic: SupercardioidFrequency range: 20 - 20000 Hz40 -...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 357467

$1,758

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-MS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-MS

by DPA

Strings Field Recording Overhead

Key Feature:

• Minimal coloration of sound

✓ PROS

• Great for acoustic instruments
• Minimal coloration of sound

✗ CONS

• Less forgiving than large diaphragm
• May sound harsh on some sources

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-MSClip-On Condenser Microphone for Instrument Miking4099 CORE+Polar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 619261

$681

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-U - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-U

by DPA

Strings Piano Overhead

Key Feature:

• Professional recording standard

✓ PROS

• Minimal coloration of sound
• Professional recording standard

✗ CONS

• Can emphasize room acoustics
• Requires careful positioning

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-UCondenser Clip-On Microphone with Universal MountPolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency response: 20...

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 619263

$670

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone

by DPA

Acoustic Instruments Overhead Classical

Key Feature:

• Professional recording standard

✓ PROS

• Minimal coloration of sound
• Professional recording standard

✗ CONS

• Can emphasize room acoustics
• May sound harsh on some sources

DPA 2017 Shotgun MicrophoneCondenser Shotgun MicrophonePolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency range: 20 - 20000...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 576089

$1,032

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4090 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4090

by DPA

Acoustic Instruments Classical Piano

Key Feature:

• Excellent for stereo recording

✓ PROS

• Extended high-frequency response
• Professional recording standard

✗ CONS

• More expensive per channel for stereo
• Can emphasize room acoustics

DPA 4090 High SensOmnidirectional Instrument MicrophonePrepolarized 5.4 mm membraneIdeal for miking instruments in the...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 192066

$681

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 2012 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

DPA 2012

by DPA

Overhead Strings Acoustic Instruments

Key Feature:

• Minimal coloration of sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent for stereo recording
• Minimal coloration of sound

✗ CONS

• Less forgiving than large diaphragm
• May sound harsh on some sources

DPA 2012Condenser Directional MicrophoneIdeal for recording individual instruments in loud environmentse.g. for close...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 561855

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4098-DC-G-B00-030 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4098-DC-G-B00-030

by DPA

Acoustic Instruments Field Recording Classical

Key Feature:

• Great for acoustic instruments

✓ PROS

• Extended high-frequency response
• Minimal coloration of sound

✗ CONS

• Can emphasize room acoustics
• More expensive per channel for stereo

DPA 4098-DC-G-B00-030Condenser suspension and podium microphonePolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency range: 100 - 15000...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 504992

$658

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA ST4006A - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

DPA ST4006A

by DPA

Acoustic Instruments Piano Field Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional recording standard

✓ PROS

• Excellent for stereo recording
• Accurate transient response

✗ CONS

• Requires careful positioning
• Less forgiving than large diaphragm

DPA ST4006A, Microphone Set for Stereo Recording*Consisting of 2x DPA 4006 A microphones*Ideal for A-B stereophony in...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 223222

$5,224

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-015 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-015

by DPA

Piano Strings Classical

Key Feature:

• Great for acoustic instruments

✓ PROS

• Accurate transient response
• Great for acoustic instruments

✗ CONS

• May sound harsh on some sources
• More expensive per channel for stereo

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-015Condenser suspension and podium microphonePolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency range: 100 - 15000...

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 504995

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-045 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-045

by DPA

Field Recording Overhead Piano

Key Feature:

• Extended high-frequency response

✓ PROS

• Extended high-frequency response
• Great for acoustic instruments

✗ CONS

• May sound harsh on some sources
• More expensive per channel for stereo

DPA 4098-DC-D-B01Condenser suspension and podium microphonePolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency range: 100 - 15000...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 504999

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-030 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-030

by DPA

Field Recording Piano Overhead

Key Feature:

• Minimal coloration of sound

✓ PROS

• Minimal coloration of sound
• Accurate transient response

✗ CONS

• Can emphasize room acoustics
• Requires careful positioning

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-030Condenser suspension and podium microphonePolar pattern: SupercardioidFrequency range: 100 - 15000...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 504998

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-P - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-P

by DPA

Classical Strings Piano

Key Feature:

• Accurate transient response

✓ PROS

• Extended high-frequency response
• Excellent for stereo recording

✗ CONS

• Requires careful positioning
• Less forgiving than large diaphragm

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-PPair of clip-on condenser microphones for recording a grand pianoPolar pattern:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 619256

$1,396

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 4017B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

DPA 4017B

by DPA

Field Recording Acoustic Instruments Piano

Key Feature:

• Professional recording standard

✓ PROS

• Accurate transient response
• Minimal coloration of sound

✗ CONS

• Requires careful positioning
• May sound harsh on some sources

DPA 4017 BCondenser Shotgun MicrophonePolar pattern: Super-cardioid70 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 2 dB132 dB max SPL48 V Phantom...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 227248

$2,034

Buy at Thomann View Details

DPA 2015 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

DPA 2015

by DPA

Piano Acoustic Instruments Classical

Key Feature:

• Excellent for stereo recording

✓ PROS

• Great for acoustic instruments
• Professional recording standard

✗ CONS

• Requires careful positioning
• More expensive per channel for stereo

DPA 2015Condenser Directional MicrophoneIdeal for miking large instruments or groups of instrumentsPolar pattern: wide...

⭐ 4.8/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 561856

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced small diaphragm condenser microphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best DPA Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones 2025

DPA ST2012

DPA 4018C

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-MS

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-U

DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone

DPA 4090

DPA 2012

DPA 4098-DC-G-B00-030

DPA ST4006A

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-015

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-045

DPA 4098-DC-G-B01-030

DPA 4099-DP-1-101-P

DPA 4017B

DPA 2015

How to Choose the Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying small diaphragm condenser microphones?

How much should I spend on small diaphragm condenser microphones?

Are expensive small diaphragm condenser microphones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for small diaphragm condenser microphones?

Should I buy small diaphragm condenser microphones online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Large Diaphragm Microphones

Best Wireless Microphones with Handheld Microphone

Best Transmitters

Best Wireless Microphones with Headset Microphone

Best Wireless Systems for Guitar and Bass

Best Headset Microphones

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