DPA 2017
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The DPA 2017 is highly regarded by location sound professionals as a versatile, modern shotgun microphone known for its neutral sound profile and exceptional durability. It is frequently cited as a superior alternative to the industry-standard Sennheiser MKH 416, particularly due to its lighter weight and better performance in reflective indoor environments, while maintaining high reliability in extreme humidity.
Pros
- Excellent resistance to humidity and condensation, performing well in tropical and forest environments
- Neutral and natural sound profile with a flat frequency response
- Compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for long days on a boom pole
- High SPL handling and robust build quality described as 'indestructible'
- Strong RF interference rejection
Cons
- Lacks the signature 'bassy' character found in the Sennheiser MKH 416
- Reach is good for its size but does not match longer specialized shotguns like the Sanken CS3-E
Caveats
- While it handles indoor reflections better than many shotguns, some professionals still suggest dedicated hypercardioids for the most challenging interior sets
Best for
- Outdoor location sound in high-humidity or unpredictable weather
- Boom operators looking for a lightweight, 'all-around' primary microphone
- Users who prefer a modern, neutral sound over colored vintage alternatives
Avoid if
- You specifically require the bass-heavy proximity effect of an MKH 416
- Your work requires the extreme reach of a long-interference-tube shotgun
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older, with a median source age of approximately 398 days, which should be considered when comparing it to newer releases in the location sound market.
Sentiment
39 positive (91%) · 4 mixed (9%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted score: +93% · raw score 91%
What redditors said (10 of 43)
DPA 2017 or the CS-M1 you already have.
I recently upgraded my shotgun mic from the S Mic 2 to the DPA 2017.
if you stretch your budget to the 2017 it will be lighter and offer superior clarity.
My boom setup is a MKH50 and DPA 2017, with a Zoom F8n Pro recorder.
For your first mic I’d get a DPA 2017. (This mic will grow with you and is very versatile. It’s the same price as a 416 only 50 years newer. This is a buy once cry once mentality on this purchase and you’ll thank yourself in the future.
the 416 is larger and for the price of a 416 it would be better to go for a DPA 2017.
I have a pretty serious kit - MKH50/DPA 2017, Lectros, RF distro, etc.
the DPA 2017 is shorter and lighter than the 416
You should consider the DPA 2017.
Better to spend money on a shotgun (recommending the dpa 2017 of you don't have anything)
Compare
DPA 2017 vs Sennheiser MKH 50DPA 2017 vs WisycomDPA 2017 vs Countryman B3
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