The DPA 4018C Compact Supercardioid Microphone is a premium pencil-style microphone designed for high-quality broadcast, film, and live recording applications where space is limited. With a length of only 6.4 cm (2.5 in), it delivers the same highly-directional supercardioid pickup pattern as its larger sibling, the 4018A, while maintaining a smooth and uniform off-axis frequency response. Its frequency-independent supercardioid design ensures consistent sound coloration and minimizes unwanted rear-lobe pickup for superior isolation. This compact microphone is ideal for spot or hanging use in orchestra recording, dialogue, interviews, podiums, and other applications where discreet, accurate capture is required. As part of DPA’s modular pencil microphone series, the 4018C can be paired with a range of DPA preamps and accessories, offering unmatched flexibility for integrators, sound engineers, and recording professionals.

Directional pattern	Supercardioid
Principle of operation	Pressure gradient
Cartridge type	Pre-polarized condenser
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Effective frequency range, ±2 dB, at 30 cm (11.8 in)	40 Hz - 18 kHz
Sensitivity, nominal, ±2 dB at 1 kHz	12 mV/Pa; -38.4 dB re. 1 V/Pa
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted	Typ. 16 dB(A) re. 20 µPa (max. 19 dB(A))
Equivalent noise level, ITU-R BS.468-4	Typ. 23 dB
Distortion, THD < 1%	134 dB SPL RMS, 137 dB SPL peak
Dynamic range	Typ. 121 dB
Max. SPL, THD 10%	142 dB SPL peak
Rated output impedance	100 O
Minimum load impedance	2
Cable drive capability	100 m (328 ft)
Output balance principle	Impedance balancing
Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR)	> 40 dB
Power supply (for full performance)	P48 (Phantom Power)
Current consumption	3.5 mA
Connector	XLR-3M. Pin 1: shield, Pin 2: signal + phase, Pin 3: - phase
Weight	109 g (3.8 oz)
Microphone diameter	19 mm (0.75 in)
Capsule diameter	19 mm (0.75 in)
Microphone length	35 mm (1.38 in)
Maximum output voltage, RMS	2.2 V
Polarity	+V at pin 2 for positive sound pressure
Temperature range	-40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F)
Relative humidity (RH)	Up to 90%
Matching tolerance (frequency response and sensitivity)	±1 dB
Phase deviation for kit	< 10°

Highly-directional supercardioid pattern

Designed for a broad range of long-distance broadcast, ENG and film miking applications, such as booming, dialogue, interview and table or podium use, the 4018 Supercardioid Microphone offers superb flexibility through modular accessories.
This microphone is part of our flexible pencil mic series. It has a highly-directional supercardioid pickup pattern with a smooth and uniform off-axis frequency response.

The supercardioid shape is frequency independent, securing an identical sound color around the microphone. The usual rear lobe heard on most supercardioids is minimized on this capsule. This makes it much more isolated without sudden frequency dependent peaks and dips.

Combine it with the preamp of your choice

At any time, and with no tools needed, it is possible to transform the MMC4018 Supercardioid Microphone Capsule into a new configuration. The MMP-A Microphone Preamp is an ultra-transparent, transformerless preamp with active drive for impedance balancing. The MMP-C Compact Microphone Preamp is an ultra-compact preamp with active drive for impedance balancing. It has a slightly softer character than the other preamps in the series.

Other preamps include the very small form factor types MMP-E Modular Active Cable (XLR output) and MMP-GR/GS Preamp with Modular Active MicroDot Cable for Pencil Microphone, 3 m (9.8 ft) (MMP-GR, MMPMMP-G Modular Active Cable (MicroDot output), allowing for very slim set-ups. The MMP-G even allows you to match a larger microphone directly to a wireless transmitter. The MMP-G, together with the GSM4000 Gooseneck Shock Mount, can be used for anything from very lightweight booming applications to very high-end instrument miking using the 4099 series of instrument mounting options.

4018C Compact Supercardioid Microphone

Similar to the 4018A, but with an even shorter length of only 6.4 cm (2.5 in), the 4018C Compact Supercardioid Microphone has a highly-directional supercardioid pickup pattern with a smooth and uniform off-axis frequency response. This is a great-sounding mic with a very small footprint. It is ideal for use as spot or hanging mic for orchestra recording situations.

Identify Mic 4018
4018A - Supercardioid Mic
4018C - Compact Supercardioid Mic
4018ER - Supercardioid Mic, Rear Cable, XLR
4018ES - Supercardioid Mic, Side Cable, XLR