DPA debuts the AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen

IBC will see DPA’s new patent-pending AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen on show, aiming to deliver wind protection and acoustic transparency for outdoor projects.

Windscreens can be cumbersome to position correctly, with a risk of altering the frequency curve of the microphone, but DPA says its new AIR1 is designed to address these issues.

Created for quick mounting on round, omnidirectional headset or lavalier microphones between 0.1-0.23 inches (2.5-5.8mm), the AIR1 achieves wind protection through the fixed size of the air cavity surrounding the microphone capsule. This can provide consistent wind rejection, enabling it to capture the voice with what the manufacturer claims is “perfect intelligibility.” 

Wind noise is rejected through two layers of wind protection, first of which is the distinctive and newly-designed acoustic fur. By fine-tuning the hair length, material and density, as well as the inner lining, acoustic transparency is maintained. The fur length of the AIR1 is 30% shorter than other wind protection accessories, says DPA, reducing the inevitable tradeoff of visual impact when using a windscreen.

A second protective layer comes from the air cavity surrounding the microphone, keeping the fur away from the capsule and maintaining constant air volume. This is achieved using two arches and a mic stop, designed to position the mic squarely in the acoustic sweet spot. Adding a boundary surface directly behind the capsule, a pressure field is generated around the microphone diaphragm, which has a specific frequency range that is acoustically amplified. Adjusting the dimensions of the boundary surface has enabled the company to adjust the frequency boost to match the exact frequencies that the fur attenuates.

The AIR1 consists of a UV-stabilised plastic used in car headlights and to maintain grip, DPA says it has implemented a stainless-steel spring which, unlike elastic bands, will not snap or deteriorate with time. Handles at the opening help with mounting and placement, while also minimising handling of the fur.

Six colours and not a Tribble joke to be seen. Ooops...

The DPA AIR1 is priced at $49, comes in large or small sizes, six colorways (black, brown, beige, white, off-white and gray) and includes two windscreens of the same size and colour.

tl;dr

• The new AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen is designed for outdoor projects, offering wind protection and acoustic transparency.
• It is designed for round, omnidirectional headset or lavalier microphones, using a fixed air cavity for consistent wind rejection and optimal voice capture.
• It features two layers of wind protection—an outer layer of acoustic fur and an air cavity supported by arches and a mic stop, ensuring the microphone remains in the acoustic sweet spot.
• The AIR1 is available in two sizes, six colors, includes two windscreens per package, is made from UV-stabilised plastic, uses a durable stainless-steel spring for grip, and is priced at $49.