DPA’s Gone Wireless: The N-Series Wireless System Sets a New Standard for Professional Performance

DPA Microphones has at long last entered the digital wireless arena, with their N-Series Wireless ecosystem, and the timing couldn’t be better. As the industry moves away from legacy analog systems, the DPA N-Series is positioned as a premium contender in the digital wireless space, for those who require a step up in both sonic transparency and RF flexibility when compared with the competition.

A High-End Alternative to Evolution

While there are a number of very capable entry-point systems for digital wireless, the N-Series caters to the professional who needs a bit more under the hood. With the N-Series, you get a slightly higher price tag, but that investment is justified by the massive 400 MHz tuning range. This wideband agility, coupled with the ability to remotely control and monitor transmitters via the DPA Audio Controller software, puts it in a different league for those requiring a more future-proof system.

Fully Digital, Fully Transparent

For the N-Series, DPA custom-engineered their own digital codec to ensure that the wireless link is a perfectly transparent conduit that doesn’t color the sound of their legendary capsules. To achieve this feat, the N-Series transmitters feature specialized high-quality microphone preamps and state-of-the-art A/D (Analog-to-Digital) conversion. By optimizing the input stage specifically for the impedance and sensitivity of DPA’s own lavaliers and handheld capsules, the system prevents the “veiled” sound often found when high-end mics are bottlenecked by generic wireless electronics.

The N-Series also boasts an extremely impressive 126 dB dynamic range by leveraging stacked converter technology, allowing the system to handle a massive window of sound without needing a traditional gain knob on the transmitter. For the user, this means the codec captures every nuance, from the subtle breath of a vocalist to the percussive peak of an instrument, with the same linear accuracy you’d expect from a studio-grade wired connection.

Digital processing usually comes at the cost of time, but the N-Series codec clocks in at under 2.9ms of latency. This is critical for avoiding phase issues and ensuring that performers hear themselves in real-time with zero echo or disconnect.

The combined result of these features is a system that doesn’t just transmit audio, it preserves the DPA signature all the way to your rack.

Designed for Stability, Not for the Bag

It’s important to note that the N-Series is not yet optimized for the location sound or bag mixer. The N-Series’ N-DR1 receiver is a dedicated rackmount unit that is not 12V DC power-able, making it a stationary solution rather than a portable field tool. Also, the N-HH1 handheld unit, while a very capable handheld, does not feature a dedicated push-to-talk button, which is crucial for “Voice of God” applications on location.

Who is N-Series Wireless For?

The N-Series shines brightest in fixed environments where audio quality is top priority:

• • Professional Event Performers: For residency musicians and high-end hospitality artists, this system provides set-and-forget reliability and wireless sound that’s virtually indistinguishable from that of hardwired DPA capsules.

• • House of Worship Production: For sanctuary tech teams looking to upgrade from aging analog gear, the N-Series offers a robust, interference-free, highly affordable digital solution.

By bridging the gap between entry-level digital and six-figure touring rigs, DPA has created a system that touts elite features at a surprisingly affordable price. The N-Series is an excellent choice for the professional venue or artist that needs a dependable wireless system and doesn’t want to compromise on clarity or features.

Shop the full range of DPA N-Series Wireless devices on trewaudio.com.