DPA D:Fine vs SAMSON XPD1 - Head-worn Microphone Review

When it comes to microphones there is almost nothing like a head-worn (headset) microphone. In this video we review perhaps the most expensive head worn microphone the DPA D:Fine vs SAMSON XPD1. The DPA D:Fine microphones are used in the highest quality systems from Broadcast in New York to the filming of the Hobbit! These microphones are of the absolute highest quality. But they cost over $649 per system. Because budget is always a concern we wanted to compare and contrast the difference between the DPA D:Fine and a new product from SAMSON called the XPD1. The XPD1 is only $99 and it includes a complete wireless transmission system that uses 2.4 GHz. In this video we compare and contrast the differences, show some sample recordings and switch between both microphones live!

[hoopsmiles]

Great video. From first glance it would appear that the Samson and DPA mics sound almost the same. What would concern me more about these two mics, is how they would sound in harsher environments, where the reverb and background noise are chaotic? Or with movement, such as people doing vigorous dancing in a theater musical, etc.? I feel like even if I recorded my voice on my old Samsung galaxy 3 phone, I could get it to sound nice in a studio space, suitable for recording. On the contrary, if I recorded my voice at a football game on that phone, it probably wouldn't sound that great. My question is, how would the Samson mic fare if I used it while doing a performance in a crowded stadium or concert hall, etc? When looking at the $99 Samson mic online, I saw that it was omnidirectional, which concerns me for what I would be using the mic for. Whereas the DPA mics offer multiple microphone styles, including the directional mic that can isolate your voice, even if you are recording yourself at a sporting event or loud atmosphere. Personally, I'm looking for more of a directional mic so I don't pick up all the background noise in a room or outside, etc. When doing more research on the Samson mic, it doesn't appear to be the mic for me. I think you have to ask yourself, what do you plan on using the mic for? If you plan on doing YouTube videos in a controlled environment, as seen in this video, it sounds like the Samson mic works fine, even better than fine. Not saying that the Samson mic wouldn't do well in the more uncontrolled sound environments, frankly I need to see more evidence first before I can support that it would. I've used a couple samson headset mics before on multiple occasions doing a variety of performances at various venues. They are great mics, but the 2 headset mics I used had limitations when performing at some events. When doing smaller events, such as private parties, small venues, I may prefer using my Samson mics because if they get damaged, the financial risk isn't as high and I can still sound professional. But for larger events, harsher sounding environments, and a directional mic, pretty much for all purposes, though I'm not an owner of either of these products, I would go with the DPA mic all the way despite the cost difference. Regardless, thanks for the video. Very interesting.

[tomwillis]

If there is a difference, I can't hear it. Great informative video. Thanks for doing these.

[axemanGod]

I do radio editing for a pastor who uses the Sampson.  In the large church building it really picks up a lot of echo.  When the recording is compressed it becomes horrendous.  I do like the sound and price but Omni directional is a problem.  I plan on buying the D:fine this week.  I'll get back to you on the comparrison

[wbrock]

I jumped around in the video and the DPA sounds more defined and present, also the Samson has a lot more bg noise if you listen to the other guy. Also was your DPA omni or directional? But your point is made that if you're on a budget the Samson sounds great for the money, but generally the difference between better mics is a diminishing return with exponential price increase. The DPA's are hand built in Denmark, so a bit of a premium there. If top sound quality is my goal, then DPA all the way, if I'm just trying to get something recorded out on the web for cheap, the Samson is the way to go... Also how are you recording it? Straight to camera, what camera? Camera pre's are notoriously bad, so your recording is only as good as your weakest link. And finally the compression on youtube. So I'd say if you have top end equipment in your recording chain it would be much easier for the DPA to shine over the Samson.

[dainismichel]

well great...now what do i do? LOL! :-) i figured i'd buy the DPA. now what?

the application would be live vocals (singing).

is USB 2.0 the same as thunderbolt? i don't think so...have to check again...