Sound Engineer Jade Payne’s career began over 15 years ago in New York’s, now Payne finds herself on the road with musical trio Khruangbin, for which DPA Microphones play a role in her audio setup.
“We use a lot of DPA mics for Khruangbin,” says Payne. “We have the 4055 [Kick Drum Mic] on kick, 4099 [Instrument Mics] on snare bottom and floor tom, 2012 [Compact Cardioid] on snare top, 2011 [Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Mic] on hi-hat and 4007 [Omnidirectional Mic] for rim/sidestick. These mics work coherently together, even when in close proximity.”
“The 4055, especially, has been a revelation. Its natural sound capture means I barely have to EQ the drum,” she added.
“When I first started touring, I realised that having compact, high-quality mics was essential; I loved that the 4099s are very small and portable,” she explained. “More so, when working with up-and-coming bands, you really have to be selective with your kit since these acts typically don’t carry gear in trucks. Your front of house toolkit rarely leaves your side, traveling in a backpack or small pelican. One of the greatest perks of DPA is the brand’s small footprint. You can fit several capsules in a single custom-cut mic case, which is a game-changer for time and efficiency.”
Payne’s journey with DPA microphones deepened during her tenure at Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn, New York, where she was introduced to the sound quality of DPA’s stereo kits and 4011 Cardioid Condenser Mics. Around this time, she connected with DPA again at the 2019 AES Show in New York.
As Payne’s career took her across the globe, the need for a consistent, high-fidelity sound became paramount. “I started utilising DPA for our international tours,” she added. “The difference in sound quality was undeniable and, eventually, it was clear that DPA mics needed to be a permanent part of my kit. DPA mics have traveled all over the world with us, performing exceptionally well. Specifically, with the 4055, the shock resistance is unmatched. I don’t have to use a gate on the kick, which can’t be said for many other kick microphones.”
“The DPA team has been incredibly supportive, recognizing my talent as an independent engineer,” she said. “It’s been a rewarding journey to work with the brand and its representatives around the world.”
