Jose Amable Frometa Adds DPA Microphones to Equipment Arsenal

Over the past 30 years, FOH Engineer Jose Amable Frómeta has worked with some of Latin America’s most popular recording artists. Frómeta recently added DPA Microphones’ d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones to his arsenal of equipment.

Frómeta has been using DPA microphones for about a year now. “In a private engagement in Chile with artist Juan Luis Guerra, the local audio company provided us with DPA d:vote 4099s as replacements for the ones specified on our input list,” says Frómeta. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, having never used them before. I used them on saxophones and was so amazed with the sound that I purchased three the following week. The mics are simply great.”

One of Frómeta’s previous audio challenges has been solved with the use of DPA’s d:vote 4099 mounting system.“I don’t like using clip-on mics on congas because I end up rolling off more low end then I would like to in order to get rid of that thumping sound you get every time the musician hits the conga drums,” adds Frómeta. “The d:vote 4099’s clip-on mounting suspension system works great and is like having the microphones on a stand.”

Another feature of the d:vote 4099 that stands out for Frómeta is its flexibility. “With its three-part system, I have the ability to replace the connector, the cable and the capsule. This is a very well thought-out feature,” says Frómeta. “In addition, with the d:vote 4099s, I am able to use much less EQing than with previous microphones to achieve the sound I am trying to get, especially in the saxophones.”

Frómeta has recently expanded his DPA inventory and plans to continue to do so in the future. “Not too long ago, I acquired the d:vote 4099 Touring Kit for Rock and now I’m using the d:vote 4099s on all horns (two trumpets, one trombone, alto and tenor saxophones) on congas and a couple of folk drums,” says Frómeta. “I’ve also heard great things about DPA’s d:dicate 2011 Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone and the d:facto MMC4018Vand MMC4018VL Vocal Capsules and look forward to trying them out as well.”