DPA 4017BFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 19 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment50%
PROS 50%
CONS 50%

Rank based on 19 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want natural, transparent sound that needs minimal EQ in post
  • You need strong off-axis rejection and low RF interference for boom work
  • You're a professional who can justify the premium price for a workhorse mic

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're on a tight budget, since it costs roughly double an MKH416
  • You prefer a more hyped, present top-end sound like the 416 offers
  • You want the identical sound of the cheaper 2017 sibling instead

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040~$1,399 · 1.6× cheaper
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040~$1,399 · 1.6× cheaper
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
2Premium
Lewitt LCT 1040~$3,499 · 1.6× pricier
Exceptional tonal versatilityBrand loyalty and trust in LewittRivals ultra high-end microphonesVery high priceSubtle differences between settingsTube serviceability concerns
Lewitt LCT 1040~$3,499 · 1.6× pricier
Exceptional tonal versatility
Brand loyalty and trust in Lewitt
Rivals ultra high-end microphones
Very high price
Subtle differences between settings
Tube serviceability concerns
Best value
3Premium
Neumann TLM 193~$1,599 · 1.4× cheaper
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193~$1,599 · 1.4× cheaper
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
4Premium
Austrian Audio OC818~$1,199 · 1.8× cheaper
Exceptional versatilitySmooth, transparent soundPost-recording polar pattern flexibilityPremium price pointApp and Bluetooth longevity concernsSkepticism about stepless pattern usefulness
Austrian Audio OC818~$1,199 · 1.8× cheaper
Exceptional versatility
Smooth, transparent sound
Post-recording polar pattern flexibility
Premium price point
App and Bluetooth longevity concerns
Skepticism about stepless pattern usefulness
5Premium
Earthworks QTC40~$1,199 · 1.8× cheaper
Exceptional detail and clarityGreat for stereo/omni pairingThoughtful acoustic designPlacement is fiddly in imperfect roomsConfusing shockmount messagingHigh price point
Earthworks QTC40~$1,199 · 1.8× cheaper
Exceptional detail and clarity
Great for stereo/omni pairing
Thoughtful acoustic design
Placement is fiddly in imperfect rooms
Confusing shockmount messaging
High price point
6Premium
AKG C414 XLII~$1,199 · 1.8× cheaper
Versatile across instrumentsExcellent tonal qualityGood for stereo pairing considerationHigh price hesitationOccasional sibilance
AKG C414 XLII~$1,199 · 1.8× cheaper
Versatile across instruments
Excellent tonal quality
Good for stereo pairing consideration
High price hesitation
Occasional sibilance
7Upper
Sennheiser MD 441~$1,100 · 2× cheaper
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441~$1,100 · 2× cheaper
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
You are here
8Premium
DPA 4017B~$2,199
Natural, transparent soundLow off-axis phasinessStrong RF rejection416 preferred by some for overall soundCan sound dull or veiled next to the 416High price relative to alternatives
DPA 4017B~$2,199
Natural, transparent sound
Low off-axis phasiness
Strong RF rejection
416 preferred by some for overall sound
Can sound dull or veiled next to the 416
High price relative to alternatives

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is natural, full, and requires little post-processing. Multiple users describe the 4017B as smooth, transparent, and full-sounding, with one noting they 'barely have to touch it in post' thanks to a gentle low-end roll-off. It pairs well with mics like the Schoeps CMIT 5U. Some listeners felt it sounded fuller and warmer than its smaller 2017 sibling, calling it worth the price if affordable, though not everyone agreed it was dramatically better.

Opinions split sharply against the hyped Sennheiser MKH416. Many commenters directly compare the 4017B to the 416, with several preferring the DPA's evenness and lack of off-axis phasiness in noisy environments like traffic. However, others found the 416 punchier and more exciting, calling the DPA comparatively 'veiled,' 'stale,' or 'dull' by comparison, showing the choice is heavily dependent on listener taste and use case.

Price is a major barrier relative to competing shotgun mics. Several commenters note the 4017B costs roughly twice as much as the MKH416 (around $2K vs $1K), leading some to choose the cheaper Sennheiser or the DPA 2017 sibling instead. Despite the cost, professional sound mixers who own multiple units call it a workhorse in their arsenal and worth the investment for demanding production work.

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