"Our equipment is mainly designed for recording sound and it is used across a wide range of film projects and broadcast programming," says Romain Becquet, sales manager at Tapages & Nocturnes. "We own more than 1,200 wireless systems from all of the main manufacturers, and a lot of intercom systems. We also have an extensive range of DPA microphones that are in great demand because our customers find them very versatile and reliable."
The most commonly requested models are the DPA d:screet 4060 Miniature Microphone and the d:fine range of Headset Microphones. Last year alone DPA's French distributor Audio² supplied the company with 175 miniature microphones including 115 4060/61 units. However, Tapages also owns more than 50 other DPA models including d:dicate 4017 shotgun microphones and even some old Hydrophone and B&K microphones.
"The miniature and headset mics are the most popular because we rent out so many wireless systems," Becquet says. "But we also have many DPA d:screet 4080 cardioid mics for TV speakers, d:vote 4099 Instrument Mics for music shows and d:mension™ 5100 Surround Microphones for sports events such as football and rugby where broadcasters want to capture the ambience of the stadium."
Established in 1981 and based in Paris, Tapages has an extensive client list that includes all of the main French TV companies and many high profile film companies. Recent broadcast projects have included reality shows such as Secret Story, MasterChef and Fort Boyard, while internationally the company supplied equipment at last year's London Olympic Games and, more recently, to capture the Grand Prix de Monaco.
"DPA microphones are currently being used on a French TV programme called La Boite à Musique (Music Box), which is a classical music show," Becquet says. "The sound engineer is miking all of the instruments with DPA d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones and using d:screet 4060 Miniature Microphones for the talent. Like many of our customers, he is happy using DPA because the sound quality is so good."
Becquet adds that DPA microphones can be used in almost any situation in broadcast or movie shooting because they are very tough and also come with a large number of accessories, which makes them very versatile.
(Jim Evans)
