Schoeps CMC 68 Figure-8 Condenser Microphone Set

The Schoeps CMC 68 Microphone Set is a complete cardioid/omnidirectional condenser microphone set including a CMC amplifier with MK 8 bi-directional, pop screen, clamp and wooden box.

CMC 6 Amplifier

The CMC 6 is designed for standard 48- and 12-Volt phantom powering. Its circuitry recognizes the supply voltage and adjusts itself automatically. Its performance characteristics remain essentially the same either way; mainly, the difference is that the current drawn at 12 Volts is greater than at 48 Volts. However, the 12-Volt mode consumes less power and might be preferred for battery-powered recording.

The microphone amplifier is responsible for providing the necessary electric charge to the capsule, without which it would be unable to generate a signal. Since the capsule's output signal is very weak (Hi-Z), it must be amplified. In order for the microphone's output to cleanly reach the next stage in the signal chain, it must undergo balancing and impedance matching before transmission. The CMC 6 incorporates a balanced, direct-coupled class-A amplifier, yielding a low output impedance, high RF shielding, and minimal distortion.

FEATURES:

• Flat frequency response
• Very low harmonic distortion and noise
• Works with 12V and 48V phantom power
• Balanced, low-impedance output
• High suppression of interference on the Microphone cable
• Excellent protection against high-frequency Radio interference with "RFI Shield"
• Frequency-independent impedance
• Signal transmission possible over very long cables
• Reliable operation even with weak phantom power
• Symmetrical, transformer- and capacitor-free output stage with a Cass A amplifier
• Above 20 kHz, the signal is attenuated for protection against interference in the ultrasonic range, e.g. through the ultrasonic autofocus of a film camera

MK 8 Capsule

The MK 8 is often used for M/S and double M/S stereo sound in film sound and music recording, in combination with Colette or CCM microphones and/or a CMIT shotgun microphone.

This type of capsule is a pure dipole. The figure-eight pattern of the MK 8 remains constant from low to high frequencies, which is particularly important when used in an M/S setup. Its sensitivity rolls off more at low frequencies than other capsules, but proximity effect (which can compensate, given relatively close placement) is also more pronounced.

Production of the MK 8 is a special technical accomplishment, because in terms of physics, the available force due to the pressure gradient is minimal. Despite this, the MK 8 has excellent frequency and polar response, near-perfect front/back symmetry, and low inherent noise.

The microphone is comparatively sensitive to solid-borne sound as well as wind and breath noise. Good protection should be considered, e.g. suitable wind screening and/or shock mounting.

The pickup direction is lateral, i.e. perpendicular to the microphone housing, and the 0° and 180° axes are indicated respectively by red and black dots on the capsule housing. When recording with M/S, the 0° axis (as viewed from a position behind the microphone) should point to the left, and the "8" engraved on top of the capsule should be precisely horizontal.

FEATURES:

• Figure-8 characteristic (pure pressure-gradient transducer)
• Pickup direction: Lateral (perpendicular to the microphone axis)
• 0°-axis marked with a red dot
• Preferred application: M/S, double M/S and "Blumlein" stereo

SCHOEPS COLETTE

The Colette series was introduced back in 1973 and has since been made up of mutually compatible modules that are constantly being updated and supplemented. No other microphone system has been on the market for such a long time. The Colette series invented the modularity in microphone technology and is considered more than ever before to be the best small-diaphragm microphone system.

Microphones from the modular Colette series are comprised of a microphone capsule screwed onto an amplification unit. Any capsule can be combined with any amplifier. Active accessories can be inserted between capsule and amplifier if desired. The RC active extension tube in particular graces many high-profile events with its stylish appearance. Due to its modular nature, the Colette system offers a large variety of options, for a wide range of use cases.