Schoeps CMC68NI-SET

A microphone package that includes a CMC 6 amplifier, MK 8 bi-directional capsule, SG20 stand clamp, and a B5 popscreen. Available in a nickle finish.

The chief task of a CMC microphone amplifier is to convert the extremely high-impedance signal from the capsule to a very low-impedance one suitable for transmission through a microphone cable. It features a symmetrical class-A output stage with neither coupling condensers nor an output transformer. This design helps it to achieve extremely low distortion and light physical weight, while its very low output impedance helps make it insensitive to electrical interference. The CMC 6 works with both 12 V and 48 V phantom powering so long as the relevant standard is followed. In addition to the CMC 6's dual-voltage circuitry, the two amplifiers differ in their response at the very bottom of the audio frequency range. The CMC 6 is essentially flat to 20 Hz.

The MK 8 is a true dipole transducer, operating with a single diaphragm. The main axis of its bidirectional pickup lies at right angles to its cylindrical axis, and is marked at 0° and 180° with a red and a black dot respectively. When M/S stereo recordings are made, the 0° axis faces to the left, as viewed from behind the microphone setup. The 8 engraved on the top of the housing should be aligned on its side so as to appear horizontal, at a precise right angle to the Mid capsule. The microphone should be placed directly above or beneath the M channel microphone, and as close to it as possible.

The inherent qualities of a pure pressure-gradient transducer are readily observed in this microphone type:

• Its sensitivity decreases at low frequencies.
• The directional characteristic and the random energy efficiency are extraordinarily independent of frequency.
• Proximity effect is present.

The sound quality of the MK 8 is clear and neutral. As physics would dictate, the frequency response rolls off above 16 kHz.

When an MK 8 is used as a spot microphone, care must be taken to avoid picking up early reflections or unwanted direct sound from its rear, since sound arriving from the back is picked up with full level but reversed in polarity. This could result in partial cancellation of the intended sound, which can lead to comb-filter effects at higher frequencies.

A typical and interesting application of the MK 8, for which it is ideally suited, is as the S channel of an M/S stereophonic system. (As an X/Y pair, two of them crossed at 90° are also ideal in the Blumlein stereo arrangement.)

Note:
Though not specifically designed for such use, the MK 8 capsule can also be used on the Active Tube RC or the variable angle joint GVC; when fully tightened it will rarely be aimed where you intend. On request Schoeps will supply an elastic ring which can be slipped over the threads of the RC or GVC so that the final turn of the capsule will place it at the desired angle of rotation.