SCHOEPS CCM 21

Product overview

The SCHOEPS CCM 21 is a wide cardioid compact microphone with especially consistent directionality throughout its frequency range and a pleasant sound image, often described as warm.

Its directional pattern lies between omni and cardioid. The basic idea of the CCM 21 was to combine the advantages of both: it has a fuller and more extended low-frequency response than a cardioid, with less proximity effect, and it picks up more of the sound arriving from the sides and the rear.

The polar diagram shows its directivity to be only slightly dependent on frequency. Direct sound on axis and reverberant or other sound off axis are both reproduced accurately, so the orientation of the CCM 21 is less critical than with a cardioid, and the uncoloured off-axis pickup gives a warm and natural sonic impression. It is available as the CCM 21 L with a Lemo connector or the CCM 21 K with a permanently attached 5 m cable and XLR-3M connector, powered by P48 or P12.

Key features

• Wide cardioid compact microphone
• Especially consistent directionality throughout the frequency range
• Pleasant sound image, often described as warm
• Fuller, more extended low end than a cardioid, with less proximity effect
• Uncoloured off-axis pickup; orientation less critical
• Capsule identical to the MK 21 of the Colette series
• Matched pairs with certificate available

Practice

As a spot microphone the CCM 21 is placed somewhat closer to the source than a cardioid would be, and its uniform off-axis response helps to blend nearby instruments seamlessly into the overall mix. For wide pickups where some directivity helps, as in acoustically difficult rooms where the bass would be too strong with omnis, it can be especially helpful. M/S and near-coincident spacings are often successful. Together with the cardioid and supercardioid, it is one of the most preferred SCHOEPS capsule types.

Made for

• Spot microphones that blend into the overall mix
• Main pairs for overall stereo pickup
• M/S and near-coincident stereo
• Acoustically difficult rooms with strong bass

In the box

• CCM 21 compact microphone (L or K version)
• K 5 LU standard cable for CCM
• SGC miniature stand mount with swivel
• A microphone input with P48 or P12 phantom power is needed

SCHOEPS CCM 21: frequently asked questions

What is a wide cardioid?

A pattern between omni and cardioid. The CCM 21 combines the fuller low end and natural sound of an omni with some of the directivity of a cardioid.

How is the CCM 21 placed as a spot microphone?

Somewhat closer to the source than a cardioid. Its uniform off-axis response helps nearby instruments blend seamlessly into the overall mix.

Which stereo techniques suit it?

It is often preferred as the main pair for overall stereo pickup; M/S and near-coincident spacings are often successful.

What is the difference between the CCM 21 L and the CCM 21 K?

The CCM 21 L is the standard version with a Lemo connector; the CCM 21 K has a permanently attached 5 m cable with an XLR-3M connector. Both carry the same capsule and electronics.

Is the CCM 21 also available as a modular microphone?

Yes. It can be ordered as a modular Colette microphone, with the CMC 1 L amplifier and the MK 21 capsule. This allows the capsule to be exchanged and has advantages in terms of electrical properties with digital wireless transmitters.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS CCM 21 in India?

The SCHOEPS CCM 21 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Spot microphone that blends

Engineers covering instruments within an ensemble.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the CCM 21 somewhat closer to the source than a cardioid.
2. Aim it at the instrument.
3. Switch on P48 and set the gain.

Tip: Its uniform off-axis response helps nearby instruments blend into the mix.

Workflow 2: Main pair for overall stereo

Engineers recording ensembles and orchestras.

Connections

Setup

1. Order a matched pair with certificate (No. 191701).
2. Set up a near-coincident pair in front of the ensemble.
3. Match the gains.

Tip: Near-coincident spacings are often successful with the CCM 21.

Workflow 3: M/S stereo with a wide cardioid mid

Recordists who want a natural, adjustable stereo image.

Connections

Setup

1. Aim the CCM 21 at the centre of the source.
2. Place the figure-eight side microphone directly above or beneath it.
3. Decode M/S to left and right.

Tip: SCHOEPS notes that M/S is often successful with this capsule type.

Workflow 4: Rooms with heavy bass

Engineers recording in acoustically difficult rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Use the CCM 21 where omnis would pick up too much bass.
2. Place the pair for a wide pickup.
3. Set the gains.

Tip: Some directivity, with the warm sound close to that of an omni.

Workflow 5: Fixed-cable installation with the K version

Installers and engineers who need a ready-cabled microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Order the CCM 21 K with its permanently attached 5 m cable.
2. Route the cable and plug the XLR-3M into the input.
3. Switch on P48 or P12 phantom power.

Tip: No separate microphone cable is needed for the first 5 m.

Workflow 6: Modular option with an exchangeable capsule

Users who want to swap capsules or work with digital wireless transmitters.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the modular Colette version: CMC 1 L + MK 21.
2. Screw the capsule onto the amplifier.
3. Change capsules when the job needs another pattern.

Tip: The modular version has advantages in electrical properties with digital wireless transmitters.