SCHOEPS CMC 6

Product overview

The SCHOEPS CMC 6 is the most popular SCHOEPS microphone amplifier for the Colette modular system, with electrical properties that set new standards for low distortion and common-mode rejection.

The capsule of a condenser microphone cannot be connected directly to a microphone cable or input; a microphone amplifier is needed in between. A complete Colette microphone therefore combines any of the twenty available SCHOEPS capsule types with an amplifier such as the CMC 6. The amplifier supplies the electric charge the capsule needs, amplifies its very weak high-impedance signal, and balances and matches it so that it travels cleanly to the next stage.

The CMC 6 U is designed for standard 48 V and 12 V phantom powering. Its circuitry recognises the supply voltage and adjusts itself automatically, and its performance stays essentially the same either way. The 12 V mode draws more current but consumes less power, which can be preferred for battery-powered recording. Inside is a balanced, direct-coupled class-A amplifier that gives a low output impedance, high RF shielding and minimal distortion.

Key features

• Flat frequency response, very low harmonic distortion and noise
• Works with 12 V and 48 V phantom power, reliable even with weak phantom power
• Balanced, low-impedance output with frequency-independent impedance
• High suppression of interference on the microphone cable (common-mode rejection > 55 dB)
• SCHOEPS RFI Shield: excellent protection against high-frequency radio interference
• Signal transmission possible over very long cables, more than 400 m
• Symmetrical, transformer- and capacitor-free class-A output stage
• Above 20 kHz the signal is attenuated, protecting against ultrasonic interference such as a film camera's ultrasonic autofocus

Special versions

Besides the standard CMC 6 U, SCHOEPS offers special versions. The CMC 6 U linear picks up frequencies below 20 Hz without attenuation; on request its response can be flat down to 10 Hz, useful with pressure (omnidirectional) transducers in digital recording. The CMC 6 U +5 dB gives 5 dB more sensitivity with essentially the same signal-to-noise ratio, for raising signals above the noise of the following equipment or for sources that are mainly quiet. The CMC 6xt is the 40 kHz version. Custom colours (Chromagreen, Smoked Silver) and custom engraving are also available.

Made for

• Building a complete Colette microphone with any MK capsule
• Studio, stage and location recording on 48 V or 12 V phantom power
• Battery-powered recording on 12 V
• Long cable runs and installations
• Film sets and locations with radio and ultrasonic interference

In the box

• CMC 6 U microphone amplifier
• SG 20 stand clamp for 20/21 mm
• An MK capsule of the Colette system is needed, available separately

SCHOEPS CMC 6: frequently asked questions

Why does a Colette capsule need the CMC 6?

A condenser capsule cannot drive a microphone cable on its own. The CMC 6 supplies the capsule's electric charge, amplifies its very weak signal and delivers a balanced, low-impedance output on XLR-3M.

Which capsules can I use with it?

All capsules of the Colette system, for example the MK 2, MK 21, MK 22, MK 4, MK 41 and MK 8. A complete microphone can combine any of the twenty available capsule types with the amplifier.

Does it work on 12 V phantom power?

Yes. The CMC 6 U recognises 48 V (20 - 52 V) or 12 V (10 - 13 V) phantom power and adjusts itself automatically, with essentially the same performance. It draws 4 mA at 48 V and 8 mA at 12 V.

How long can the microphone cable be?

More than 400 m. The output impedance of 42 Ω is independent of frequency and the common-mode rejection is more than 55 dB, so long cables are no obstacle.

Is there a version for frequencies above 20 kHz?

Yes, the CMC 6xt extends the frequency range of axially addressed capsules up to 40 kHz. For response below 20 Hz there is the CMC 6 U linear.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS CMC 6 in India?

The SCHOEPS CMC 6 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Building a Colette microphone

Engineers assembling a SCHOEPS microphone for studio, stage or location.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the chosen MK capsule onto the CMC 6.
2. Mount the microphone in the SG 20 stand clamp.
3. Connect a balanced microphone cable and switch on phantom power.
4. Set the gain on the preamp.

Tip: Changing the capsule changes the pickup pattern while the amplifier stays the same.

Workflow 2: Battery-powered recording on 12 V

Location recordists working from battery power.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the recorder input to 12 V phantom power.
2. Connect the CMC 6; it recognises the voltage and adjusts itself.
3. Record as usual.

Tip: The 12 V mode consumes less power, which suits battery-powered recording.

Workflow 3: Long cable runs

Installers and broadcast teams with distant stage boxes.

Connections

Setup

1. Run a balanced microphone cable to the input.
2. Switch on P48 at the console.
3. Check the level at the far end.

Tip: The frequency-independent 42 Ω output impedance keeps the sound unchanged on long lines.

Workflow 4: Film set with interference sources

Production sound teams near cameras and radio equipment.

Connections

Setup

1. Rig the microphone as usual near the camera position.
2. Rely on the RFI Shield against high-frequency radio interference.
3. Record; the signal above 20 kHz is attenuated against ultrasonic autofocus interference.

Tip: High common-mode rejection also suppresses interference induced in the cable.

Workflow 5: Adding Colette active accessories

Engineers who need a low cut, an attenuator or a remote capsule position.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the CUT 60 low-cut filter, the PAD 10/20 C attenuator or an RC active extension tube.
2. Assemble capsule, accessory and CMC 6.
3. Connect to the preamp with phantom power.

Tip: All Colette active accessories are part of the same modular system.

Workflow 6: Stereo pair

Engineers recording ensembles, choirs and ambience in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit identical capsules to two CMC 6 amplifiers.
2. Mount both on a stereo bar in the chosen arrangement.
3. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: SCHOEPS also offers ready-made mono and stereo sets with the CMC 6.