SCHOEPS CMC 6xt

Product overview

The SCHOEPS CMC 6xt is the HiRes version of the CMC 6 microphone amplifier: it extends the frequency range of axially addressed Colette capsules up to 40 kHz.

With the CMC 6xt, the MK 2H, MK 2S, MK 21, MK 22, MK 4, MK 41 and MK 5 capsules reach up to 40 kHz. This is especially useful when recording at a high sample rate, particularly when the recording will later be slowed down and lowered in pitch by one or more octaves, for example in sound design.

SCHOEPS paid special attention to low self-noise above 20 kHz. This keeps a high dynamic range at high sampling rates: the often very small signal above 20 kHz is not masked, and the noise stays low even after down-pitching. In every other respect the CMC 6xt works like the CMC 6, with 48 V or 12 V phantom power, a balanced class-A output on XLR-3M and the SCHOEPS RFI Shield.

Key features

• HiRes version of the CMC 6 for the Colette modular system
• Extends axially addressed capsules (MK 2H, MK 2S, MK 21, MK 22, MK 4, MK 41, MK 5) up to 40 kHz
• Low self-noise above 20 kHz, for clean down-pitching
• Sensitivity the same as with the CMC 6
• Works with 48 V and 12 V phantom power
• Common-mode rejection > 60 dB, cables over 400 m
• SCHOEPS RFI Shield
• XLR-3M analog output, 42 Ω

Made for

• Sound design and sound effects recording
• High-sample-rate recording
• Recordings that will be slowed down and lowered in pitch
• Any Colette microphone that should reach beyond 20 kHz

In the box

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

SCHOEPS CMC 6xt: frequently asked questions

What does the CMC 6xt add to the CMC 6?

It extends the frequency range of axially addressed MK capsules up to 40 kHz and keeps the self-noise low above 20 kHz, which matters for high-sample-rate recording and down-pitching.

Which capsules reach 40 kHz with it?

The axially addressed capsules MK 2H, MK 2S, MK 21, MK 22, MK 4, MK 41 and MK 5. All other Colette capsules also fit the CMC 6xt.

Why is low noise above 20 kHz important?

When a recording is slowed down by one or more octaves, the content above 20 kHz becomes audible. Low self-noise in that range keeps the down-pitched sound realistic and clean.

Is the sensitivity different from the CMC 6?

No. The sensitivity depends on the capsule and is the same as with the CMC 6.

Which phantom power does it need?

48 V phantom power (above 20 V) at 4 mA, or 12 V phantom power (above 10 V) at 8 mA.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS CMC 6xt in India?

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

Workflow 1: Sound effects for down-pitching

Sound designers recording effects that will be slowed down.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw an axially addressed capsule onto the CMC 6xt.
2. Set the recorder to a high sample rate.
3. Record the source, then lower the pitch by one or more octaves in editing.

Tip: The low self-noise above 20 kHz keeps the down-pitched sound clean.

Workflow 2: High-resolution music recording

Engineers recording acoustic music at high sample rates.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the capsule for the room and the source.
2. Position the microphone as usual.
3. Record at the high sample rate of the project.

Tip: Axially addressed capsules reach up to 40 kHz with the CMC 6xt.

Workflow 3: Stereo pair at high resolution

Recordists capturing ambiences and ensembles in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit identical capsules to two CMC 6xt amplifiers.
2. Set up the stereo arrangement on a bar.
3. Match the gain on both channels.

Tip: Use the same capsule type on both sides for a consistent image.

Workflow 4: Battery-powered field recording

Field recordists working from battery power.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the recorder input to 12 V phantom power.
2. Connect the CMC 6xt.
3. Record at the chosen sample rate.

Tip: The CMC 6xt also runs on 48 V phantom power.

Workflow 5: Swapping capsules on one amplifier

Engineers who change pickup patterns between takes.

Connections

Setup

1. Unscrew the current capsule.
2. Screw on the capsule with the pattern you need.
3. Carry on recording with the same amplifier and cable.

Tip: All Colette capsules fit; the axial ones gain the extended range.

Workflow 6: Long cable runs

Installers and broadcast teams with distant inputs.

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: Common-mode rejection of more than 60 dB keeps cable-induced interference down.