SCHOEPS CMD 42

Product overview

The SCHOEPS CMD 42 is the digital microphone amplifier of the Colette series: it transfers the signal from the microphone capsule directly into the digital domain, through an AES42 interface in Modes 1 and 2.

The CMD 42 is compatible with all MK capsules and Colette accessories and is recommended for film sound and sound design. Like the SuperCMIT, it uses the AES42 interface; in principle a small powering box at an AES3 input may also be sufficient, since the CMD 42 can be controlled with the free SCHOEPS Remote App on a smartphone. The app sets the parameters and sends them to the microphone acoustically, without wireless technology.

It is made for applications in which its special features offer distinct added value: an output that resists any interference in the cable, the full dynamic range of the capsule transferred into the digital realm without analog level-setting, sampling rates up to 192 kHz with an extended frequency range beyond 40 kHz ("xt" functionality), and unrivalled low inherent noise in the ultrasonic range, particularly suitable for down-pitching in sound design.

Key features

• Digital microphone amplifier for the Colette series, compatible with all MK capsules and Colette accessories
• AES42 interface, Modes 1 and 2, two channels
• Sampling rates up to 192 kHz and an extended capsule frequency range beyond 40 kHz ("xt")
• Very low self-noise, also above 20 kHz, for down-pitching with high audio quality
• No analog level-setting: the full dynamic range of the capsule goes into the digital domain
• DSP in the microphone: limiter, mono upmix to stereo and numerous EQ curves
• Two-channel output: processed and unprocessed signal at once, as backup, clone or stereo (mono upmix)
• Controlled with the free SCHOEPS Remote App; multicolour LED function indicator
• Compatible with selected digital wireless transmitters

Fits like a CMC 6

The CMD 42 is exactly the same length as a CMC 6, so most suspensions and windscreens fit in the same way, and it is only 10 g heavier. The lower section has a diameter of 20 mm, so elastically suspended windshields use a holder for 20 mm.

Made for

• Film sets and production sound on the boom
• Recording atmospheres
• Sound design, including down-pitching of ultrasonic content
• Parabolic dish recording
• Long cable runs with an interference-free digital signal

In the box

• CMD 42 digital microphone amplifier in a wooden box
• An MK capsule of the Colette system is needed, available separately
• An AES42 input, or a PSD 42 or Mini-DA42 powering box, is needed

SCHOEPS CMD 42: frequently asked questions

What does the CMD 42 need to run?

An MK capsule and AES42 digital phantom power (6 - 12 V). Recorders and consoles with an AES42 input power it directly; otherwise the SCHOEPS PSD 42 (digital outputs) or Mini-DA42 (digital and analog outputs) powering boxes are recommended.

How is the CMD 42 controlled?

With the free SCHOEPS Remote App for smartphones. Parameters such as digital gain, low cut, analog pad, channel configuration and peak limiter are set in the app and sent to the microphone acoustically.

What is the difference between Full Mode and Pure Mode?

Full Mode runs at a fixed 48 kHz with the full range of signal processing and a latency of 2.2 ms. Pure Mode runs at a variable sample rate up to 192 kHz with a fixed delay of 11 samples (0.06 ms at 192 kHz) and a limited set of processing features.

Which capsules can be used?

All MK capsules of the Colette series, for example the MK 2, MK 21, MK 22, MK 4, MK 41, MK 8 and the KMIT shotgun capsule.

Does it fit existing suspensions and windscreens?

Yes. It is exactly the same length as a CMC 6 and only 10 g heavier, so most suspensions and windscreens fit in the same way; for elastically suspended windshields a holder for 20 mm diameter is used.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS CMD 42 in India?

The SCHOEPS CMD 42 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Production sound on the boom

Production sound mixers recording dialogue on film sets.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK capsule onto the CMD 42 and mount it in the suspension.
2. Connect it to an AES42 input with an AES cable.
3. Set the parameters in the SCHOEPS Remote App and send them to the microphone.
4. Record the processed and the unprocessed signal on two tracks.

Tip: No analog level-setting is needed: the full dynamic range of the capsule is transferred into the digital domain.

Workflow 2: Sound design at high sample rates

Sound designers who down-pitch recordings.

Connections

Setup

1. Select Pure Mode in the app and set the sample rate up to 192 kHz.
2. Switch on the XT filter for the extended frequency range beyond 40 kHz.
3. Record and down-pitch later with high audio quality.

Tip: The very low self-noise above 20 kHz is what makes clean down-pitching possible.

Workflow 3: Atmospheres in stereo from one microphone

Recordists capturing ambiences.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose an upmix channel configuration in the app.
2. Place the microphone in the scene.
3. Record the two-channel output as a stereo signal.

Tip: The mono upmix to stereo runs inside the microphone.

Workflow 4: Recorder without AES42 input

Users with AES3 or analog inputs only.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the CMD 42 to the PSD 42 or Mini-DA42.
2. Take the digital (or analog) outputs to the recorder.
3. Control the microphone with the Remote App.

Tip: The PSD 42 gives digital outputs; the Mini-DA42 adds analog outputs.

Workflow 5: Parabolic dish recording

Nature and sports recordists working at a distance.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the CMD 42 in the handle of the parabolic dish.
2. Aim the dish at the source.
3. Use the analog pad or limiter in the app for loud sources.

Tip: The digital output resists any interference in the cable.

Workflow 6: Very loud sources

Effects recordists capturing impacts, engines and similar sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch on the analog pad in the app.
2. Activate the peak limiter if needed.
3. Record; with the MK 2 the maximum SPL rises to 152 dB-SPL.

Tip: The peak limiter works with a latency of only 1 ms.