SCHOEPS MK 2

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 2 is an omnidirectional microphone capsule for the Colette modular system, free-field equalised for a linear frequency response at 0° and made for placement close to the sound source.

The linear response of the MK 2 to frontally arriving sound gives a very natural sound in near-field recordings. The capsule can be set up very close to the sound source without sounding too brilliant or harsh, which makes close-miking of instruments its preferred use.

Like every SCHOEPS capsule, the MK 2 screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 6xt, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L. With the CMC 6xt its frequency range extends to 40 kHz. Because of the physics of sound, even an omnidirectional microphone has some directivity at high frequencies, so it still matters which way the capsule is aimed.

Key features

• Omnidirectional pressure capsule of the Colette modular system
• Linear frequency response at 0° (free-field equalised)
• Natural sound in the near field, never too brilliant or harsh up close
• Very low self-noise: 10 dB (A-weighted), 84 dB signal-to-noise ratio
• 20 Hz - 28 kHz, or 20 Hz - 40 kHz with the CMC 6xt
• Calibrated laboratory frequency response available on request for use as a measurement microphone
• Matched pairs, custom colours and custom engraving available as options

Made for

• Close-miking of instruments
• Recordings close to the sound source
• Measurement use with a calibrated laboratory frequency response

In the box

• MK 2 omnidirectional capsule (a Colette microphone amplifier is needed, available separately)

SCHOEPS MK 2: frequently asked questions

Is the MK 2 a complete microphone?

No. The MK 2 is the capsule of the Colette modular system; it screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 6xt, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L. It is also part of the Mono Set CMC 6 and the Stereo Set CMC 6.

What does free-field equalised mean for the MK 2?

Its frequency response is linear for sound arriving from the front. That gives a natural sound when the microphone is close to the source, where direct sound dominates.

Does the direction matter with an omnidirectional capsule?

Yes. Due to the physics of sound there is some directivity at high frequencies, so it still matters which way the capsule is aimed.

Can the MK 2 be used as a measurement microphone?

Yes. SCHOEPS can provide a calibrated laboratory frequency response on request.

Which options are available?

Specially matched capsule pairs, custom colours such as Chromagreen and Smoked Silver (which looks like the classic SCHOEPS nickel), and custom engraving.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS MK 2 in India?

The SCHOEPS MK 2 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Close-miking an instrument

Studio and live engineers recording acoustic instruments up close.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK 2 onto the amplifier and mount it on a stand clamp.
2. Place it close to the instrument.
3. Aim the capsule at the part of the instrument you want to hear most.
4. Switch on P48 and set the gain.

Tip: The MK 2 stays natural up close, without sounding too brilliant or harsh.

Workflow 2: Near-field recording

Recordists capturing direct sound with little room.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the microphone near the source so direct sound dominates.
2. Keep the capsule pointed at the source.
3. Record with the flat on-axis response.

Tip: Free-field equalisation means a linear response for frontal sound.

Workflow 3: Measurement microphone

Acousticians and engineers who need a reference capsule.

Connections

Setup

1. Request a calibrated laboratory frequency response from SCHOEPS.
2. Mount the microphone at the measuring point and aim it at the source.
3. Apply the calibration data in the measurement software.

Tip: Even an omni has some high-frequency directivity, so the aiming matters.

Workflow 4: Extended frequency range

Engineers recording at high sampling rates.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the MK 2 to a CMC 6xt.
2. Set the converter to a high sampling rate.
3. Record as usual.

Tip: With the CMC 6xt the range reaches 20 Hz - 40 kHz.

Workflow 5: Suspended microphone

Installers and engineers hanging microphones above a source.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the amplifier in the H 20 cable hanger.
2. Hang the microphone above the source and aim the capsule.
3. Route the cable to the console.

Tip: The HC miniature cable hanger is the compact SCHOEPS alternative.

Workflow 6: A matched pair

Engineers recording with two identical omnis.

Connections

Setup

1. Order a specially matched capsule pair.
2. Mount both capsules at the same height and orientation.
3. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: Normal production tolerances are already very close; matching narrows them further.