SCHOEPS MK 21

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 21 is a wide cardioid microphone capsule for the Colette modular system, combining the warm sound of an omni with the directivity of a cardioid.

The directivity of the wide cardioid lies between the omni and the cardioid, and the idea behind its development is to combine the advantages of both patterns. The low-frequency behaviour of the MK 21 is better than that of a cardioid, and proximity effect is less pronounced. Its polar pattern is extremely consistent across the frequency range, so laterally arriving direct sound and reflections are picked up without added colouration.

The MK 21 is a very well-liked capsule, preferred when a slight directional effect and a warm, natural sound image are wanted, and over the years it has become an integral part of the audio engineer's toolkit. It screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L.

Key features

• Wide cardioid pattern between omni and cardioid
• Combines the warm sound of the omni with the directivity of the cardioid
• Extremely consistent polar response for a very natural sound
• Better low-frequency behaviour than a cardioid, less pronounced proximity effect
• Lateral direct sound and reflections picked up without added colouration
• Popular as a main microphone pair, for example at a spacing of 30 cm and an angle of ±45°

Practice

SCHOEPS names the MK 21 as a preferred soloist or main microphone. As a spot microphone it should be placed slightly closer to the source than a cardioid, because of its lower directivity index. MS and near-coincident spacings are often successful with this capsule.

Made for

• Soloist microphones
• Main microphone pairs, near-coincident spacings
• MS stereo
• Spot microphones placed slightly closer than a cardioid

In the box

• MK 21 wide cardioid capsule (a Colette microphone amplifier is needed, available separately)

SCHOEPS MK 21: frequently asked questions

What is a wide cardioid?

A pattern between the omni and the cardioid. It keeps much of the warm low-frequency sound of an omni while still giving a slight directional effect.

Is the MK 21 a complete microphone?

No. It is the capsule of the Colette modular system and screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L. It is also part of the Mono Set CMC 6, the Stereo Set CMC 6 and the Desert Island Stereo Set.

Which stereo techniques suit the MK 21?

MS and near-coincident spacings are often successful; a popular main pair uses a spacing of 30 cm and an angle of ±45°. For XY, a capsule with stronger directivity is the usual choice.

How close should it be as a spot microphone?

Slightly closer to the source than a cardioid, because of its lower directivity index.

Are other finishes available?

The standard finish is matte grey; SCHOEPS also offers custom colours such as Chromagreen and Smoked Silver, custom engraving and specially matched capsule pairs.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS MK 21 in India?

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

Workflow 1: Main microphone pair

Classical engineers recording orchestras, choirs and ensembles.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount two MK 21 capsules at a spacing of 30 cm and an angle of ±45°.
2. Use a matched capsule pair for close tolerances.
3. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: SCHOEPS names this spacing as a popular main pair with the MK 21.

Workflow 2: Soloist microphone

Engineers recording a soloist in front of an ensemble.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the capsule towards the soloist.
2. Adjust the distance for the balance of soloist and room.
3. Set the gain.

Tip: Lateral sound is picked up without added colouration.

Workflow 3: Spot microphone

Engineers adding spots to a main pair.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the spot slightly closer to the source than a cardioid would be.
2. Aim at the instrument group.
3. Blend with the main pair.

Tip: The lower directivity index calls for a slightly shorter distance.

Workflow 4: MS stereo

Recordists needing mono-compatible stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the MK 21 as the mid microphone facing the source.
2. Add a figure-eight capsule as the side microphone.
3. Record both channels and decode MS in the mix.

Tip: SCHOEPS notes that MS is often successful with the MK 21.

Workflow 5: Near-coincident stereo

Engineers recording ensembles and ambience.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the pair at a near-coincident spacing.
2. Angle the capsules towards the ensemble.
3. Check the stereo image and adjust spacing or angle.

Tip: The warm low end of the wide cardioid keeps the room natural.

Workflow 6: Mono microphone set

Users starting with one complete Colette microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK 21 onto the CMC 6.
2. Mount the microphone on a stand clamp.
3. Switch on phantom power and set the gain.

Tip: Other capsules can be added later on the same amplifier.