SCHOEPS MK 22

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 22 is an Open Cardioid microphone capsule for the Colette modular system, combining a fair amount of directivity with very natural sound quality.

SCHOEPS introduced the Open Cardioid pickup pattern in 2008. It lies between the classic cardioid and the wide cardioid, joining the directionality of the MK 4 cardioid with the warm sound of the MK 21 wide cardioid. Many years of experience of professional recording engineers with the SCHOEPS cardioids played a large role in its development.

Its polar diagram is highly consistent across the frequency range, which gives the MK 22 its natural sound quality. Meanwhile it has become a preferred soloist and spot microphone and an alternative to the classic MK 4. The capsule screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L.

Key features

• Open Cardioid directional pattern, introduced by SCHOEPS in 2008
• Combines the directionality of the MK 4 cardioid with the warm sound of the MK 21 wide cardioid
• Natural sound quality thanks to a highly consistent polar diagram across the frequency range
• Popular as a spot or soloist microphone and as the mid microphone for MS
• Main microphone pair, for example at a spacing of 21 cm and an angle of ±55°

Made for

• Soloist microphones
• Spot microphones
• Mid microphone in MS stereo
• Main microphone pairs

In the box

• MK 22 Open Cardioid capsule (a Colette microphone amplifier is needed, available separately)

SCHOEPS MK 22: frequently asked questions

What is an Open Cardioid?

A pickup pattern introduced by SCHOEPS in 2008 that lies between the classic cardioid and the wide cardioid, giving a fair amount of directivity with a warm, natural sound.

Is the MK 22 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.

How is it used as a main pair?

SCHOEPS gives a spacing of 21 cm and an angle of ±55° as an example, and publishes a chart of spacing against angle for MK 22 pairs.

Can it be used in MS stereo?

Yes. The MK 22 is popular as the mid microphone for MS.

Are other finishes available?

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

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS MK 22 in India?

The SCHOEPS MK 22 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Soloist microphone

Classical and acoustic engineers recording a soloist.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK 22 onto the amplifier.
2. Aim the capsule at the soloist.
3. Set the distance for the balance of soloist and room.

Tip: The Open Cardioid gives directivity with a warm, natural sound.

Workflow 2: Spot microphone

Engineers adding spots to a main pair.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the spot towards the instrument group.
2. Set the gain.
3. Blend with the main pair.

Tip: SCHOEPS presents the MK 22 as an alternative to the classic MK 4 for spots.

Workflow 3: Main microphone pair

Engineers recording orchestras, choirs and ensembles in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the pair at a spacing of 21 cm and an angle of ±55°.
2. Use the spacing and angle chart to adjust the recording angle.
3. Use a matched capsule pair for close tolerances.

Tip: The official chart shows how spacing and angle work together for MK 22 pairs.

Workflow 4: MS stereo

Broadcast and film recordists needing mono-compatible stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the MK 22 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: The MK 22 is popular as the mid microphone for MS.

Workflow 5: Stereo set

Users who want a complete Colette stereo pair.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the capsules onto the CMC 6 amplifiers.
2. Mount them on a stereo bar.
3. Set both channels to the same gain.

Tip: The MK 22 is one of the capsules offered in the Stereo Set CMC 6.

Workflow 6: Mono microphone set

Users starting with one complete Colette microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK 22 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.