SCHOEPS MK 2H

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 2H is an omnidirectional microphone capsule for the Colette modular system with a mild high-frequency elevation at 0°, ideal for A/B stereo and the Decca Tree.

Its mild elevation compensates the high-frequency losses caused by a slightly increased amount of diffuse sound at medium recording distances. Used indoors at such distances, where direct and reflected sound energy are similar in amount, the overall response of the MK 2H is linear. Its extended frequency response and low noise make it appropriate for the most demanding applications.

A gold-plated ring makes the sound inlet of the MK 2H narrower than that of the other SCHOEPS pressure transducers. This gives a slight, purely acoustic response elevation above 6 kHz, reduces the high-frequency loss for diffuse sound and helps to preserve a natural sound. The MK 2H is often described as balanced and round, and together with the KA 40 sphere attachment it forms a classic Decca Tree capsule.

Key features

• Omnidirectional pressure capsule of the Colette modular system
• Mild high-frequency elevation at 0°, purely acoustic, above 6 kHz
• Linear overall response at medium recording distances indoors
• Gold-plated ring narrows the sound inlet
• Balanced and round sound
• Very low self-noise: 10 dB (A-weighted), 84 dB signal-to-noise ratio
• 20 Hz - 26 kHz, or 20 Hz - 42 kHz with the CMC 6xt
• With the KA 40 sphere attachment: a classic Decca Tree capsule

Practice

The MK 2H is ideal for natural-sounding pickup of instruments and orchestras in spaces with well-balanced reverberance. At a given distance it sounds balanced and round, and it can be placed slightly closer than the brighter MK 2S. For spaced (A/B) stereo and especially the Decca Tree, SCHOEPS recommends the KA 40 sphere attachments.

Made for

• A/B spaced stereo pairs
• Decca Tree arrays with KA 40 spheres
• Instruments and orchestras in rooms with balanced reverberance
• Recording at medium distance from the source

In the box

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

SCHOEPS MK 2H: frequently asked questions

Is the MK 2H a complete microphone?

No. The MK 2H 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 the gold ring do?

It narrows the sound inlet, which gives a slight, purely acoustic elevation above 6 kHz and reduces the high-frequency loss for diffuse sound.

At what distance does the MK 2H work best?

At medium recording distances indoors, where direct and reflected sound are similar in amount; there its overall response is linear.

How do I choose between the MK 2H and the MK 2S?

It is largely personal preference: the MK 2H sounds more balanced and round, the MK 2S gives a little extra brilliance. The MK 2H also suits slightly closer placement.

Which accessory is recommended for a Decca Tree?

The KA 40 sphere attachment. Together with it, the MK 2H forms a classic Decca Tree capsule.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS MK 2H in India?

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

Workflow 1: A/B spaced stereo pair

Classical engineers recording ensembles and orchestras.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount two MK 2H capsules spaced apart in front of the ensemble.
2. Place them at a medium recording distance.
3. Use a matched capsule pair for close tolerances.
4. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: Add KA 40 spheres for spaced stereo; SCHOEPS recommends them.

Workflow 2: Decca Tree

Orchestral and film-score recording engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit a KA 40 sphere to each MK 2H.
2. Set up the three microphones as a Decca Tree above the conductor.
3. Balance the left, centre and right channels.

Tip: MK 2H with KA 40 is the classic Decca Tree capsule.

Workflow 3: Orchestra main microphones

Engineers working in halls with balanced reverberance.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphones where direct and reflected sound are similar in level.
2. Aim the capsules at the orchestra.
3. Listen for a balanced, round sound and adjust the distance.

Tip: At this distance the overall response of the MK 2H is linear.

Workflow 4: Acoustic instruments

Studio engineers recording piano, strings or guitar.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at a medium distance from the instrument.
2. Move it slightly closer for more direct sound.
3. Set the gain.

Tip: The MK 2H suits slightly closer placement than the MK 2S.

Workflow 5: High-resolution recording

Engineers recording at high sampling rates.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the MK 2H 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 - 42 kHz.

Workflow 6: Mono or stereo set

Anyone starting with a ready capsule-and-amplifier combination.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the Mono Set CMC 6 or Stereo Set CMC 6 with the MK 2H.
2. Screw the capsules onto the amplifiers.
3. Connect and record.

Tip: Other Colette capsules can be added to the same amplifiers later.