SCHOEPS MK 2S

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 2S is an omnidirectional microphone capsule for the Colette modular system and the most popular SCHOEPS pressure transducer, often used for A/B stereo, the Decca Tree or as a room microphone.

Its moderate high-frequency elevation at 0° compensates the high-frequency losses caused by the increased amount of diffuse sound when the microphone is used near the reverberation radius. The MK 2S shows a slight high-frequency emphasis for frontal sound, with only a slight roll-off of high frequencies off axis and in the reverberant sound field.

This response lies between that of the MK 2 and the MK 2XS, which makes the capsule suitable for a wide range of applications. Its somewhat brighter sound, next to the MK 2 and MK 2H, makes it ideal as a main or room microphone, especially in larger rooms. The MK 2S screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 6xt, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L.

Key features

• Omnidirectional pressure capsule of the Colette modular system
• The most popular SCHOEPS pressure transducer
• Moderate high-frequency elevation at 0° for use near the reverberation radius
• Only a slight high-frequency roll-off off axis and in the reverberant field
• Somewhat brighter sound, ideal as a main or room microphone in larger rooms
• Low self-noise: 12 dB (A-weighted), 82 dB signal-to-noise ratio
• 20 Hz - 29 kHz, or 20 Hz - 43 kHz with the CMC 6xt
• KA 40 sphere attachments recommended for A/B stereo and the Decca Tree

Practice

The MK 2S has proven particularly useful in two- and three-microphone stereo arrays. Placed near the reverberation radius of the room, it gives a sonically balanced pickup favoured by many recording engineers. 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
• Main microphones in larger rooms
• Room microphones

In the box

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

SCHOEPS MK 2S: frequently asked questions

Is the MK 2S a complete microphone?

No. The MK 2S 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.

Where should the MK 2S be placed?

Near the reverberation radius of the room, where its moderate high-frequency elevation compensates the increased amount of diffuse sound and gives a balanced pickup.

How does it sit within the SCHOEPS omni range?

Its response lies between the MK 2 (free-field) and the MK 2XS (diffuse-field). It sounds a little brighter than the MK 2 and MK 2H, which suits larger rooms and slightly more distant placement.

Is it suitable for stereo?

Yes. It is often used in A/B pairs and in the Decca Tree; SCHOEPS recommends KA 40 spheres for these arrays and can supply matched capsule pairs.

Which finishes are available?

The standard finish is matte grey; custom colours such as Chromagreen and Smoked Silver and custom engraving are available as options.

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

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

Workflow 1: A/B main microphone pair

Classical engineers recording ensembles in concert halls.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount two MK 2S capsules spaced apart in front of the ensemble.
2. Place them near the reverberation radius of the hall.
3. Use a matched pair for close tolerances.
4. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: KA 40 spheres are recommended for spaced stereo.

Workflow 2: Decca Tree

Orchestral recording engineers.

Connections

Setup

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

Tip: The MK 2S is at home in two- and three-microphone arrays.

Workflow 3: Room microphones

Engineers adding the sound of the hall to a recording.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphones farther into the room.
2. Aim them towards the source or the room as needed.
3. Blend them with the main and spot microphones.

Tip: Its slightly brighter sound suits larger rooms.

Workflow 4: Main microphone in a large room

Recordists working in churches and large halls.

Connections

Setup

1. Find the reverberation radius by listening.
2. Place the microphone close to it.
3. Adjust the distance for the balance of direct and room sound.

Tip: Only a slight high-frequency roll-off off axis keeps the room sound natural.

Workflow 5: High-resolution recording

Engineers recording at high sampling rates.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the MK 2S 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 - 43 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 2S.
2. Screw the capsules onto the amplifiers.
3. Connect and record.

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