SCHOEPS MK 2XS

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 2XS is a diffuse-field equalised omnidirectional capsule for the Colette modular system, made for placement at a relatively great distance from the source and preferred as a room microphone.

The MK 2XS (formerly MK 3) compensates high-frequency losses and so has a flat frequency response in the diffuse sound field. It is designed for distances in reverberant spaces where most of the arriving sound has already been reflected from the room surfaces. In such placement its integrated response is essentially flat: the on-axis high-frequency elevation shown in the graph is not heard as such. Omnidirectional microphones designed and placed this way can make remarkably well-focused recordings at such distances.

When miking distances typical of the mono and early stereo era are used, the MK 2XS with its full diffuse-field equalisation may well offer the optimal balance of focus, depth and spaciousness, and KA 40 sphere attachments can add a further measure of presence. It is usually placed beyond the reverberation radius and is often used as an ambient room microphone. The capsule 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
• Diffuse-field equalised: considerable high-frequency elevation at 0°
• Flat frequency response in the diffuse sound field
• Made for placement at a relatively great distance, beyond the reverberation radius
• Focus, depth and spaciousness at classic miking distances
• 13 dB (A-weighted) self-noise, up to 137 dB-SPL with the CMC 1
• 20 Hz - 30 kHz, or 20 Hz - 44 kHz with the CMC 6xt
• KA 40 sphere attachments add presence at a distance

Made for

• Room and ambience microphones
• Spaced omnis at classic, more distant miking positions
• Decca Tree arrays at greater distance, with KA 40 spheres
• Reverberant halls and churches

In the box

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

SCHOEPS MK 2XS: frequently asked questions

Is the MK 2XS a complete microphone?

No. The MK 2XS 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 diffuse-field equalised mean?

The capsule is tuned so that its integrated response is flat where most of the sound arriving has been reflected by the room. The on-axis elevation in the graph is not heard as such at those distances.

Where should the MK 2XS be placed?

At a relatively great distance from the source, usually beyond the reverberation radius. For spaced omnis at closer, modern distances SCHOEPS points to the MK 2S or MK 2H.

Was it known by another name?

Yes, the MK 2XS was formerly called the MK 3.

Which accessory adds presence?

The KA 40 sphere attachment can add a further measure of presence to the sound at greater distances.

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

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

Workflow 1: Room microphones in a hall

Classical and broadcast engineers capturing the acoustics of the hall.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphones beyond the reverberation radius.
2. Aim them towards the stage or the room as needed.
3. Blend them with the main microphones.

Tip: At this distance the integrated response of the MK 2XS is essentially flat.

Workflow 2: Classic distant spaced omnis

Engineers using the miking distances of the mono and early stereo era.

Connections

Setup

1. Set up a spaced pair at a relatively great distance.
2. Use a matched capsule pair.
3. Listen for focus, depth and spaciousness and adjust.

Tip: Full diffuse-field equalisation suits these distances.

Workflow 3: Adding presence with KA 40 spheres

Engineers who want more presence at a distance.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit a KA 40 sphere to each capsule.
2. Keep the distant microphone position.
3. Compare the sound with and without the spheres.

Tip: SCHOEPS notes the spheres add a further measure of presence.

Workflow 4: Ambience in a church

Recordists in very reverberant spaces.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone where reflected sound dominates.
2. Set the gain for the room level.
3. Record ambience alongside the closer microphones.

Tip: The MK 2XS is often used as an ambient room microphone.

Workflow 5: High-resolution recording

Engineers recording at high sampling rates.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the MK 2XS 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 - 44 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 2XS.
2. Screw the capsules onto the amplifiers.
3. Connect and record.

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