SCHOEPS MK 41

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 41 is a supercardioid microphone capsule for the Colette modular system and an international standard for indoor film sound.

The MK 41 effectively attenuates diffuse sound energy and produces a clear, "dry" sound pickup. Its polar pattern is exceptionally frequency-independent: sounds from the side and back are strongly attenuated, yet picked up without false colouration, so off-axis and diffuse sound sound natural. At low and medium frequencies its directivity is comparable to that of a shotgun microphone, and its flat frequency response stays largely the same for all directions of pickup, which is particularly important indoors.

Its susceptibility to acoustic feedback is lower than that of any other SCHOEPS capsule type, provided no loudspeaker radiates directly from the rear; the sensitivity minimum of the supercardioid lies at about 125°. With no interference tube in front of it, the MK 41 can also be placed closer to the source. The capsule screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L.

Key features

• Supercardioid directional pattern, exceptionally independent of frequency
• High directivity, at low and medium frequencies comparable to a shotgun microphone
• Natural sound: flat frequency response that stays largely the same for all directions of pickup
• Clear, "dry" pickup with effective attenuation of diffuse sound
• Lowest susceptibility to feedback of all SCHOEPS capsule types
• Sensitivity minimum at about 125°
• Compact capsule without interference tube, can be placed close to the source

Made for

• Dialogue recording for film sound, especially indoors
• Spot microphones in the orchestra
• Opera stage
• Music or speech where a compact directional microphone is needed

Recommended accessories

SCHOEPS recommends the CUT 60 low-cut filter and the B 5 D hollow foam wind and pop shield for 20 mm capsules.

In the box

• MK 41 supercardioid capsule (a Colette microphone amplifier is needed, available separately)

SCHOEPS MK 41: frequently asked questions

Why is the MK 41 used so much for film sound?

Its polar pattern is exceptionally frequency-independent, so sound from the side and back is strongly attenuated but not coloured. This has made it an international standard for indoor film sound.

Can it be used in place of a shotgun microphone?

For many situations it is an interesting alternative: its directivity at low and medium frequencies is comparable to a shotgun, its off-axis sound stays natural, and without an interference tube it can be placed closer to the source.

Is it good on stage with loudspeakers?

Its susceptibility to feedback is the lowest of all SCHOEPS capsule types, provided no loudspeaker radiates directly from the rear. The sensitivity minimum is at about 125°.

Is the MK 41 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.

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 41 in India?

The SCHOEPS MK 41 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Indoor film dialogue

Production sound mixers recording dialogue in rooms and studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK 41 onto the amplifier and mount it in a suspension on the boom.
2. Fit the B 5 D wind and pop shield.
3. Aim at the actor; room sound from the side and back is attenuated without colouration.

Tip: The MK 41 is an international standard for indoor film sound.

Workflow 2: Spot microphone in the orchestra

Classical engineers covering soloists and sections.

Connections

Setup

1. Aim the capsule at the instrument group.
2. Use the strong side and rear attenuation to reduce spill.
3. Blend with the main pair.

Tip: Off-axis sound is picked up free of false colouration.

Workflow 3: Opera stage

Engineers working with stage microphones and monitoring.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the microphones towards the stage action.
2. Keep loudspeakers out of the direct rear of the capsule.
3. Set the gain with the monitoring running.

Tip: Feedback susceptibility is the lowest of all SCHOEPS capsule types; the sensitivity minimum is at about 125°.

Workflow 4: Close placement instead of a long tube

Recordists who need directivity with a compact microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the MK 41 closer to the source than an interference-tube microphone would allow.
2. Aim it at the source.
3. Check the level and the room sound.

Tip: With no interference tube in front, the capsule can come close to the source.

Workflow 5: Low-frequency control

Users recording speech or film sound with rumble or handling noise.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the CUT 60 between capsule and amplifier.
2. Connect the amplifier to the recorder or console.
3. Record with less low-frequency disturbance.

Tip: The CUT 60 is the low-cut filter SCHOEPS recommends for the MK 41.

Workflow 6: Stereo pair

Engineers recording ensembles with directional capsules.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount two MK 41 capsules on CMC 6 amplifiers.
2. Order a matched capsule pair for close tolerances.
3. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: The MK 41 is offered in the Stereo Set CMC 6.