SCHOEPS MK 4V

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 4V is a side-addressed cardioid microphone capsule for the Colette modular system, with a mild high-frequency elevation.

The MK 4V was created in answer to requests for a cardioid with its main axis along the side. Thanks to its acoustically transparent housing, its directional response is especially well maintained even at higher frequencies, and off-axis sound receives less high-frequency emphasis than with most small, axial-response cardioids. Because of its overall frequency response, the MK 4V sounds somewhat brighter than the MK 4.

Besides its usefulness in the concert hall, the MK 4V is of particular value in speech recording, since its slight emphasis around 10 kHz helps to improve intelligibility. The capsule screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L, and an O-ring for radial alignment is included so the side-addressed capsule stays in any orientation.

Key features

• Cardioid, side-addressed: main axis along the side of the capsule
• Mild high-frequency elevation, slight emphasis around 10 kHz
• Directional response well maintained at higher frequencies thanks to the acoustically transparent housing
• Less high-frequency emphasis of off-axis sound than most small, axial-response cardioids
• Somewhat brighter sound than the MK 4
• O-ring included for stable radial alignment on the amplifier

Practice

SCHOEPS names the MK 4V as a preferred spot microphone in the orchestra and as a capsule for double MS setups. In speech recording its emphasis around 10 kHz helps intelligibility; for speech applications SCHOEPS offers the PR 120 pop filter.

Made for

• Spot microphones in the orchestra
• Double MS setups
• Concert hall recording
• Speech recording

In the box

• MK 4V side-addressed cardioid capsule
• O-ring for radial alignment of the capsule (No. 800540)
• A Colette microphone amplifier is needed, available separately

SCHOEPS MK 4V: frequently asked questions

How is the MK 4V different from the MK 4?

Both are cardioid capsules, but the MK 4V is side-addressed: its main axis runs along its side. It also sounds somewhat brighter because of its overall frequency response.

Is the MK 4V 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 and the Stereo Set CMC 6.

Why is an O-ring included?

In suspensions or MS setups with a fixed amplifier orientation, a side-addressed capsule has to be aligned radially. The O-ring sits on the amplifier thread and keeps the capsule stable in any orientation.

Is it suitable for speech?

Yes. Its slight emphasis around 10 kHz helps to improve intelligibility, and SCHOEPS offers the PR 120 pop filter for speech applications.

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 4V in India?

The SCHOEPS MK 4V is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Spot microphone in the orchestra

Classical recording engineers covering soloists and sections.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK 4V onto the amplifier and fit the O-ring so the capsule holds its orientation.
2. Point the side of the capsule at the instrument group.
3. Switch on P48 and set the gain.

Tip: The directional response stays well maintained at higher frequencies, so the spot blends cleanly.

Workflow 2: Double MS setup

Engineers recording surround or flexible stereo from one position.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the MK 4V capsules as the front and rear cardioids of the double MS array.
2. Use the O-ring to align each side-addressed capsule radially.
3. Record all channels and decode later.

Tip: SCHOEPS names the double MS setup as a preferred application of the MK 4V.

Workflow 3: Speech recording

Recordists capturing narration, interviews or dialogue.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the PR 120 pop filter between talker and capsule.
2. Face the side of the capsule towards the talker.
3. Set the gain for speech.

Tip: The slight emphasis around 10 kHz helps to improve intelligibility.

Workflow 4: Concert hall recording

Engineers working in concert halls with hanging or stand-mounted microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the amplifier in the suspension and align the capsule with the O-ring.
2. Aim the side of the capsule at the source.
3. Balance direct and room sound by distance.

Tip: Off-axis sound gets less high-frequency emphasis than with most small axial cardioids.

Workflow 5: Stereo pair

Engineers recording ensembles in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount two MK 4V 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 4V is part of the official Stereo Set CMC 6.

Workflow 6: Fixed-orientation suspensions

Users with suspensions that hold the XLR connector in one position.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the O-ring on the thread of the amplifier.
2. Screw on the MK 4V and turn it to face the source.
3. The capsule now stays stable in that orientation.

Tip: The O-ring is included with every MK 4V and can also be ordered separately.