SCHOEPS MK 5

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 5 is a switchable microphone capsule for the Colette modular system, changing mechanically between omnidirectional and cardioid patterns.

Pattern switching on the MK 5 is purely mechanical, with a sliding lever on the side of the capsule. Each setting works like an independent microphone capsule with the same quality as the MK 2S and MK 4, and with very similar frequency and polar response characteristics. The MK 5 is a true one-diaphragm system: a pure pressure transducer in the omni setting and a pressure-gradient transducer in the cardioid setting.

In the cardioid setting the MK 5 keeps its directivity even at the lowest frequencies and has high-frequency response up to 20 kHz. In the omni setting it has excellent low-frequency response together with the low sensitivity to wind, vocal popping and solid-borne sound typical of pressure transducers. The capsule screws onto a Colette microphone amplifier such as the CMC 6, CMC 1 U or CMC 1 L.

Key features

• Mechanical switching between omnidirectional and cardioid patterns
• True one-diaphragm system
• Pure pressure transducer as omni, pressure-gradient transducer as cardioid
• Each setting with the quality of the MK 2S and MK 4
• Cardioid setting keeps its directivity down to the lowest frequencies
• Omni setting: excellent low-frequency response, low sensitivity to wind, popping and solid-borne sound
• Can be used in nearly any situation; often suggested as an initial acquisition and popular with training institutes

Practice

The MK 5 is nearly an all-purpose capsule, and SCHOEPS recommends it for those starting out with the Colette series. Where greater directivity or a figure-eight pattern is needed, other Colette capsules complete the system. The pattern selector should always be set clearly to one position or the other.

Made for

• A first Colette capsule for nearly any situation
• Training institutes and schools
• Recording with omni or cardioid from one capsule
• Stereo pairs in the Stereo Set CMC 6

In the box

• MK 5 switchable capsule (a Colette microphone amplifier is needed, available separately)

SCHOEPS MK 5: frequently asked questions

How is the pattern changed?

With a sliding lever on the side of the capsule. Switching is purely mechanical, and the lever should always be set clearly to omni or cardioid.

Does each setting sound like a dedicated capsule?

Yes. Each setting works like an independent capsule with the same quality as the MK 2S (omni) and MK 4 (cardioid), with very similar frequency and polar response.

Why is the MK 5 recommended as a first capsule?

It can be used in nearly any situation, so SCHOEPS recommends it for those starting out with the Colette series; it is also popular with training institutes.

Is the MK 5 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 5 in India?

The SCHOEPS MK 5 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: First Colette microphone

Anyone starting out with the Colette series.

Connections

Setup

1. Screw the MK 5 onto the amplifier.
2. Choose omni or cardioid with the sliding lever.
3. Switch on P48 and set the gain.

Tip: SCHOEPS recommends the MK 5 for those starting out with Colette.

Workflow 2: Omni for room and low end

Engineers who want a natural room sound and full bass.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the lever fully to omni.
2. Place the microphone in the room or near the source.
3. Balance direct and room sound by distance.

Tip: As a pressure transducer, the omni setting is less sensitive to wind, popping and solid-borne sound.

Workflow 3: Cardioid for directional pickup

Engineers who need to reduce sound from the rear.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the lever fully to cardioid.
2. Aim the capsule at the source.
3. Keep unwanted sources behind the microphone.

Tip: The cardioid setting keeps its directivity down to the lowest frequencies.

Workflow 4: Stereo pair

Engineers recording ensembles with a flexible pair.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the two capsules on a stereo bar.
2. Set both levers to the same pattern.
3. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: Order a matched capsule pair for close tolerances.

Workflow 5: Teaching and training

Training institutes, schools and studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Record the same source in omni and in cardioid.
2. Compare the two results.
3. Use the setting that suits the room and the source.

Tip: One capsule shows both main patterns, which is why it is popular with training institutes.

Workflow 6: Vocals and speech

Recordists capturing voice in studios or on location.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose omni for low sensitivity to popping, or cardioid for more directivity.
2. Position the talker or singer on axis.
3. Set the gain.

Tip: The omni setting has low sensitivity to vocal popping.