SCHOEPS MK 8

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MK 8 is a figure-eight microphone capsule for the Colette modular system, the classic side microphone for MS and double MS stereo.

The MK 8 is a pure dipole, a pure pressure-gradient transducer whose figure-eight pattern remains constant from low to high frequencies, which is particularly important in an MS setup. Producing it is a special technical accomplishment, because in terms of physics the available force due to the pressure gradient is minimal; despite this, the MK 8 has excellent frequency and polar response, near-perfect front/back symmetry and low inherent noise.

The pickup direction is lateral, perpendicular to the microphone housing; the 0° and 180° axes are marked by red and black dots on the capsule. The MK 8 is often used for MS and double MS in film sound and music recording, together with Colette or CCM microphones and the CMIT shotgun microphone. It 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.

Key features

• Figure-eight pattern, a pure pressure-gradient transducer
• Pattern constant from low to high frequencies, ideal for MS
• Near-perfect front/back symmetry and low inherent noise
• Lateral pickup direction, perpendicular to the microphone axis
• 0° axis marked with a red dot, 180° axis with a black dot
• O-ring included for stable radial alignment on the amplifier

Practice

For MS recording, the 0° axis (seen from behind the microphone) points to the left and the "8" engraved on top of the capsule should be precisely horizontal. With relatively close placement, the more pronounced proximity effect fills out the low frequencies. Suitable wind screening and a shock mount give the best results.

Made for

• MS stereo in film sound and music recording
• Double MS setups
• Crossed figure-eight stereo pairs
• Side microphone with Colette, CCM or CMIT mid microphones

In the box

• MK 8 figure-eight capsule
• O-ring for radial alignment of the capsule (No. 800540)
• A Colette microphone amplifier is needed, available separately

SCHOEPS MK 8: frequently asked questions

What is the MK 8 mainly used for?

It is the side microphone for MS and double MS stereo in film sound and music recording, and it is also used for crossed figure-eight stereo.

How is it aligned for MS?

The pickup is lateral. Seen from behind the microphone, the 0° axis (red dot) points to the left, and the "8" engraved on top of the capsule should be precisely horizontal.

Why is an O-ring included?

In suspensions and MS setups with a fixed amplifier orientation, the MK 8 has to be aligned radially. The O-ring sits on the amplifier thread and keeps the capsule stable in any orientation.

Which mid microphones can it be combined with?

SCHOEPS names Colette and CCM microphones as well as the CMIT shotgun microphone as partners for MS and double MS.

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 8 in India?

The SCHOEPS MK 8 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: MS stereo for film sound

Production sound mixers recording stereo atmospheres and scenes.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the MK 8 next to the mid microphone and fit the O-ring.
2. Seen from behind, point the red-dot 0° axis to the left, with the engraved "8" horizontal.
3. Record mid and side on two tracks and decode later.

Tip: Suitable wind screening and a shock mount keep the side channel clean.

Workflow 2: Double MS

Recordists capturing surround or flexible stereo from one point.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the MK 8 between the front and rear microphones.
2. Align the capsule radially with the O-ring.
3. Record all three channels and decode later.

Tip: The constant figure-eight pattern is particularly important in MS setups.

Workflow 3: MS for music recording

Engineers recording ensembles, choirs and instruments in stereo.

Connections

Setup

1. Point the mid microphone at the ensemble.
2. Align the MK 8 with its 0° axis to the left.
3. Adjust the stereo width with the side level in the mix.

Tip: Near-perfect front/back symmetry gives a stable stereo image.

Workflow 4: Crossed figure-eight stereo

Engineers recording ensembles in a good room.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount two MK 8 capsules coincident and crossed at 90°.
2. Use a matched capsule pair for close tolerances.
3. Set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: SCHOEPS lists crossed figure-eight stereo among the preferred applications.

Workflow 5: Close placement

Users who want more low-frequency body from the figure-eight.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the capsule relatively close to the source.
2. Use a shock mount against solid-borne sound.
3. Fit a windscreen for breath or wind.

Tip: The more pronounced proximity effect fills out the low frequencies at close range.

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 8 and turn it to the required orientation.
3. The capsule now stays stable in that position.

Tip: The O-ring is included with every MK 8 and can also be ordered separately.