SCHOEPS MSTC 74

Product overview

The SCHOEPS MSTC 74 is a stereo microphone for recording with the ORTF technique, one of the SCHOEPS bestsellers and a classic in the sound engineer's standard portfolio.

It consists of a T-shaped two-channel microphone amplifier onto which two paired MK 4 cardioid capsules are screwed. The capsules sit 170 mm apart at an angle of 110° to each other, exactly as the ORTF method requires, so the distance and the offset angle never need to be adjusted. Its compact elegance and excellent spatial quality give very good localisation and a very good spatial impression.

The MSTC usually gives very good results even without spot microphones, and its placement is relatively uncritical, which makes it suitable for less experienced or hurried users. Set-up is quick and easy: only a single stand and a single cable are needed. The current model has completely renewed electronics and a new design, based on the updated circuitry of the CMC 1 amplifier with lower operating current, equal or greater headroom and better protection from interference. The output is an XLR-5M connector for a stereo cable such as the KS 5 U or the AK SU/2U breakout cable.

Key features

• Stereo microphone for the ORTF technique: two cardioid capsules 17 cm apart at 110°
• Excellent stereophonic characteristics: very good localisation and spatial quality
• Two paired MK 4 cardioid capsules on a T-shaped two-channel amplifier
• Completely renewed electronics and new design in the current model
• Quick set-up with one stand and one cable; no adjustment of distance or angle
• XLR-5M analog two-channel output
• P48 and P12 powering, 2 mA per channel
• SCHOEPS RFI shield; cable runs of more than 400 m

Versions

The MSTC 74 (No. 139901) comes with two matched MK 4 cardioid capsules. The MSTC 7 (No. 132014) is the same stereo microphone amplifier without capsules, for use with capsules already owned.

Made for

• Main microphone for ensembles and choirs
• Stereophonic spot microphone
• Concert recording with one stand and one cable
• Outdoor ORTF recording with a suitable windshield

In the box

• MSTC 7 stereo microphone amplifier
• 2 × MK 4 cardioid capsules, matched (MSTC 74 only)
• SG 20 stand clamp
• AK SU/2U breakout cable

SCHOEPS MSTC 74: frequently asked questions

What is the ORTF technique?

ORTF uses a pair of cardioid microphones spaced 17 cm apart with an angle of 110° between them. The MSTC 74 fixes exactly this geometry, giving a recording angle of 95°.

What is the difference between the MSTC 74 and the MSTC 7?

The MSTC 74 includes two matched MK 4 cardioid capsules. The MSTC 7 is the same T-shaped stereo amplifier supplied without capsules.

Do I need spot microphones?

The MSTC usually gives very good results even without spot microphones, and it also works well as a stereophonic spot microphone itself.

How is it connected?

The MSTC 74 has an XLR-5M output. The included AK SU/2U breakout cable splits it into two XLR-3 channels; the KS 5 U stereo cable is available for longer runs. It runs on P48 or P12 phantom power.

Can it be used outdoors?

Yes, with a basket windshield, or single windshields such as the W 5 D or W 20 on a suitable suspension. Alternatively, the ORTF Stereo Outdoor Set uses single CCM microphones in an ORTF arrangement.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS MSTC 74 in India?

The SCHOEPS MSTC 74 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Main microphone for a choir or ensemble

Recording engineers capturing choirs, chamber groups and ensembles.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the MSTC 74 to the stand with the SG 20 clamp.
2. Aim the T-bar at the centre of the ensemble.
3. Connect the AK SU/2U and set both preamps to the same gain.

Tip: The MSTC usually gives very good results even without spot microphones.

Workflow 2: Stereophonic spot microphone

Engineers adding a stereo spot to a larger set-up.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the MSTC close to the section or soloist.
2. Connect the two channels and pan them left and right.
3. Blend it with the main pair.

Tip: Distance and angle are fixed, so the stereo image stays consistent.

Workflow 3: Quick concert set-up

Recordists who must set up fast and with little equipment.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the microphone on a single stand.
2. Run one stereo cable to the recording position.
3. Check levels and record.

Tip: Placement is relatively uncritical, which helps when time is short.

Workflow 4: Long cable runs

Venue and broadcast crews with distant recording rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Run the stereo cable from the stand to the control room.
2. Split to two XLR-3 lines at the far end.
3. Power the microphone with P48 or P12.

Tip: Cable lengths of more than 400 m are possible.

Workflow 5: Height with an extension tube

Engineers who need the ORTF pair raised above the stand.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the MSTC 74 to the SR 1200 SU two-channel extension tube.
2. Mount the tube on the stand.
3. Connect the stereo cable and set the levels.

Tip: The SR 1200 SU is made as a two-channel extension tube for the MSTC 74.

Workflow 6: Outdoor ORTF recording

Field and ambience recordists working in wind.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit a basket windshield, or a single windshield on each capsule.
2. Set up on a stand away from wind noise sources.
3. Record both channels.

Tip: For a ready-made outdoor solution, the ORTF Stereo Outdoor Set is also available.