SCHOEPS SuperCMIT

Product overview

The SCHOEPS SuperCMIT is a digital shotgun microphone whose directivity goes well beyond that of conventional shotguns, even those with long interference tubes.

Based on the analog CMIT 5, it works on a new principle with two transducers and patented DSP algorithms. The DSP detects discrete sound arriving from different directions as well as diffuse sound from all around, then suppresses the diffuse sound and focuses on the discrete source. This extends the reach of the microphone significantly without the typical changes in sound colour, so the direct sound stays transparent while street, wind, audience or room noise is pushed well down in level, right down to the lowest frequencies.

The SuperCMIT is a digital microphone to the AES42 standard (Mode 1, 48 kHz) with a two-channel output: channel 1 carries the processed SuperCMIT signal and channel 2 always carries the unprocessed shotgun (CMIT) signal, so both can be recorded at the same time.

Key features

• Digital shotgun with increased directivity, based on the analog CMIT 5
• Exceptional suppression of diffuse sound
• New functional principle with two transducers and patented DSP algorithms
• Two-channel output: SuperCMIT signal on channel 1, unprocessed shotgun signal on channel 2
• Two presets: diffuse sound attenuated by 11 dB (preset 1) or 15 dB (preset 2)
• Switchable high-frequency emphasis (+5 dB at 10 kHz) and steep low cut (18 dB/octave from 80 Hz), the same filters as the CMIT 5 U
• Gain can be raised by +30 dB by double-clicking all three buttons
• AES42 Mode 1 digital output on XLR-3M; SCHOEPS RFI shield

Presets and filters

Three buttons on the SuperCMIT 2 U switch the filters and the preset. Preset 1 moderately increases the directivity and attenuates diffuse sound by 11 dB, 5 dB more than the CMIT 5 U or channel 2. Preset 2 attenuates diffuse sound by 15 dB and is reserved for special applications. The high-frequency emphasis compensates the attenuation of windshields, and the low cut suppresses low-frequency wind and boom noise.

Powering

The SuperCMIT needs AES42 digital phantom power. Where the recorder or console has no AES42 input, SCHOEPS offers two powering boxes: the PSD 2 U (10 V digital phantom power, AES3 output) and the Mini-DA42 (10 V digital phantom power, AES3 output plus two analog outputs). Both versions are available as variants of this product.

Made for

• Difficult film sound and production dialogue
• Sports broadcasting, including ball and racket sounds
• Outdoor recording with street, wind or crowd noise
• Indoor recording at a greater distance from the source

In the box

• SuperCMIT digital shotgun microphone
• Wooden case
• SG 20 stand clamp
• W 170 foam windscreen for moderate wind and boom motion
• With the powering variants: Mini-DA42 with AC adapter and breakout cable, or PSD 2 U with AC adapter

SCHOEPS SuperCMIT: frequently asked questions

How is the SuperCMIT different from a normal shotgun microphone?

Its DSP separates discrete sound from diffuse sound and suppresses the diffuse part, so its directivity goes beyond that of conventional shotguns, even long ones, while the direct sound keeps its natural colour.

What comes out of the two channels?

Channel 1 is the processed SuperCMIT signal with the selected preset; channel 2 is always the unprocessed shotgun signal. Many users record both.

Can it be used with a recorder that has no AES42 input?

Yes, with a powering box: the PSD 2 U gives an AES3 digital output, and the Mini-DA42 gives AES3 plus two analog outputs. Both are offered as variants with the microphone.

Which filters does it have?

A switchable high-frequency emphasis of +5 dB at 10 kHz to compensate windshields, and a switchable low cut of 18 dB/octave from 80 Hz against wind and boom noise.

Which colours are available?

Standard blue and anthracite grey are listed as variants; SCHOEPS also makes chromagreen and other custom colours on request.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS SuperCMIT in India?

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

Workflow 1: Film dialogue on the boom

Production sound mixers recording dialogue on location.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the SuperCMIT in a suspension on the boom and fit the windscreen.
2. Connect it to an AES42 recorder input (or to a PSD 2 U / Mini-DA42 first).
3. Select preset 1 and record channel 1 and channel 2 on separate tracks.
4. Switch on the low cut when the boom moves or wind is present.

Tip: Channel 2 always gives the unprocessed shotgun signal as a safety track.

Workflow 2: Sports broadcast: ball and racket sounds

Broadcast teams capturing on-field effects in stadiums.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at the field edge aimed at the playing area.
2. Select preset 2 for the strongest suppression of crowd noise.
3. Feed the AES42 signal to the console, or use the Mini-DA42 for AES3 and analog feeds.

Tip: Preset 2 attenuates diffuse sound by 15 dB.

Workflow 3: Street and outdoor recording

Location recordists working near traffic, rivers or crowds.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit a windshield and switch on the high-frequency emphasis to compensate it.
2. Use the low cut for wind and handling noise.
3. Aim at the source; diffuse background is reduced down to the lowest frequencies.

Tip: The direct sound keeps its colour while the noise level drops.

Workflow 4: Indoor recording at a distance

Recordists who cannot place the microphone close to the source.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the microphone farther from the source than a normal shotgun would allow.
2. Select preset 1 to reduce room sound.
3. Record both channels and choose in post-production.

Tip: SCHOEPS notes that the SuperCMIT also increases the shooting range indoors.

Workflow 5: Recorder without AES42

Users with AES3 or analog inputs only.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the SuperCMIT to the Mini-DA42 and its AC adapter.
2. Take AES3 digital or the two analog outputs to the recorder.
3. Set levels and record both channels.

Tip: The PSD 2 U is the simpler option when only AES3 is needed.

Workflow 6: Low-level sources

Recordists capturing quiet sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Double-click all three buttons to raise the gain by +30 dB.
2. Check the level on the recorder.
3. Record as usual.

Tip: The gain boost is set on the microphone itself.