Popular among professional audio engineers, the matte gray Schoeps Colette CMC 1 U Microphone Amplifiers and MK 8 Figure-8 Capsules Stereo Set is an ultracompact, space-saving Colette-Series modular microphone bundle that includes two CMC 1 U (XLR output) miniature microphone amplifiers, a matched pair of MK8 figure-8 mic capsules, two SG 20 stand mounts with swivels, two B 5 D solid-foam popscreens, and a premium case for secure transport and storage.
The MK 8 capsule is often used for M/S and double M/S stereo sound in film and music recording—in combination with Colette or CCM microphones and/or a CMIT shotgun microphone. The figure-eight pattern of the MK 8 remains constant from low to high frequencies. The pickup direction is lateral, i.e. perpendicular to the microphone housing. The 0 and 180° axes are indicated respectively by red and black dots on the capsule housing.
Thanks to the inclusion of the ultracompact CMC 1 U amplifier, this bundle serves as a lighter and smaller alternative to the acclaimed CMC 6 amplifier, without compromising sonic performance.
The matte gray Schoeps CMC 1 U is a miniature Colette Series microphone amplifier offering uncompromising high fidelity in a lightweight and ultracompact form factor for studio recording, broadcast, and live stage applications. Presented as an alternative to the renowned Schoeps CMC 6 amplifier, the CMC 1 U is compatible with all existing MK mic capsules and Colette active accessories (all available separately).
It features a balanced XLR output, compliance with 12 or 48V phantom power, and low current consumption. Its Schoeps RFI Shield provides high immunity from RF interference for a clean, low-noise signal. The CMC 1 U supports the high maximum SPLs tolerated by the various MK mic capsules (available separately).
- Complete alternative to the renowned CMC 6 amplifier
- Can be used in place of the CMC 6 with no compromise
- XLR output connector
- Electrical characteristics of the CMC 1 U are equal to, or even better than, those of the CMC 6
- 1.4" long (about a third the size of the CMC 6)
- 1.3 ounces (about 40% lighter than the CMC 6)
- Fully compatible with all existing MK capsules and Colette active accessories such as the CUT 60 and RC tubes
- Very high immunity from RF interference with the Schoeps RFI Shield
- Includes mic clip for easy attachment to a mic stand
- Suspension mounts such as the Rycote INV-6 are available separately
The matte gray MK 8 Microphone Capsule from Schoeps is a true dipole (bidirectional) transducer, operating with a single diaphragm. Its main axis is at a right angle to the capsule, and is marked at 0 and 180° with a red and a black dot, respectively. Both the microphones that are included are phase-matched.
When M/S stereo recordings are made, the 0° axis normally faces to the left as viewed from behind the microphone setup. The 8 engraved on the top of the housing should be aligned on its side so as to appear horizontal, at a precise right angle to the mid capsule. The microphone should be placed directly above or beneath the M channel microphone, and as close to it as possible. The sound quality of this capsule is clear and neutral. The frequency response rolls off above 16 kHz.
When this capsule is used as a spot microphone, care must be taken to avoid picking up early reflections or unwanted direct sound from its rear, since sound arriving from the back is picked up with full level but reversed in polarity. This could result in partial cancellation of the intended sound, which can lead to comb-filter effects at higher frequencies.
The directivity index of a figure-8 pattern is the same as that of a cardioid. The figure-8 has a rear lobe equal in sensitivity to its front lobe, and this exactly makes up the quantitative difference. However, in normally reverberant settings, the sound reaching a figure-8's rear lobe will be delayed and dispersed to a considerably greater extent; the reflected sound will typically be subject to far more high-frequency absorption as well.
This gray-flocked Hollow Foam Teardrop Popscreen from Schoeps is compatible with all Schoeps Axially addressed microphones. It is used as a shield against mild wind or moving noise on the boom and helps prevent pops when used in close-up speech. It is made of foam, and mounted on a plastic carrier that sits on your mic, allowing the foam to enclose an air volume around the microphone capsule like a windscreen basket, so that the foam does not touch the microphone, which reliably prevents any motion noise. The microphone should be pushed as far as possible into the foam for best results.