The Schoeps Microphone Capsule MK 3 is designed for placement in a diffuse sound field, i.e. at distances in reverberant environments where the greater portion of arriving sound has already been reflected from various room surfaces. In such placement the integrated frequency response of this capsule is essentially flat; the on-axis high-frequency response elevation is not heard as such.
When the Omnidirectional microphones have been designed and placed appropriately using the Microphone Capsule MK 3, recording can be made well-focused even at such distances. If this type of microphone is used close to the sound source, the emphasis of high frequencies for on-axis sound incidence would become clearly audible, producing a brilliant sonic impression.
If miking distances more typical of the mono and early stereo era are to be used, the MK 3, with its full diffuse-field equalization, offers the optimal balance of focus, depth, and spaciousness. The Sphere Attachments KA 40 from Schoeps (sold separately) can be used to add a further measure of presence to the sound at such distances.
The MK 3 is also often used as an ambient room microphone.