Schoeps CMC 1U – Small Colette microphone amplifier + Schoeps MK2 Omni Mic Capsule

The CMC 1 is a small Colette microphone amplifier, about one-third the length and 53% lighter than the CMC 6. It is compatible with all components of the Colette system and can be used in place of the CMC 6 without compromise, for all applications in which the size and weight of the microphone play a role.

At SCHOEPS, “uncompromising miniaturization” means that the electrical characteristics of the CMC 1 are equal to, or even better than, those of the CMC 6. Through modern electronic design, these outstanding electrical properties have been achieved:

• high maximum SPL: 135 dB-SPL with the MK 4 (0.5% THD or less)
• very low current consumption: 2.0 mA at 48 Volts
• operates on 48 V or 12 V phantom power, reliable operation even if powering is somewhat marginal
• very high immunity from RF interference with the SCHOEPS RFI Shield; high immunity to cable-induced hum and other interference (field tested with Audio Limited A 10, etc.)
• flat frequency response
• very low distortion constant output impedance across the audio frequency range
• balanced, direct-coupled, class-A output circuit
• output is filtered in the ultrasonic range to prevent interference, e.g. from camera autofocus

A complete Colette-series microphone consists of an MK capsule and a CMC amplifier. All capsules and active accessories of the Colette system are compatible with the CMC 1.

The CMC 1 works with standard 12-Volt or 48-Volt phantom powering. Power consumption is lower at 12 Volts–an advantage for battery-powered operation.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
• Sensitivity: see corresponding capsule
• Maximum output voltage: 1.8 V (5 dbV) with 1 kΩ load
• Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %):
  • 135 dB-SPL (P48) with MK 4
  • 131 dB-SPL (P12) with MK 4
• Low cut filter: 20 Hz, 12 dB/oct
• Output impedance: 50 Ω +/- 1 Ω (8 Hz – 50 kHz)
• Minimum recommended load impedance: 1 kΩ
• Common mode rejection ratio (at 1 kHz): > 55 dB
• Maximum cable length: > 400 m (~1,300 ft)
• SCHOEPS RFI Shield: Yes
• Powering standard / Valid range:
  • P48 / 30-52 V
  • P12 / 11-13 V
• Current consumption:
  • 2 mA (P48)
  • 3 mA (P12)
• Output: XLR-3M, analog, 1 channel
• Length: 36 mm / ~1.4″
• Diameter: 20 mm / 0.8″
• Weight: 36 g / 1.3 oz
• Surface finish: matte gray
• Custom color: nickel, chromagreen

Schoeps MK2 Omni Mic Capsule

Features

• linear frequency response at 0° (free-field equalized)
• for placement in close proximity to sound source
• preferred usage: close-miking instruments

The linear frequency response of the MK 2 with respect to frontally incident sound waves results in a very natural sound for near-field recordings (i.e. in close proximity to the sound source).

This capsule can be set up very close to the sound source without sounding too brilliant or harsh.

Practice

Please note that there is some directivity at high frequencies due to the physics of sound. Thus even with an omnidirectional microphone, it still matters which way the capsule is “aimed.”

The MK 2 is often used for acoustical measurement, an application for which it has gained a considerable reputation.

A mechanical adapter (type AMBK 1, from 20 mm to 1″ diameter) is available for calibration with B&K devices. Please note that because of dimensional tolerances, only the nickel-finish version of the MK 2 can be used with this adapter.

Specifications

• Pickup pattern : Omnidirectional
• Frequency range : 20 Hz – 28 kHz with CMC 6 / CMR – 20 Hz – 40 kHz with CMC 6xt
• Sensitivity : -35.5 dB (V/Pa), 17 mV/Pa with CMC 6
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted) : 10 dB with CMC 6
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR) : 23 dB with CMC 6
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) : 84 dB with CMC 6
• Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %) : 130 dB-SPL with CMC 6
• Length : 22 mm
• Diameter : 20 mm
• Weight : 17 g
• Surface finish : matte grey
• custom color: nickel, chromagreen