Schoeps CMC 1U – Small Colette microphone amplifier + Schoeps MK22 Open Cardioid 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 MK22 Open Cardioid Mic Capsule

Features

• new kind of directional pattern: “Open Cardioid”
• optimal combination of classic cardioid directionality (MK 4) with the sonic character of the wide cardioid (MK 21)
• directional pattern largely constant throughout the frequency range
• often preferred for spot miking and as a soloist’s microphone

The “Open Cardioid” directional pattern, occupying a point on the spectrum between the wide cardioid and classic cardioid patterns, was developed by SCHOEPS in 2008. The response is -5 dB at 90° and there is 16 dB suppression of rear-incident sound. It is in essence a variant cardioid which balances a very natural sound quality with a good degree of directionality.The years of experience which many recording engineers have had with the various types of Schoeps cardioid microphones have played a large role in the design process. The MK 4 cardioid is often relied upon as a reference microphone, even in difficult recording situations; its sonic transparency and outstanding suppression of rear-incident sound make it a universal problem-solver. The MK 21 wide cardioid offers an alternative when its lower directivity fits the recording situation, e.g. for the first desk of strings or for solo piano. This capsule type is prized for its sonic character (similar to that of a pure omnidirectional microphone) and its relative lack of proximity effect. Then the wish arose for a “middle way” which would combine these characteristics into a single capsule. The result is the MK 22 Open Cardioid.

• Although our normal production tolerances are very close, we can deliver specially matched capsule pairs for a small extra charge.

Application

The MK 22 has been developed for use as a spot microphone. It unites the strengths of the MK 4 and MK 21 capsules. Its directionality is only slightly less than that of the MK 4 cardioid, while its sonic character is reminiscent of the MK 21 wide cardioid. Its directivity is essentially constant throughout the frequency range. Its inherent low-frequency response is somewhat more pronounced than that of the cardioid, while proximity effect is somewhat less.

MK 22 capsules are well suited for use as stereo pairs. The well-known “Williams curves” indicate the possibilities for ideal miking arrangements. The curves shown below for the Open Cardioid give the stereophonic recording angle as a function of the angle between two microphones and the distance between their capsules. One possible arrangement, for example, would be a distance of 21 cm with a 110° angle between the microphones. The STC 22 mounting bar facilitates the use of this arrangement with two MK 22.

Specifications

• Frequency range_x0009_40 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity_x0009_14 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted)_x0009_14 dB-A
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR)_x0009_23 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)_x0009_80 dB-A
• Maximum sound pressure level at 0.5% THD_x0009_130 dB-SPL
• Length_x0009_22 mm
• Diameter_x0009_20 mm
• Weight_x0009_17 g
• Surface finish_x0009_matte grey (g) or nickel (ni)