Schoeps CMC 1 Miniature Colette Microphone Amp and MK 8 Figure-8 Condenser Capsule (Matte Gray)

The matte gray Schoeps Colette CMC 1 Miniature Colette Microphone Amp and MK 8 Figure-8 Condenser Capsule is an ultracompact, space-saving Colette Series modular figure-8 condenser microphone bundle designed to provide near-perfect front/back symmetry along with frequency-independent directionality and transparent, low-distortion sound pickup for M/S and double M/S configurations in film and music production.

It includes the CMC 1 (XLR output) miniature microphone amplifier, the MK 8 figure-8 condenser capsule, a stand clamp, a foam windscreen, and a premium case. Thanks to the inclusion of the ultracompact CMC 1, this bundle serves as a lighter and smaller alternative to the CMC 6 and CMC 1 without compromising sonic performance. The MK 8 capsule features a side-address design with red and black dots to mark the 0 and 180° axes.

CMC 1 Miniature Microphone Amplifier

The matte gray Schoeps CMC 1 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 is compatible with all existing MK mic capsules and Colette active accessories (available separately).

It features a balanced XLR 3-pin 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 supports the high maximum SPLs tolerated by the various MK mic capsules (available separately). A stand adapter is supplied with the CMC 1.

• Complete, no-compromise alternative to the renowned CMC 6 amplifier
• Electrical characteristics of the CMC 1 are equal to, or even better than, those of the CMC 6 (flat frequency response, very-low distortion, and constant output impedance across the audio frequency range)
• Only 1.4" long (about a third the size of the CMC 6)
• Weighs just 1.3 ounces
• Fully compatible with all existing MK capsules and Colette active accessories such as the CUT 60 and RC tubes
• Compatible with all accessories of the CCM series
• Very-high immunity from RF interference with the Schoeps RFI Shield
• Optimized RF protection of the CMC 1 makes it ideal for use with transmitters such as the Audio Limited A 10
• Balanced, direct-coupled, Class-A output circuit
• Output is filtered in the ultrasonic range to prevent interference, e.g. from camera autofocus

MK 8 Figure-8 Capsule

The Schoeps MK 8 is part of the Colette series of modular capsules designed for use with the CMC mic amplifiers. The MK 8 is often used for M/S and double M/S stereo sound in film sound and music recording, in combination with Colette or CCM microphones and/or a CMIT shotgun microphone.

This type of capsule is a pure dipole. The figure-8 pattern of the MK 8 remains constant from low to high frequencies, which is particularly important when used in an M/S setup. Its sensitivity rolls off more at low frequencies than other capsules, but proximity effect (which can compensate, given relatively close placement) is also more pronounced.

Production of the MK 8 is a special technical accomplishment, because in terms of physics, the available force due to the pressure gradient is minimal. Despite this, the MK 8 has excellent frequency and polar response, near-perfect front/back symmetry, and low inherent noise. The microphone is comparatively sensitive to solid-borne sound as well as wind and breath noise. Good protection should be considered, e.g. suitable wind screening and/or shock mounting.

The pickup direction is lateral, i.e. perpendicular to the microphone housing, and the 0 and 180° axes are indicated respectively by red and black dots on the capsule housing. When recording with M/S, the 0° axis (as viewed from a position behind the microphone) should point to the left, and the "8" engraved on top of the capsule should be precisely horizontal.