Schoeps MK 4 Cardioid Microphone Capsule

The Schoeps MK 4 is a cardioid capsule for the Colette series and the best-selling capsule Schoeps makes, with a transparent sound and strong rejection of sound from the rear.

Its flat response, and a polar pattern that holds steady from low to high frequencies, come from the capsule’s mechanical design alone, with no electronic filtering. A slight lift around 10 kHz offsets high-frequency losses in a room, so direct sound, sound from the side, and reverberation all sound natural.

Its reach is about 1.7 times that of an omni. It reduces sound by 6 dB at 90° and by 20 to 30 dB at 180°, and picks up diffuse sound 4.8 dB lower than sound from the front. Sound reaches the diaphragm from the rear through openings in the side of the capsule, which must never be covered.

It is a common spot microphone for acoustic instruments and conferences, the usual main pair for XY, ORTF, and MS stereo, and a frequent choice of opera singers and trained vocalists. Its neutral character also suits pop and rock on stage or in the studio when EQ is part of the plan.

Features

• Cardioid Colette capsule
• Schoeps’ best-selling capsule
• Flat response with no electronic filtering
• Polar pattern steady across frequencies
• Slight lift at 10 kHz for natural room sound
• Common main pair for XY, ORTF, and MS
• Fits the CMC 1 U, CMC 1 L, and CMC 6
• Matched pairs available