Schoeps MK 4 Cardioid Capsule

Schoeps MK 4 Cardioid Capsule

Overview

The MK 4 has been a reference microphone for many years within a massive variety of recording situations due to its transparent sound character and excellent attenuation of rear-incident sounds. The MK 4 reproduces sound sources very naturally and has thus earned itself a reputation as a universal ‘problem solver’ within even the most difficult recording situations.

Frequency Response

The Mk 4’s flat frequency response and consistency of its directional pattern for all frequencies is the basis of the MK 4 sound capture design. Even in the diffuse sound field the MK 4’s frequency response is flat with a slight increase at 10kHz compensating for high-frequency losses in the room. Thus the sound image of the MK 4 is transparent for direct-arriving sound, side address sound and diffusion/reverberation in the room.

Exemplary performance

The MK 4 is a classic small diaphragm microphone with all the advantages of this microphone type, demonstrating exemplary frequency response consistency from low to high frequencies. And like all Schoeps capsules, the M K 4 achieves it flat frequency response solely by its mechanical architecture, without any electronic filtering. As a pressure gradient transducer, the MK 4 has a single diaphragm that is exposed to the sound from both the front and rear. The side sound inlets must therefore never be covered when in use.

Classic Cardioid

The ‘reach’ (distance factor) of a classic cardioid such the MK 4 is around 1.7 times that of an omnidirectional microphone, thus giving you even greater distance options from a sound source, while direct sound can be obtained. The Mk 4 is a real advantage when mixing several microphone signals together. When used at a 90° the attenuation of the MK 4 is 6 dB, and at 180°, some 20 to 30 dB, while diffuse-incident sound is picked up 4.8 dB lower in level than front-arriving sound.

Best Practice

The MK 4 is ideally suited for the pick-up of opera singers and other trained vocalists. However, its natural, transparent character also suits well in pop and rock applications, on stage or in the studio.

Specifications:

• Pickup pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 40 Hz - 26 kHz with CMC 6 / CMR | 40 Hz - 41 kHz with CMC 6xt
• Sensitivity: -36.5 dB (V/Pa), 15 mV/Pa with CMC 6
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 14 dB with CMC 6
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR): 24 dB with CMC 6
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 80 dB with CMC 6
• Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %): 131 dB-SPL with CMC 6
• Length: 22 mm
• Diameter: 20 mm
• Weight: 17g
• Surface finish: Matte grey