Schoeps
Schoeps MK 2
Small-diaphragm omnidirectional condenser capsule (Colette series), free-field equalised, on a CMC 6 amplifier
Power Phantom, 12 V or 48 V (CMC 6, automatic switchover).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Omni
- Sensitivity
- −36.5 dBV/Pa computed
- Self-noise
- 11 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 78%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 79%
- Max SPL
- 130 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 18%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 16%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 104 end-address condensers
Quieter than 91% of 104 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 110 end-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 11% of 110 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
1 of 2; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual, p. 12.
Capsule on a CMC 6 amplifier ("+ CMC 6"), as printed. Free field, distance and smoothing not stated; the sheet draws a tolerance band (dashed) around the curve.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the catalog, p. 4.
Brochure diagram for "MK 2 | 2H | 2S | 2XS" together. Rings every 5 dB, labelled 0 to -30 dB (the centre); 0° at the top. Left half 250 Hz to 2 kHz, right half 4 to 32 kHz; the pattern is taken as symmetric. Amplifier and measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | Small-diaphragm pressure transducer, omni, free-field equalised (Colette MK series)"MK 2 for free-field placement (close to the sound source)" (p. 12); the product page: "linear frequency response at 0° (free-field equalized)". | p. 12 |
| Sensitivity | −36.5 dBV/Pa (15 mV/Pa)also −35.5 dBV/Pa, schoeps.de product page (2026), stated. Not stated by the manufacturer: From 15 mV/Pa: 20·log10(0.015). The product page states "-35.5 dB (V/Pa), 17 mV/Pa". | p. 20 |
| Self-noise | 11 dB(A)also 10 dB(A), schoeps.de product page (2026). Specifications for the complete microphone: capsule on a CMC 6 amplifier (p. 20). | |
| Self-noiseCCIR 468 | 23 dBCCIR. The product page also gives 23 dB. | |
| Max SPL | 130 dB SPL0.5% THD; also 134 dB SPL, with the CMC 1 amplifier, schoeps.de product page (2026). The product page: "130 dB-SPL with CMC 6, 134 dB-SPL with CMC 1". | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 83 dBre 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 84 dB, schoeps.de product page (2026) | |
| Output impedance | 35 ohmCMC 6 on 48 V phantom; also 25 ohm, on 12 V phantom | p. 7 |
| Rated load impedance | 600 ohmminimum recommended | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzalso [20, 28000], schoeps.de product page (2026); also [20, 40000], with CMC 6 xt, schoeps.de product page (2026). Beyond 40 kHz with the CMC 6 xt amplifier (footnote). | p. 20 |
| Powering | phantom, 12 V or 48 V (CMC 6, automatic switchover) | p. 7 |
| Current draw | 4 mA48 V phantom; also 8 mA, 12 V phantom | |
| Connector | XLR-3 maleNot stated by the manufacturer: On the CMC amplifier; the guide shows the XLR output but does not list it as a spec. | p. 2 |
| Weight | 66 g"65 - 68 g, depending on type": the CMC amplifier; the capsule's weight is not stated. | p. 7 |
| Dimensions | 116 × 20 mmCMC amplifier: length 116 mm (incl. 3 mm capsule thread) × diameter 20 mm. The capsule adds to the length (not stated). | |
| Amplifier | CMC 6 (CMC 6U / 6Uxt); low-cut (-3 dB) at 20 Hz | |
| Maximum output voltage | 1 V (at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm) | |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on the 0° axis gives a positive voltage on pin 2 | |
| Use | Free-field placement close to the sound source; close-miking instruments. Some directivity at high frequencies, so it still has to be aimed | p. 12 |
| From the product page | ||
| Capsule size and weight | 22 mm long, 20 mm diameter, 17 g (capsule alone) | |
| Finish | Matte grey; Chromagreen or Smoked Silver (like the classic nickel) to order | |
| Measurement use | A calibrated laboratory frequency response is available on request, for a fee | |
| Order number | 131001 | |
| From the catalog | ||
| Family | MK 2H, MK 2S and MK 2XS differ only at high frequencies (rising treble for use further away, in the diffuse field) | p. 4 |
Documents
- Colette Modular System user guide: CMC microphone amplifiers and MK capsulesEN
- Colette brochureEN
- MK 2 | Microphone capsule | SCHOEPS Microphonesproduct page, technical specifications
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Schoeps, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.
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