Schoeps - Stereo Set CMC 6xt + MK 5 appairées

The Schoeps CMC 6xt + MK 5 Stereo Set is a professional stereo pair designed to harness the potential of high-resolution audio recording whilst retaining the versatility of the Colette modular system. This configuration combines two MK 5 capsules paired with two CMC 6xt microphone amplifiers to form a consistent pair suitable for demanding recording applications.

The MK 5 offers a rare feature: each capsule allows the user to mechanically select its polar pattern between omnidirectional and cardioid using a side-mounted slider. Schoeps employs a true single-diaphragm design: the capsule functions as a pure pressure transducer in omnidirectional mode and as a pressure gradient transducer in cardioid mode. This architecture allows the unique qualities of each acoustic principle to be utilised without having to change the capsule.

With a CMC 6xt, the MK 5 achieves a frequency response of 43 kHz in omnidirectional mode and 41 kHz in cardioid mode. This extended response is particularly beneficial when the microphones are used at high sampling rates. Schoeps has also paid particular attention to keeping self-noise low above 20 kHz, in order to maintain high dynamic range in the ultrasonic range.

The benefits become particularly evident in sound design: recordings can be slowed down and their pitch lowered at a later stage. The information captured above 20 kHz can then be brought back into the audible range, whilst the CMC 6xt’s low self-noise limits the increase in background noise following down-pitching.

The result is a combination particularly well-suited to film sound recordists, sound designers, sound engineers, studios, music recording, ambient sound and sound effects, where the ability to significantly alter the recorded material is a real advantage.