Schoeps MK 5

Schoeps MK 5 [131019]

The Schoeps MK 5 [131019] is a switchable microphone capsule from the Colette series offering two pickup patterns: omnidirectional and cardioid. The desired pattern is selected via a mechanical switch on the capsule. In omni mode, the capsule operates as a true pressure transducer; in cardioid mode, as a pressure-gradient transducer.

This design combines two fundamentally different operating principles in a single capsule, each with distinct acoustic characteristics. As a result, the MK 5 provides flexibility in situations where different pickup patterns are required without changing capsules.

Main Features

• Switchable pickup pattern: omnidirectional or cardioid, selected via mechanical switch.
• True pressure transducer in omni mode: natural sound reproduction without proximity effect.
• Pressure-gradient transducer in cardioid mode: focused pickup with attenuation of side and rear sound.
• Flexible application: suitable for a wide range of recording setups.

Specifications – Omnidirectional

• Pickup pattern: omnidirectional
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 28 kHz with CMC 6 / CMR; 20 Hz – 43 kHz with CMC 6xt
• Sensitivity: 12 mV/Pa (–38.0 dB) with CMC 6
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 12 dB
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR): 24 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 82 dB
• Maximum SPL (THD < 0.5%): 132 dB SPL with CMC 6; 136 dB SPL with CMC 1

Specifications – Cardioid

• Pickup pattern: cardioid
• Frequency range: 40 Hz – 26 kHz with CMC 6 / CMR; 40 Hz – 41 kHz with CMC 6xt
• Sensitivity: 14 mV/Pa (–37 dB) with CMC 6
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 13 dB
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR): 23 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 81 dB
• Maximum SPL (THD < 0.5%): 131 dB SPL with CMC 6; 135 dB SPL with CMC 1

Mechanical Specifications

• Length: 27 mm
• Diameter: 20 mm
• Weight: 25 g
• Finish: matte gray; optional Chromagreen or Smoked Silver

Compatible microphone amplifiers

• Schoeps CMC 1 U
• Schoeps CMC 1 L
• Schoeps CMC 1 K
• Schoeps CMC 6
• Schoeps CMC 6xt
• Schoeps CMR

Included

• Schoeps MK 5 capsule [131019].

Matched pair available

See also the MK 5 matched pair with certificate for situations where a stereo-certified pair is required.

Other capsules in the Colette series

• MK 2 Omnidirectional capsule
• MK 2H Omnidirectional capsule with HF lift
• MK 2S Omnidirectional capsule with moderate HF lift
• MK 2XS Omnidirectional capsule with diffuse-field equalisation
• MK 21 Wide cardioid capsule
• MK 22 Open cardioid capsule
• MK 4 Cardioid capsule
• MK 4P Cardioid capsule for close pickup
• MK 4V Side-address cardioid capsule
• MK 4VP Side-address cardioid capsule for close pickup
• MK 4XP Cardioid capsule for close pickup
• MK 4VXP Cardioid capsule for extreme close pickup
• MK 41 Supercardioid capsule
• MK 41V Side-address supercardioid capsule
• MK 8 Figure-eight capsule