Schoeps MK 4

Schoeps MK 4

The Schoeps MK 4 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone capsule with a cardioid polar pattern. This capsule is known for its transparent sound character and excellent rear rejection, making it a versatile choice for many recording situations. The MK 4 has earned a reputation as a "problem solver" in various scenarios due to its clear and natural sound reproduction.

Key Features

• Cardioid Polar Pattern: The MK 4 offers a classic cardioid pattern, providing excellent suppression of sound coming from behind. The attenuation at a 90-degree angle is 6 dB, and up to 30 dB when sound comes from the back, depending on the frequency and distance.
• Consistent Frequency Response: The frequency response is consistent across the entire spectrum, with a mild increase at 10 kHz that helps compensate for high-frequency losses in the room. This ensures a transparent sound image for both direct and diffuse sound.
• Versatile Applications: The MK 4 is suitable for both speech and music recordings. It is frequently used as a spot microphone, for acoustic instruments, and in conference recordings. It is also commonly used as the main microphone in stereo setups like XY, ORTF, and MS.

Specifications

• Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 26 kHz
• Sensitivity: -36.5 dB (V/Pa), 15 mV/Pa
• Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted): 14 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level (CCIR): 24 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 80 dB
• Maximum SPL (THD < 0.5%): 131 dB SPL with CMC 6
• Dimensions: Length: 22 mm; Diameter: 20 mm
• Weight: 17 g
• Surface Finish: Matte grey

Applications

The MK 4 is ideal for applications where mild directional sensitivity is desired, combined with warm and natural sound. It is commonly used as a spot microphone, for recording acoustic instruments, and in conference setups. It is also frequently used as the main microphone in stereo setups such as XY, ORTF, and MS.

Other capsules from the Colette series

• MK 2 Omnidirectional capsule
• MK 21 Wide cardioid capsule
• MK 22 Open cardioid capsule
• MK 2H Omni capsule with HF lift
• MK 2S Omni capsule with slight HF boost
• MK 2XS Omni capsule with diffuse-field EQ
• MK 4 Cardioid capsule
• MK 41 Supercardioid capsule
• MK 5 Switchable omni/cardioid capsule
• MK 41V Supercardioid capsule with side-address
• MK 4V Cardioid capsule with vertical axis
• MK 8 Figure-8 capsule
• MK 4P Cardioid capsule for close speech use
• MK 4VP Cardioid capsule with vertical axis for close range
• MK 4VXP Cardioid capsule with vertical pickup and low-cut
• MK 4XP Cardioid capsule with close-range response for speech
• KMIT Shotgun capsule with interference tube