Schoeps MK 8

Schoeps MK 8 [131105]

The Schoeps MK 8 [131105] is a Colette-series capsule with a true figure-of-eight pickup pattern. Schoeps describes the MK 8 as a special technical accomplishment: despite the minimal available force in a pressure-gradient design, it achieves excellent frequency and polar response, near-perfect front/back symmetry, and low inherent noise.

The MK 8 is a vertical (side-address) capsule: the pickup direction is perpendicular to the microphone body. The 0° and 180° axes are marked by red and black dots on the capsule. For M/S recording, Schoeps notes that the 0° axis (viewed from behind the microphone) should point to the left, and the engraved “8” on top should be precisely horizontal.

The capsule is comparatively sensitive to solid-borne sound as well as wind and breath noise. Good protection should be considered, e.g. suitable wind screening and/or shock mounting. In fixed-orientation setups with CMC 1/6 where the microphone cannot be freely rotated, radial alignment of vertical capsules may be required; Schoeps provides an O-ring (No. 800540) for this purpose, which is included with the MK 8.

Main Features

• Figure-of-eight pickup pattern: front and rear pickup with strong side rejection.
• Front/back symmetry: near-perfect symmetry as stated by Schoeps.
• Vertical (side-address) capsule: pickup axis perpendicular to the body, with red/black 0°/180° markings.
• Practical handling: comparatively sensitive to solid-borne sound and wind/breath noise; protection recommended.
• Radial alignment: O-ring No. 800540 is included for fixed-orientation CMC 1/6 setups.

Specifications

• Pickup pattern: figure-of-eight
• Frequency range: 40 Hz – 15 kHz; 40 Hz – 15 kHz with CMC 6xt
• Sensitivity: 12 mV/Pa (–38.5 dB (V/Pa))
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 17 dB
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR): 26 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 77 dB
• Maximum SPL (THD < 0.5%): 133 dB SPL with CMC 6; 137 dB SPL with CMC 1
• Dimensions: length 34 mm; diameter 20 mm
• Weight: 18 g
• Surface finish: matte gray; custom color: Chromagreen, Smoked Silver (looks like the classic Schoeps nickel)

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 8 capsule [131105].
• O-ring No. 800540 (radial alignment of vertical capsules), stated by Schoeps as included with the MK 8.

Other capsules in the Colette series

• MK 2 Omnidirectional capsule
• MK 2H Omnidirectional capsule with HF lift
• MK 2S Omnidirectional capsule with moderate HF emphasis
• MK 2XS Omnidirectional capsule with diffuse-field equalisation
• MK 21 Wide cardioid capsule
• MK 22 Open cardioid capsule
• MK 4 Cardioid capsule
• MK 4V Side-address cardioid capsule
• MK 41 Supercardioid capsule
• MK 41V Side-address supercardioid capsule
• MK 5 Switchable omni/cardioid capsule
• MK 4P Cardioid capsule for close pickup
• MK 4VP Side-address cardioid capsule for close pickup
• MK 4XP Cardioid capsule for close pickup
• MK 4VXP Side-address cardioid capsule with low cut for close pickup