SCHOEPS MK xx - Manual (Page 3)

SCHOEPS GmbH · Spitalstr. 20 · D-76227 Karlsruhe (Durlach) · Tel: +49 721 943 20-0 · Fax: +49 721 943 2050
www.schoeps.de · [email protected]
CMC -- Microphone Amplifiers
Microphone Amplifiers
3
Dear customer:
Thank you for choosing SCHOEPS CMC
(”Colette”) Series microphones. This is the most
extensive and diverse modular microphone
system in the world, offering the highest pos-
sible professional sound quality in an extremely
wide range of practical configurations. A system
overview is shown on page 2.
Colette Modular System
A condenser microphone is formed by the
combination of two main components: a cap-
sule and a microphone amplifier:
The capsule is the component which converts
sound waves into a varying electrical voltage.
It determines the directionality and, for the
most part, the sound quality of the microphone.
The amplifier is the other main component,
with the circuitry needed to accept external
powering, polarize (charge) the capacitive
capsule, obtain the audio signal from it, and
convert that signal to one which is balanced
and low-impedance.
Microphones of the Colette Series are mod-
ular: Any type of CMC microphone amplifier
can be used with any type of Colette capsule.
Approximately 20 different capsule types (MK --)
are available for wide-ranging applications,
and several types of amplifier (CMC --) are
available for various powering and connection
schemes.
In addition, the practical value of a Colette
Series microphone is greatly enhanced by
Colette ”Active Accessories” – special goose-
necks, ultra-thin cables or narrow extension
tubes which allow the capsule to be separated
some distance from its amplifier and placed
unobtrusively, as if it were a miniature micro-
phone. Colette Active Cables are often used
to help conceal microphones for film and video
production, while Colette Active Extension
Tubes have become a mainstay of concert
amplification, recording and broadcasting. The
active circuitry in these accessories converts the
audio signal to lower impedance directly at
the capsule, so that there is no loss of sound
quality:
In the following pages you will find technical
information, application hints and advice con-
cerning the care and maintenance of these
microphones. We begin by considering the
CMC amplifier and how to power and connect
SCHOEPS
condenser microphones; the second
part of this manual concerns the capsules of
the Colette Series. For information on acces-
sories (including Active Accessories), please see
our main catalog or visit www.schoeps.de.
CMC -- Microphone Amplifiers
...are distinguished by:
– flat frequency response
– low noise and distortion
– balanced, symmetrical, very low-impedance
output
– ability to be used with very long cables
(e.g. several hundred meters)
– versions for various powering schemes
Several standard versions are available. All
feature a symmetrical, class-A output stage
which uses neither coupling conden sers nor an
output transformer. This leads to a low output
impedance, insensitivity to electrical interfer-
ence, low distortion and light weight.
CMC amplifiers are electrically active com -
po nents which require operating current. This
will most often be supplied by the inputs of a
mixer, preamplifier (such as the SCHOEPS
VMS 5U shown on page 2) or recorder that
has suitable microphone powering built in.
Otherwise, a stand-alone microphone power
supply of proper type can be used.
Standard Versions
Four standard models of CMC amplifier are
offered to fit the specific type(s) of microphone
MK-- CMC--
+
+ +
Active Accessories