The matte gray MK 8 Microphone Capsule from Schoeps is a true dipole (bidirectional) transducer, operating with a single diaphragm. Its main axis is at a right angle to the capsule, and is marked at 0 and 180° with a red and a black dot, respectively. Both the microphones that are included are phase-matched.

When M/S stereo recordings are made, the 0° axis normally faces to the left as viewed from behind the microphone setup. The 8 engraved on the top of the housing should be aligned on its side so as to appear horizontal, at a precise right angle to the mid capsule. The microphone should be placed directly above or beneath the M channel microphone, and as close to it as possible. The sound quality of this capsule is clear and neutral. The frequency response rolls off above 16 kHz.

When this capsule is used as a spot microphone, care must be taken to avoid picking up early reflections or unwanted direct sound from its rear, since sound arriving from the back is picked up with full level but reversed in polarity. This could result in partial cancellation of the intended sound, which can lead to comb-filter effects at higher frequencies.

The directivity index of a figure-8 pattern is the same as that of a cardioid. The figure-8 has a rear lobe equal in sensitivity to its front lobe, and this exactly makes up the quantitative difference. However, in normally reverberant settings, the sound reaching a figure-8's rear lobe will be delayed and dispersed to a considerably greater extent; the reflected sound will typically be subject to far more high-frequency absorption as well.

Comes in a pack 2

Sensitivity decreases at low frequencies

Directional characteristic is extraordinarily independent of frequency

Proximity effect is present

Pure pressure-gradient transducer

Figure-8 pattern with near-ideal consistency across the frequency range

Side-addressed (pickup perpendicular to the microphone body)

Optimal for use in M/S and Blumlein stereo recording

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the SSH-6 compatible with the Zoom F1? I have seen both yes and no. If so, does the F1 give customization options to change amount of ambient input like the H6?

A: yes just tried the F1 and SSH-6 combo and this is possible. By cycling through the REC LEVEL button you control the side mic level. Options are StGUN OFF, StGUN 30, StGUN 60, StGUN 90, StGUN 120, StGUN 150

Q: 2. if I place this device 18 away from my mouth, what is the gain level to reach -12db, and at what gain level before I can hear self-noise?

A: I don't know but this mic is the best mic I have used on this recorder!!

Q: 3. Can this remote be used for the Zoom H6?

A: The correct remote to be used with the Zoom H6 is the Auray RC-ZH6. The RC-ZH5 is designed for the H5.

Q: 4. When using this in RAW (mid and side recorded separately, to balance later in post, rather than blending while recording) on the H5, can the H5 still record a second back-up track at reduced gain? From the little I've read on the tech of mid-side, I'm thinking it could work: capsule's stereo file 1 of 2 is mono-mid on left channel and mono-side on right channel, leaving capsule's stereo file 2 of 2 to record same at -12dB. Good guess, or wishful thinking?

A: Yes!

Q: 5. What's the max dB SPL this mic can handle? thanks

A: A maximum SPL rating for the Zoom SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun Microphone Capsule for H5, H6, U-44 and Q8 has not been provided by the manufacturer.

Q: 6. I'm wondering: is the SSH-6 as good as the SGH-6 in terms of directional 'power'? Or do i need to move it closer to the subject than with the SGH-6?

A: I conducted several tests using both the SGH-6 and the SSH-6. The SSH-6 is 1 inch longer than the SGH-6. The end of the microphone was moved back by 1 inch for each SSH-6 test. So, the distance from the end of the microphone to my mouth was always the same for both. I conducted the tests at 6 inches, 1 foot, 2 feet, and 3 feet. In each case to achieve a level above 12 dB but below 6 dB I adjusted the gain on the microphone. In all cases the two microphones required the same gain. The side stereo level on the SSH-6 was set to 0 dBfor all test. So, I would say to your question, Yes, the power and beam for the shotgun portion of the two microphones are the same.

Q: 7. Will this mic fit in the skb 1209 case? I read here that it won't due to its longer length compared to the other model shotgun mic

A: The SKB iSeries Waterproof Case for Zoom H6 Recorder and Mic Modules available on our site is customized to fit the Zoom SGH-6 Shotgun Microphone which is slightly smaller than the Zoom SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun Microphone.

Q: 8. Does this work with the H8?

A: Yes, this will work with the H8.

Q: 9. Is it possible to record the M and S mics on separate channels for matrixing in post? Can you do this with the Q8? Thanks in advance.

A: There is an option to either enable or disable the mid-side matrix. If you disable it and you record in MOV+WAV format, one of the WAV channels will be the shotgun mic and the other will be the side mic. Please note side is a single source in a figure-8 pattern, not two different sources (left and right side). If you are going to do post-processing and want to control the ambient sound in the mix, definitely disable the matrix. It is quite straightforward then to mix in the ambient sound in post production. You may have to split the stereo WAV file, depending on what DAW you are using.

Q: 10. What kind of distance will this work with, roughly?

A: There is no specification for the operating distance. Variables like ambient noise,sound level of the subject, indoors or outdoors, size and composition of the inside space and flooring, wall and ceiling are all factors to consider. In general - get your mics as close to the source as possible.