The nickel finish 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. Does it come with any kind of protective case?

A: No, a case is not included with the MK 41 capsule.

Q: 2. So are these specifically for the Mixerface recorders? I wanted to get these for my Zoom F3 because they would be perfect for it, but I'm seeing other people saying they're proprietary.

A: The CEntrance PivotMic PM1 XY Stereo Condenser Recording Microphone will perform best when used with the CEntrance Mixerface. Presumably these could be used with other recorders such as the Zoom F3, however as others mention, the orientation of the XLR connections may present an issue when attempting to orient the capsules in a specific stereo pattern.

Q: 3. Can this be used as an on-camera mic? Does it requires phantom power?

A: The Schoeps Colette CMC 1 Microphone Amp, MK 41 Supercardioid Condenser Capsule, and Low-Cut Filter does require phantom power to operate. It could be used on a camera but it is more commonly used on a stand.

Q: 4. can i opt for the Mk4 with this set, instead of the mk41?

A: The Schoeps Colette CMC 6U Microphone Amp, MK 41 Supercardioid Condenser Capsule & Low-Cut Filter (Matte Gray), BH # SCMC641C60GS, does not offer the MK 4 capsule as an option.

Q: 5. Is that round bump on the side of the housing a screw? I'm wondering if the XLR connector can be rotated inside the housing; currently it's oriented 90 degrees wrong for essentially every recorder on the market.

A: Hi Alex, I just saw your question regarding the Phillips screw on the side of the CEntrance PivotMic PM1 XY Stereo Condenser Recording Microphones. The screw is used in assembly to secure the mic's internal components to the housing and to keep the 3-pin connector in place. The XLR connector cannot be rotated inside of the housing. The screw should not be removed.

Q: 6. Is having a matched pair important for doing a two person YouTube video podcast via two overhead KM 185 boomed mics?

A: Matched pair microphones becomes a critical choice for critical vocal and musical recording. Not an issue for your application at all.

Q: 7. Can I use the PivotMic PM1 with recorders that offer Phantom Power like the Zoom F6 or DR-100mkIII?

A: The CEntrance PivotMic PM1 matched pair is designed for use with CEntrance Mixerface recorder models and the mics are matched to the Jasmine preamps on the recorder. They can be plugged directly into the XLR inputs or connected with XLR cables. We have not tested the PM1 mics with any of the Zoom or Tascam recorders to be able to confirm with certainty that they will perform well, but it does seem like they should. Just be aware that the spacing of the XLR inputs may not be the same on all recorders.

Q: 8. what means Mini Pressure Condenser Microphone ? could be used for drum Overheads miking?

A: Certainly. The KM 184 is suitable for X,Y style stereo capturing, percussion, wind instruments, piano, leslie speaker, and guitar amplifiers. The KM 184 can handle sound pressure levels up to 138 dB, allowing fairly close miking of instruments (including drums). Cardioid microphones, which make up the majority of models, are a 50:50 mixture of pressure and pressure gradient transducers. Pressure condenser microphones:This type is provided with a high-tuned diaphragm. The diaphragm mass(together with the vibrating air mass) is made small, the restoring forcelarge. Blind holes in the backplate, and sometimes an additional air pocketdiminish the stiffness of the air cushion sufficiently to bring the diaphragmresonance into the region of the microphones upper cut-off frequency. Inthe rising portion of the resonance curve (below the resonant frequency),the diaphragm velocity then increases with frequency and ensures the requiredconstant diaphragm excursion

Q: 9. What is the self-noise of these microphones?

A: According to the manufacturer, the CEntrance PivotMic PM1 XY Stereo Condenser Recording Microphone (Matched Pair) are rated at 20 dBA for self-noise. The standard SPL for measurements is 94 dBA and the signal-to-noise ratio rating is 74 dB.

Q: 10. Can these also accept capsules from SKM-185? In other words; are they interchangeable?

A: No. These are fixed capsules. The KM 100 series has interchangeable capsules.