The matte gray Schoeps CMC 1 L MK 8 Microphone Amp & Capsuleis an ultracompact, space-saving Colette Series modular figure-8 condenser microphone bundle designed to provide near-perfect front/back symmetry along with frequency-independent directionality and transparent, low-distortion sound pickup for M/S and double M/S configurations in film and music production.

It includes the CMC 1 L (mini LEMO output) miniature microphone amplifier, the MK 8 figure-8 condenser capsule, a stand clamp, a mini LEMO to XLR 3-pin cable, a foam windscreen, and a premium case. Thanks to the inclusion of the ultracompact CMC 1 L, this bundle serves as a lighter and smaller alternative to the CMC 6 and CMC 1 without compromising sonic performance. The MK 8 capsule features a side-address design with red and black dots to mark the 0 and 180° axes.

MK 8 Figure-8 Condenser Capsule    CMC 1 L Miniature Mic Amp (Mini LEMO)    Lighter, Smaller Option to CMC 6 Amp    Near-Perfect Front/Back Symmetry    High Immunity from RF Interference    Works with Colette Active Accessories    Supports 12 or 48 VDC Phantom Powering    Mini LEMO Output Connector    Includes Mini LEMO to XLR 3-Pin Cable    Includes Stand Clamp and Premium Case

The matte gray Schoeps CMC 1 L is a miniature Colette Series microphone amplifier offering uncompromising high fidelity in a lightweight and ultracompact form factor for studio recording, broadcast, and live stage applications. Presented as an alternative to the renowned Schoeps CMC 6 amplifier, the CMC 1 L is compatible with all existing MK mic capsules and Colette active accessories (available separately).

It features a balanced mini LEMO output, compliance with 12 or 48V phantom power, and low current consumption. Its Schoeps RFI Shield provides high immunity from RF interference for a clean, low-noise signal. The CMC 1 L supports the high maximum SPLs tolerated by the various MK mic capsules (available separately). A stand adapter and a 16.4' mini LEMO to XLR 3-pin male adapter cable are supplied with the CMC 1 L.

• Complete, no-compromise alternative to the renowned CMC 6 amplifier
• Electrical characteristics of the CMC 1 L are equal to, or even better than, those of the CMC 6 (flat frequency response, very-low distortion, and constant output impedance across the audio frequency range)
• Only 1" long (about a third the size of the CMC 6)
• Weighs just 1 ounce (about 53% lighter than the CMC 6)
• Fully compatible with all existing MK capsules and Colette active accessories such as the CUT 60 and RC tubes
• Compatible with all accessories of the CCM series
• Very-high immunity from RF interference with the Schoeps RFI Shield
• Optimized RF protection of the CMC 1 L makes it ideal for use with transmitters such as the Audio Limited A 10
• Balanced, direct-coupled, Class-A output circuit
• Output is filtered in the ultrasonic range to prevent interference, e.g. from camera autofocus

The Schoeps MK 8 is part of the Colette series of modular capsules designed for use with the CMC mic amplifiers. The MK 8 is often used for M/S and double M/S stereo sound in film sound and music recording, in combination with Colette or CCM microphones and/or a CMIT shotgun microphone.

This type of capsule is a pure dipole. The figure-8 pattern of the MK 8 remains constant from low to high frequencies, which is particularly important when used in an M/S setup. Its sensitivity rolls off more at low frequencies than other capsules, but proximity effect (which can compensate, given relatively close placement) is also more pronounced.

Production of the MK 8 is a special technical accomplishment, because in terms of physics, the available force due to the pressure gradient is minimal. Despite this, the MK 8 has excellent frequency and polar response, near-perfect front/back symmetry, and low inherent noise. The microphone 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.

The pickup direction is lateral, i.e. perpendicular to the microphone housing, and the 0 and 180° axes are indicated respectively by red and black dots on the capsule housing. When recording with M/S, the 0° axis (as viewed from a position behind the microphone) should point to the left, and the "8" engraved on top of the capsule should be precisely horizontal.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Would this Rycote Windshield Kit accommodate the DPA 4018C combination?

A: The DPA will be too long to fit in this windsheild.

Q: 2. What is the ideal and maximum recommended talking distance from the zoom VRH8 capsule

A: The idea and maximum will vary depending on the environment in which the Zoom VRH-8 Ambisonic Microphone Capsule is being used, as well as the volume level of the person who is talking. The microphone can be placed a few feet away from the person who is speaking and it will pick up clear audio. To determine the ideal and maximum distance for mic placement with your specific application, do some experimenting and listen through headphones so you can where the mic sounds best and provides the highest quality audio.

Q: 3. Would mounting this on camera work well when trying to get audio of a moving documentary subject?

A: Yes, the Schoeps CMC641 Set Colette Series Supercardioid Microphone Set could indeed serve as a high-quality on-camera microphone for capturing the audio of subjects in close range situations. The camera would need to be equipped with a 48V capable XLR input connection to accommodate the Schoeps.

Q: 4. Does this have a BINAURAL MODE like the H3-VR?

A: Yes. According to Zoom representative Mike, the VRH-8 will have a binaural mode, as the He does. Mike says that they do NOT have a delivery date for the VRH-8, as of yet, though they are hoping to have it by Oct 1.

Q: 5. Is there a recommended field recorder for a high end mic like this? Is a Zoom F3 good enough?

A: The Zoom F3 would be an excellent choice for use with the Schoeps CMC641. It offers high-quality recording in 32-bit, which allows for great dynamic range with sensitive microphones.

Q: 6. Hey guys, is this product the right one to get if I plan on using with a SD 633 mixer which can supply 48V phantom? It's confusing to know whether I need this or the more expensive $1900 mic. How does it compare with Senn 8060 or MKH 50? Is this mic no good in humid conditions or with possible RF interference?

A: Thank you for your Question. If humidity and RF are a big concern i would highly recommend sticking with the 8060. The Schoeps is great but it does not have built in protections again humidity or RF interference.

Q: 7. Having this microphone a built in amplifier does it require phantom power?

A: Yes, the Schoeps CCM 41 LG does require phantom power.

Q: 8. Will this work for the DPA 4018c? Seems like it would due to the size of comparable mics.

A: Yes, the Rycote 041110 InVision INV-6 SOFT Shockmount is compatible for use with the DPA Microphones 4018C Compact Supercardioid Microphone,

Q: 9. What is a good schock mount/suspension holder to fit this microphone? I realize this mic is predominantly used indoors, but if I am in a situation where I need to use it outside, what product to reduce wind effect will fit this mic?

A: I have a Rycote Blimp with a lyre mount for bad windy conditions and the usual dead kittens for general breezes. But you said it yourself, this is an indoor mic. Moreover, it is a short mic so not so great at a distance of more than a few feet unless you have an amplified audio target. If you have critical audio needs outdoors, your better bet is to rent a good shotgun mic or buy something like the Sennheiser 416, Sanken Cs3, or Schoeps CMIT if you want to go all in. I have used the CMC6 outdoors (without needing a blimp). If you can get in close, it's OK but at say four or five feet, I don't know that the 'Schoeps' difference is any longer in effect. These weren't scientific shootouts and audio environments vary but I suspect plain old microphone physics trump German engineering at a certain distance.

Q: 10. Will this be compatible with the H6?

A: No, it is not compatible with the H6.