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Schoeps MK 21
Photo: Schoeps, from its catalog, p. 5.

Schoeps

Schoeps MK 21

Small-diaphragm wide-cardioid condenser capsule (Colette series), on a CMC 6 amplifier

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Wide cardioid
Sensitivity
−37.7 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
15 dB(A)
Max SPL
132 dB SPL
Impedance
35 Ω
Rated range
30 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 14. Capsule on a CMC 6 amplifier ("+ CMC 6"), as printed. Free field, distance and smoothing not stated; the sheet draws a tolerance band (dashed) around the curve.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the catalog, p. 5. Rings every 5 dB, labelled 0 to -30 dB (the centre); 0° at the top. Left half 250 Hz to 2 kHz, right half 4 to 32 kHz; the pattern is taken as symmetric. Amplifier and measuring conditions not stated.

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All specs

From the manual
CapsuleSmall-diaphragm, single diaphragm, wide cardioid (Colette MK series). 0° axis at the tip of the capsule.p. 14
Sensitivity−37.7 dBV/Pa (13 mV/Pa); also −37 dBV/Pa, schoeps.de product page (2026), stated. Not stated by the manufacturer: From 13 mV/Pa: 20·log10(0.013). The product page states "-37 dB (V/Pa), 14 mV/Pa with CMC 6".p. 20
Self-noise15 dB(A); also 13 dB(A), schoeps.de product page (2026). Specifications for the complete microphone: capsule on a CMC 6 amplifier (p. 20).
Self-noise (CCIR 468)25 dB, CCIR; also 23 dB, schoeps.de product page (2026)
Max SPL132 dB SPL, 0.5% THD; also 131 dB SPL, THD < 0.5%, schoeps.de product page (2026)
Signal-to-noise ratio79 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 81 dB, schoeps.de product page (2026)
Output impedance35 ohm, CMC 6 on 48 V phantom; also 25 ohm, on 12 V phantomp. 7
Rated load impedance600 ohm, minimum recommended
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 20 kHz; also [30, 29000], with CMC 6 / CMR, schoeps.de product page (2026); also [30, 44000], with CMC 6 xt, schoeps.de product page (2026). Beyond 40 kHz with the CMC 6 xt amplifier (footnote).p. 20
Poweringphantom, 12 V or 48 V (CMC 6, automatic switchover)p. 7
Current draw4 mA, 48 V phantom; also 8 mA, 12 V phantom
ConnectorXLR-3 male. Not stated by the manufacturer: On the CMC amplifier; the guide shows the XLR output but does not list it as a spec.p. 2
Weight66 g. "65 - 68 g, depending on type": the CMC amplifier; the capsule's weight is not stated.p. 7
Dimensions116 × 20 mm. CMC amplifier: length 116 mm (incl. 3 mm capsule thread) × diameter 20 mm. The capsule adds to the length (not stated).
AmplifierCMC 6 (CMC 6U / 6Uxt); low-cut (-3 dB) at 20 Hz
Maximum output voltage1 V (at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm)
PolarityPositive pressure on the 0° axis gives a positive voltage on pin 2
CharacterWide cardioid: polar pattern very well kept across the frequency range; a compromise between omni (good bass) and cardioid (consistent directivity)p. 14
UseOrchestras, spot mic, vocals, speech; also near-coincident and spaced main pairs (e.g. 30 cm, ±45°). Too little level difference for X/Y
From the product page
Capsule size and weight22 mm long, 20 mm diameter, 17 g (capsule alone)
FinishMatte grey; Chromagreen or Smoked Silver (like the classic nickel) to order
Order number131003

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Schoeps, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on schoeps.de

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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