Mic Archive
Schoeps MK 8
Photo: Schoeps, from its catalog, p. 9.

Schoeps

Schoeps MK 8

Small-diaphragm figure-8 condenser capsule (Colette series), single diaphragm, side-address, on a CMC 6 amplifier; for M/S and Blumlein stereo

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
Max SPL
134 dB SPL
Impedance
35 Ω
Rated range
40 – 16k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 17. 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. 9. 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 16 kHz; the pattern is taken as symmetric. Amplifier and measuring conditions not stated.

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All specs

From the manual
Sensitivity−40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa); also −38.5 dBV/Pa, schoeps.de product page (2026), stated. Not stated by the manufacturer: From 10 mV/Pa: 20·log10(0.010). The product page states "-38,5 dB (V/Pa), 12 mV/Pa".p. 20
Self-noise18 dB(A); also 17 dB(A), schoeps.de product page (2026). Specifications for the complete microphone: capsule on a CMC 6 amplifier (p. 20).
Self-noise (CCIR 468)26 dB, CCIR. The product page agrees (26 dB).
Max SPL134 dB SPL, 0.5% THD; also 133 dB SPL, THD < 0.5%, with CMC 6, schoeps.de product page (2026); also 137 dB SPL, THD < 0.5%, with CMC 1, schoeps.de product page (2026)
Signal-to-noise ratio76 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 77 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 range40 Hz to 16 kHz; also [40, 15000], schoeps.de product page (2026), also with CMC 6 xt. The product page: "40 Hz - 15 kHz with CMC6xt (above 20 kHz, the level of -3 dB for the cutoff frequency is not exceeded despite the xt boost)".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)
UseM/S and double M/S stereo (film and music), Blumlein, Hamasaki Squarep. 11
From the product page
PolarityPositive pressure on the 0° axis gives a positive voltage on pin 2; the 0° and 180° axes are marked by red and black dots on the capsule
Orientation for M/SThe 0° axis (seen from behind the mic) points to the left, with the "8" engraved on top of the capsule exactly horizontal
Capsule size and weight34 mm long, 20 mm diameter, 18 g (capsule alone)
FinishMatte grey; Chromagreen or Smoked Silver (like the classic nickel) to order
CharacterFigure-8 kept from low to high frequencies, near-perfect front/back symmetry; response essentially free of off-axis peaks; more bass roll-off and stronger proximity effect than other capsules
HandlingComparatively sensitive to solid-borne noise, wind and breath; use wind screening and/or shock mounting
AccessoryO-ring No. 800540 for radial alignment on the amplifier (included)
Order number131105
From the catalog
CapsuleSmall-diaphragm, single diaphragm, pure dipole (Colette MK series); lateral pickup. "The MK 8 is a pure dipole with a single membrane." The guide: "lateral pickup" (p. 17).p. 9

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

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