Schoeps Colette MK2 Omnidirectional Microphone Capsules
The four types of Schoeps Colette MK2 Omnidirectional Microphone Capsules include the: MK 2, 2H, 2S and 2XS. They differ in their degree of upper-frequency accentuation, designed to compensate the damping of high frequencies in diffuse sound fields. Because of this effect, a distinction is often made between free-field equalised vs diffuse-field equalised omnis. A choice between these types of omnidirectional capsules is made mostly for aesthetic and stylistic reasons. In Europe, the MK 2S and 2H capsules are more popular, whereas engineers in the US tend to gravitate toward the free-field equalised MK 2 instead.
Omnidirectional pattern:
Small-membrane omnis tend to exhibit directional characteristics at higher frequencies due to a buildup of pressure, causing a constant roll-off of highs in the diffuse sound field (i.e. off-axis). This phenomenon gives this type of microphone its typical warm room tone. All SCHOEPS omnis have the same polar pattern; the difference lies only in their degree of diffuse-field equalisation, i.e. the uniform accentuation of higher frequencies in all directions.
MK 2 Microphone Capsule
Linear frequency response at 0° (free-field equalized) for placement in close proximity to sound source preferred usage: close-miking instruments
The linear frequency response of the MK 2 with respect to frontally incident sound waves results in a very natural sound for near-field recordings (i.e. in close proximity to the sound source). This capsule can be set up very close to the sound source without sounding too brilliant or harsh.
MK 2H Microphone Capsule
If this microphone capsule is used indoors at medium recording distances (i.e. where direct sound energy is similar in amount to reflected sound energy), its overall response will be linear. Its extended frequency response and low noise make it appropriate for the most demanding applications.
The sound inlet of the MK 2H is narrower than that of our other pressure transducers, causing a slight, purely acoustic response elevation above 6 kHz. This reduces the high frequency loss for diffuse sound, thus helping to preserve natural sound quality.
- mild high-frequency response elevation at 0°, which compensates high frequency losses caused by a slightly increased diffuse field amount at medium recording distance
- ideal for A/B stereophony and Decca Tree
The gold-plated ring reduces the size of the acoustic opening of the MK 2H. This results in an acoustic elevation above 6 kHz. The MK 2H is a capsule often described as balanced and round. Together with the KA 40 sphere accessory, it forms a classic Decca Tree capsule.
MK 2S Microphone Capsule
The MK 2S exhibits a slight high-frequency emphasis for frontal sound incidence, with only a slight rolloff of high frequencies off axis and in the reverberant sound field.
This frequency response characteristic falls between that of the MK 2 and the MK 2XS, making the capsule suitable for a wide range of applications.
- moderate high-frequency response elevation at 0°, which compensates high frequency losses caused by the increased diffuse field amount when used near the reverberation radius
- often used for A/B stereo, Decca Tree or as a room microphone
The MK 2S is our most popular pressure transducer.
Its somewhat brighter sound (compared to the MK 2 and MK 2H) makes it ideal for use as a main microphone or room microphone, especially in larger rooms.
MK 2XS Microphone Capsule
The MK 2XS (formerly 3) is designed for placement in a diffuse sound field, i.e. at distances in reverberant environments where the greater portion of arriving sound has already been reflected from various room surfaces. In such placement the integrated frequency response of this capsule is essentially flat; the on-axis high-frequency response elevation shown in the graph below is not heard as such. It is remarkable how well-focused a recording can be made with omnidirectional microphones at such distances, when the microphones have been designed and placed appropriately.
If this type of microphone is used close to the sound source, the emphasis of high frequencies for on-axis sound incidence would become clearly audible, producing an overly brilliant sonic impression.
Since most recording today is miked more closely than in decades past, capsules such as the MK 2S or MK 2H are a reasonable norm for the majority of spaced-omni and “Decca Tree” applications. But if miking distances more typical of the mono and early stereo era are to be used, a capsule such as the MK 2XS, with its full diffuse-field equalization, may well offer the optimal balance of focus, depth and spaciousness – and the KA 40 accessory spheres can then add a further measure of presence to the sound at such distances, if desired.
The MK 2XS is also often used as an ambient room microphone.
- diffuse-field equalized (considerable high-frequency response elevation at 0°)
- for use at relatively great distance from the sound source
- preferred use: as a room microphone
The MK 2XS compensates for high-frequency response losses and thus has flat frequency response in the diffuse sound field. If used near a sound source, the sound is brilliant.
The MK 2XS is usually used as a room microphone beyond the reverberation radius.
