Schoeps MK 8 Figure 8 Microphone Capsule

Description

• Figure-8 characteristic (pure pressure-gradient transducer)
• Pickup direction: Lateral (perpendicular to the microphone axis)
• 0?-axis marked with a red dot
• Preferred application: M/S, double M/S and “Blumlein” stereo

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-eight 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.