Schoeps MK8 Figure 8 Microphone Capsule

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 Schoeps 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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Pickup pattern	Figure-of-eight
Frequency range	40 Hz - 15 kHz with CMC6, 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)
Sensitivity	-38,5 dB (V/Pa), 12 mV/Pa with CMC 6
Equivalent noise level (A-weighted)	17 dB with CMC 6
Equivalent noise level (CCIR)	26 dB with CMC 6
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)	77 dB with CMC 6
Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %)	133 dB-SPL with CMC 6
Length	34 mm
Diameter	20 mm
Weight	18 g
Color	matte gray