MK 4 Colette Cardioid Mic Capsule

The MK 4 is a modular cardioid condenser microphone head which requires a Schoeps Colette preamplifier (sold separately) for use.

Due to its transparent sound character and excellent attenuation of rear-incident sound, it reproduces sound sources very naturally, making it a great reference mic and problem solver even in difficult recording situations.

Its flat frequency response and the constancy of its directional pattern for all frequencies are the basis of the MK4’s sound quality. Even in the diffuse sound field, its frequency response is flat with a slight increase at 10 kHz compensating for high-frequency losses in the room. The sound image is transparent for direct-arriving sound, for sound arriving from the side, and for diffuse sound in the room (reverberation).

The MK 4 is a classic small-diaphragm microphone with all the advantages of this microphone type. Its frequency response and the consistency of its polar diagram from low to high frequencies are exemplary. Like all Schoeps capsules, its flat frequency response solely by its mechanical architecture, without any electronic filtering.

As a pressure gradient transducer, the MK 4 has a single diaphragm that is exposed to the sound from both the front and rear. The side sound inlets must never be covered.

The reach (distance factor) of a classic cardioid such as the MK 4 is about 1.7 times that of an omnidirectional microphone. Even at greater distances from the sound source, direct sound can be obtained. The advantages of the MK 4 are shown especially when mixing several microphone signals - pickup of sound from the side is reduced in level but not subject to coloration.

At 90°, the attenuation of the MK 4 is 6 dB, and, at 180°, some 20 to 30 dB. Diffuse-incident sound is picked up 4.8 dB lower in level than front-arriving sound.

The MK 4 is often used by opera singers and other trained vocalists, but its natural, transparent character also suits it very well for use in pop and rock applications, on stage or in the studio, where equalization is a part of the plan. A microphone with a clear, neutral sound quality provides the ideal point of departure whenever special coloring is needed.