From Schoeps Microphones

MK 21 Capsule Features

 ♦ Wide Cardioid

 ♦ Preferred uses: as a soloist microphone or main microphone

 ♦ Extremely consistent polar response leads to a very natural sound

 ♦ Combines the advantages of the omni (warm sound) and the cardioid (directivity)

 ♦ Popular as a main microphone pair e.g. at a spacing of 30 cm, angle +/- 45°

 

The directivity of the wide cardioid lies between the omni and the cardioid. The idea behind their development is to combine the advantages of these two patterns. The low-frequency behaviour of the MK 21 is better than that of the cardioid, and proximity effect is less pronounced. The wide cardioid polar pattern is extremely consistent across the frequency range. Laterally-arriving direct sound and reflections are picked up without added coloration. The MK 21 is a very well-liked capsule. It is preferred when a slight directional effect and a warm, natural sound image are desired. Over the years it has become an integral part of the audio engineer's toolkit.

 

In Practice

When used as a spot microphone, the distance from the sound source should be slightly smaller than when using a cardioid due to lower directivity index.

 

The low directivity of this capsule type prevents it from generating large enough level differences for X/Y use, though MS and near-coincident spacings are often successful.

 

Matched Pairs are delivered with a hand-signed Certificate from the factory.

Matching is of frequency response and sensitivity within exceptionally low tolerances.

Pickup pattern
Wide Cardioid
Frequency range
30 Hz - 29 kHz with CMC 6 / CMR

30 Hz - 44 kHz with CMC 6xt

Sensitivity
-37 dB (V/Pa), 14 mV/Pa with CMC 6
Equivalent noise level (A-weighted)
13 dB with CMC 6
Equivalent noise level (CCIR)
23 dB with CMC 6
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)
81 dB with CMC 6
Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %)
131 dB-SPL with CMC 6
Length
22 mm
Diameter
20 mm
Weight
17 g
Surface finish
matte gray
Custom color
nickel, chromagreen

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Returns

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