Basic Characteristics Of Transducers - Schoeps M? Series User Manual

Basic Characteristics of Transducers

All the wide variety of SCHOEPS capsules, without exception, are single-diaphragm electrostatic trans-
ducers. They fall into two general categories: pressure transducers and pressure gradient transducers.
Many of our capsules combine the two principles of operation in various proportions, yielding pat-
terns from wide cardioid through supercardioid; these capsules are classed as pressure gradient trans-
ducers by convention.
Unlike dual-membrane capsules, our switchable capsule offers flat low-frequency response, low
sensitivity to wind and solid-borne noise, and no proximity effect in its omnidirectional setting. In its
cardioid setting it maintains its directional pattern to the lowest frequencies, which dual-diaphragm
capsules do not do.
The following table lists the basic characteristics of these two general types.
Characteristics of the Two Basic Transducer Types
Frequency
response:
Directional
pattern:
Near field
behavior:
Sensitivity to
vibration, wind
and popping:
SCHOEPS "Colette" Series capsules (MK --) can be used interchangeably on all CMC-series amplifiers.
They can also be used with three special-purpose amplifier types: the CMBI (powered by internal bat-
tery, with unbalanced output), the VST 62 IU (two-channel, balanced, phantom-powered) and the M 222
(modern, transformerless vacuum-tube circuitry). The operating requirements and range of accessories
for these amplifiers vary; for detailed information please see the main catalog or www.schoeps.de.
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Pressure Transducers (omnis)
MK 2, 2H, 2S, 3,
BLM 3, BLM 03C
MK 5 in the "omni" position
Essentially flat, with perfect reproduc-
tion of low frequencies. The on-axis
response of the free-field capsule does
not have a high-frequency emphasis
but the capsule meant for the rever-
berant sound field does.
Omnidirectional pattern in its ideal
form at low and middle frequencies.
At very high frequencies there is
increasing directivity. For this reason
even omnidirectional microphones are
aimed toward the sound source.
No proximity effect
Very little; simple foam-type wind-
screens are usually sufficient.
Pressure Gradient Transducers
MK 21, 21H, 22, 4, 4V, 41, 41V, 8
MK 5 in the "cardioid" position,
MK 4S, 40, 4A, 4VXS, 41S
Reduced sensitivity (rolloff) at lower
frequencies, which can be compen-
sated by close placement to the
sound source (proximity effect)
Types: wide cardioid, Open Cardioid,
cardioid, supercardioid (hypercardioid),
bidirectional (figure-8). The frequency
response of our figure-8 is nearly the
same in all directions; the wide car-
dioid capsule has this advantage
also.
Proximity effect: Elevation of the low
and low-mid frequencies as working
distance decreases (quite noticeable
at less than 50 cm)
Possibly considerable; shock mounts
and more elaborate windscreens may
be necessary.
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