The cardioid is the most popular type of directional microphone. It combines the highest level of audio quality with optimal suppression of rear-incident sound. SCHOEPS cardioids have a directional pattern that remains the same at all frequencies.
The range of applications for cardioids is unlimited. They are used for speaking voices as well as for instruments and vocal soloists.
MK 4
The MK 4 is our best-selling capsule. It offers the highest sound quality, flat frequency response, optimal rejection of rear-incident sound, and a directional pattern that remains constant throughout the audio frequency range. In the diffuse sound field it shows only a mild rise around 10 kHz; the sonic impression thus remains free of coloration even when sound is arriving from all sides at once. The sonic impression is thus free of coloration whether sound is arriving at the front or at the sides of the microphone, as well as for diffuse sound (reverberation) in a room.
For those who dare to use their ears rather than just their eyes when choosing a vocal microphone, a Colette microphone using the MK 4 capsule can be a remarkable instrument.
- classic cardioid
- suitable for the widest range of applications, either as a spot microphone or for stereo recording with coincident, ORTF or M/S microphone arrangements
- with consistent directionality throughout its frequency range
- often preferred for singing or speaking voices and most instruments
MK 4V
The directional response is especially well maintained even at higher frequencies, due to the acoustically transparent housing. There is less high-frequency emphasis of off-axis sound than occurs with most small, axial-response cardioids. The MK 4V still sounds somewhat brighter than the MK 4, however, because of its overall frequency response.
- “vertical” (side-addressed) cardioid capsule
- for a very wide range of recording applications
- slight high-frequency emphasis
- often preferred for singing or speaking voices and most instruments
| MK 4 | |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 40 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 13 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent noise level (A-weighted) | 15 dB-A |
| Equivalent noise level (CCIR) | 24 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) | 79 dB-A |
| Maximum sound pressure level at 0.5% THD | 132 dB-SPL |
| Length | 22 mm |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Weight | 17 g |
| Surface finish | matte gray (g) or nickel (ni) |
| MK 4V | |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 40 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 13 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent noise level (A-weighted) | 14 dB-A |
| Equivalent noise level (CCIR) | 24 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) | 80 dB-A |
| Maximum sound pressure level at 0.5% THD | 132 dB-SPL |
| Length | 34 mm |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Weight | 18 g |
| Surface finish | matte gray (g) or nickel (ni) |
