Specifications

76
Microphones for Close Pickup
20 50 100 200 500 1k
+10
0dB
-10
-20
standard
cardioid
MK 4
MK 4S, MK 40
MK 4A
MK 4VXS
Low-frequency attenuation of cardioids for close pickup
The microphones and capsules presented on the fol-
lowing pages are directional (cardioid or supercar-
dioid). Each has a distinct low-frequency rolloff built
in, to compensate for proximity effect and to reduce
pickup of room noise. They are mainly used for speech
at close range (e.g. 20 cm or less) when clarity and
intelligibility of the spoken word is the primary require-
ment. They are not recommended for musical instru-
ments, vocal soloists or voiceover work unless the mik-
ing is unusually close. Even speech pickup at moderate
distances can sound thin and bright.
These capsules and microphones are often included
in fixed installations. As an alternative, especially if the
problems which they deal with are only occasionally
encountered, standard cardioids or supercardioids can
be used along with the CUT 1 variable filter (for
Colette-series microphones) or the LC 60 or LC 120 in-
line filter (for Colette- or CCM-series microphones).
The CUT 1 is particularly versatile in that it allows the
amount of low-frequency attenuation to be tailored to
COLETTE
modular
MK 4S, CCM 4S
– for pickup of speech or music at close
range (under 50 cm)
– cardioid pattern
– considerable attenuation of low fre-
quencies
This type of microphone has a low-
frequency rolloff to compensate for
the low-frequency boost which
occurs when close-miking.
It is used primarily in voiceover
and sound reinforcement applica-
tions, and wherever good speech
audibility in a noisy environment is a
prime requirement. It is suited for
the recording of music in exceptional
cases only. When it is used at a dis-
tance of ca. 10 cm flat frequency
response can be ob tained.
Frequency response curve MK 4S + CMC 6
Polar diagram
from outer
to inner:
up to 2 kHz 4 kHz
8 kHz
16 kHz
20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20kHz
+10
0dB
-10
-20
corresponding CCM
L-version / U-version
the specific voice, working distance and locale. Low
frequencies can often be reduced in a preamp or mix-
ing console, but the CUT 1 reduces the danger of
overloading the inputs of such equipment due to wind
or breath noise, which can generate surprisingly high
signal levels.
Diameter of the MK capsules and the CCM compact
microphones: 20 mm
For further technical specifications of the CMC micro-
phone amplifiers see page 34 and for those of the CCM
compact microphones, see page 54.