Schoeps MK 4 Cardioid

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Schoeps MK 4 Cardioid

Schoeps

MK 4 Cardioid

5 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 128042
Brand: Schoeps
Model: MK 4 Cardioid
Price: $878.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The Schoeps MK 4G is a phenomenal mic for critical applications – think acoustic instruments, vocals where clarity is paramount, and field recording. Its tight cardioid pattern and neutral character make it a workhorse, but its price point means it's best suited for professionals or serious hobbyists who demand the absolute best.

Product Description

Schoeps MK 4G Cardioid, Microphone Capsule

The MK 4 is optimised with regard to insensitivity to rear-incident sound. As is typical for the classic cardioid, the attenuation is 6 dB at 90° lateral incidence, up to 30 dB with incidence from the rear - depending on the frequency and the distance. Diffuse incident sound is reproduced 4.8 dB weaker than frontal, a value which corresponds to the bundling measure. The larger this is, the less "space" a microphone transmits and the lower its susceptibility to acoustic feedback.

With its polar pattern, at the same reverb balance, the MK 4 can be positioned approximately 1.7 times as far away from the sound source as a pressure receiver of the same sensitivity. Even in the diffuse sound field, i.e. at a great distance from the sound source in the room, this microphone type has a constant frequency response - except for a slight increase at 10 kHz.

The sound image is present and free from discolouration. This microphone type is equally suitable for voice and music recordings, which is why it is used in the ORTF stereo microphone (MSTC 64 Ug, or STCg). As an XY pair as well as a mid-microphone in an MS arrangement, it also delivers excellent results.

This microphone type is very versatile and is therefore used most frequently.

  • Cardioid
  • For speech and singing at a short distance
  • For universal use
  • High frequency independence of the polar pattern
  • Frequency range: 40 Hz - 20 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 13 mV/Pa
  • Equivalent noise level: A-rated: 15 dB-A
  • CCIR: 24 dB
  • Noise ratio
  • A-weighted: 79 dB (A)
  • Peak sound pressure level (at 0.5% THD): 132 dB
  • Surface: Matt grey
PROS
  • • Cardioid pattern offers excellent isolation in challenging environments.
CONS
  • • Can be unforgiving with less-than-ideal sound sources.

Product Video

Key Features

Mic Type Small Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Range 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Max SPL 127 dB
Sensitivity 18 mV/Pa
Connector XLR3
Weight 145 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

The rear rejection is notably tighter than many competitors, minimizing unwanted room reflections and providing a cleaner, more focused sound.
While it handles high SPLs, its neutral character might lack the aggressive edge some prefer for those sources; it excels with nuanced detail.
A clean, transparent preamp with low noise is ideal – something that won’t color the signal and allows the MK 4’s natural sound to shine.

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