Colette Modular System
A condenser microphone is formed by the combination of two main components: a capsule and a microphone amplifier:
The capsule is the component which converts sound waves into a varying electrical voltage. It determines the directionality and, for the most part, the sound quality of the microphone. The amplifier is the other main component, with the circuitry needed to accept external powering, polarize (charge) the capacitive capsule, obtain the audio signal from it, and convert that signal to one which is balanced and low-impedance.
Microphones of the Colette Series are modular: Any type of CMC microphone amplifier can be used with any type of Colette capsule. Approximately 20 different capsule types (MK --) are available for wide-ranging applications, and several types of amplifier (CMC --) are available for various powering and connection schemes.
In addition, the practical value of a Colette Series microphone is greatly enhanced by Colette ”Active Accessories” – special goosenecks, ultra-thin cables or narrow extension tubes which allow the capsule to be separated some distance from its amplifier and placed unobtrusively, as if it were a miniature microphone. Colette Active Cables are often used to help conceal microphones for film and video production, while Colette Active Extension Tubes have become a mainstay of concert amplification, recording and broadcasting. The active circuitry in these accessories converts the audio signal to lower impedance directly at the capsule, so that there is no loss of sound quality:
CMC -- Microphone Amplifiers
...are distinguished by:
– flat frequency response
– low noise and distortion
– balanced, symmetrical, very low-impedance output
– ability to be used with very long cables (e.g. several hundred meters)
– versions for various powering schemes
Several standard versions are available. All feature a symmetrical, class-A output stage which uses neither coupling condensers nor an output transformer. This leads to a low output impedance, insensitivity to electrical interference, low distortion and light weight.
CMC amplifiers are electrically active components which require operating current. This will most often be supplied by the inputs of a mixer, preamplifier or recorder that has suitable microphone powering built in. Otherwise, a stand-alone microphone power supply of proper type can be used.
Phantom Powering
Most modern, solid-state professional microphones use a standardized powering scheme known as ”phantom powering,” and most recording equipment offers a 48-Volt supply for such microphones. Some equipment, however, provides a 12-Volt supply for phantom powering, or can be readily modified to provide such a supply. The SCHOEPS CMC 6 amplifier series can work with either voltage, switching its circuitry automatically to the corresponding mode of operation. It maintains the same level of performance in either mode, while drawing only the necessary amount of current from the phantom supply.
Note that the CMC 6 is designed to work with standard 12-Volt or standard 48-Volt phantom powering, but it is not a ”12-to-48 Volt” microphone. Any input to which it is connected must implement one of those two standard phantom powering methods. Not only must the supply voltage meet the standard; the resistors must be correct as well.
MK 4V Capsule
- Cardioid, side-addressed
- Mild high-frequency elevation
- Preferred applications: as spot microphone in orchestra; in double MS setup
