Schoeps CCM 21

Description

This type of microphone has a directional pattern between omni and cardioid. The basic idea in designing the Schoeps CCM 21 was to combine the advantages of the cardioid with those of the omni. This results in a pickup pattern that blends the two sets of characteristics in a useful manner. It has a fuller and more extended low-frequency response than a cardioid, with less proximity effect, while attenuating side- and rear-incident sound less than a cardioid.

The polar diagram shows the directivity of the CCM 21 to be only slightly dependent on frequency. This contrasts with omnidirectional capsules, whose directivity increases with rising frequency, and with cardioids (at least smaller ones), which tend to accentuate high frequencies that arrive at oblique angles. The CCM 21’s orientation is less critical than with a cardioid since direct sound arriving on the axis and reverberant or other sounds off the axis are both reproduced accurately. This lack of coloration in the off-axis pickup produces a “warm” and natural sonic impression.

PROPERTIES

wide cardioid with especially consistent directionality throughout its frequency range
a pleasant sound image often described as “warm”
often preferred for use as a spot microphone, or as the main pair for overall stereo pickup

PRACTICE

When used as a spot microphone, the CCM 21 must be placed somewhat closer to the sound source than a cardioid would be, due to its lower directivity. Its uniform off-axis response helps to blend nearby instruments seamlessly into the overall mix. For wide pickups where some directivity of the microphone is advantageous, as in acoustically difficult rooms where the bass would be too strong when using omnis, the CCM 21 can be especially helpful.

The low directivity of this capsule type prevents it from generating large enough level differences for X/Y use, though M/S and near-coincident spacings are often successful.

Together with the cardioid and supercardioid, this is one of the most preferred types among our capsules.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency range	see the corresponding capsule
Sensitivity	see the corresponding capsule
Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %)	136 dB-SPL (P48) 128 dB-SPL (P12)
Maximum output voltage	2,6 V (8,3 dbV) at 2 kΩ load
Low cut filter	20 Hz, 12 dB/Okt.
Output impedance	90 Ω @ 1 kHz
Maximum cable length	> 400 m
SCHOEPS RFI Shield	No
Powering standard / Valid range	P48 / > 40 V P12 / > 10 V
Current consumption	4 mA (P48) 3,6 mA (P12)
Common mode rejection ratio (at 1 kHz)	> 55 dB
Minimum recommended load impedance	2 kΩ
Output	Lemo (CCM-L) or XLR-3M (CCM-U), analog, 1 channel
Length	46 mm (CCM-L)
Diameter	20 mm
Weight	45 g (CCM-L)
Surface finish	matte gray (g) or custom color