Schoeps MSTC 74

Description

The MSTC is particularly impressive in that it usually also gives very good results without spot microphones. In addition, its placement is relatively unimportant, making it suitable for the rather inexperienced or hasty user. Set-up is quick and easy because only a single stand and cable are required and the capsule distance and the offset angle of the capsules to each other don’t need to be adjusted.

At the output of the MSTC 74 is an XLR-5M plug to which e.g. the stereophonic cable KS 5 U, or the breakout AK SU/2U is connected.

FEATURES

New 2022 model with completely renewed electronics and a new design
Stereo microphone for recording using the ORTF technique
excellent stereophonic characteristics: very good localization, very good spatial quality
preferred use as a main microphone for recording ensembles and choirs or as a stereophonic spot microphone

The MSTC is one of SCHOEPS’ bestsellers. It’s compact elegance and excellent spatial quality make it a classic in the sound engineer’s standard portfolio.

This microphone consists of a T-shaped two-channel microphone amplifier, which two paired MK 4 cardioid capsules are screwed onto. They are arranged at a distance of 170 mm at an angle of 110° to each other, as required for the ORTF method.

PRACTICE

The MSTC 7 (No. 132014) comes with:

No. 232014, MSTC 7, stereo microphone
No. 161105, SG 20, stand clamp
No. 152202, AK SU/2U, breakout cable

The MSTC 74 (No. 139901) also includes:

2 * No. 231015 MK 4, matched

For outdoor use, a wind basket, e.g. the CINELA Albert (AL-MSTC) or a CINELA OSIX with single windshields W 5 D or W 20 is recommended.

Alternatively, the ORTF Outdoor Set can be used which employs single CCM microphones in an ORTF arrangement.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Pickup pattern	Cardioid (2× MK 4)
Frequency range	40 Hz – 26 kHz
Sensitivity	-36,5 dB (V/Pa), 15 mV/Pa
Equivalent noise level (A-weighted)	14 dB
Equivalent noise level (CCIR)	24 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)	80 dB
Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %)	135 dB-SPL
Maximum output voltage	1,8 V (5 dBV) with 1 kΩ load
Low cut filter	20 Hz, 12 dB/oct.
Minimum recommended load impedance	1 kΩ
Output impedance	50 Ω
Maximum cable length	> 400 m
SCHOEPS RFI Shield	Yes
Powering standard / Valid range	P48 / 30-52 V P12 / 11-13 V
Current consumption	2 mA per channel (P48)
Common mode rejection ratio (at 1 kHz)	> 55 dB
Output	XLR-5M, analog, 2 channels
Distance between the microphones	17 cm
Recording angle	95°
Weight	232 g (with capsules)
Surface finish	matte gray (g) or custom color
Stereophonic recording technique	ORTF

PRODUCT HISTORY

ca. 1962: The “ORTF” stereo recording method was developed by French broadcasters using Schoeps tube microphones and custom mounting accessories. The essential setup was a pair of cardioids spaced 17 cm apart with a 110° angle between them.
1974: The ORTF method was specifically supported at the beginning of the Colette series, using a pair of cardioid Colette microphones, two KC–active cables, and the special STC stereo bar, so that the correct distance and angle between capsules was predetermined.
1976: MSTC 3/3p/4/5: The MSTC is the first microphone specifically designed for this recording technique, with rapid setup and simple cabling. The four different amplifier types supported the four prevailing methods of microphone powering, all offering identical performance.
1992: MSTC 6: As with the CMC 6 the year before, standard 12- and 48-Volt phantom powering was now available with a single amplifier that switched powering modes automatically. (Parallel and “negative” 12-Volt phantom powering had mostly faded away by this time.)
2021: MSTC 7: The latest version uses the updated circuitry of the CMC 1 amplifier, with lower operating current, greater or equal headroom, better protection from interferences, and a new “look”.