Omnis

Omnidirectional capsules can be considered sonically optimal if realized as true single-diaphragm systems – which is what we at SCHOEPS do. Their strengths include exceptionally linear frequency response with extended low-frequency response and a low noise floor. Additionally, when used in an A/B or Decca Tree setup, omnis provide excellent stereophony and stunning spatial resolution. Omnidirectional capsules are capable of picking up reflections and modes from all directions, resulting in a well-balanced room sound.

The four types of omnidirectional capsules provided by SCHOEPS – MK 2, 2H, 2S and 2XS – differ in their degree of upper-frequency accentuation, designed to compensate the damping of high frequencies in diffuse sound fields. Because of this effect, a distinction is often made between free-field equalized vs diffuse-field equalized omnis. A choice between these types of omnidirectional capsules is made mostly for aesthetic and stylistic reasons. In Europe, the MK 2S and 2H capsules are more popular, whereas engineers in the US tend to gravitate toward the free-field equalized MK 2 instead.

Omnidirectional pattern:
Small-membrane omnis tend to exhibit directional characteristics at higher frequencies due to a buildup of pressure, causing a constant roll-off of highs in the diffuse sound field (i.e. off-axis). This phenomenon gives this type of microphone its typical warm room tone. All SCHOEPS omnis have the same polar pattern; the difference lies only in their degree of diffuse-field equalization, i.e. the uniform accentuation of higher frequencies in all directions.