CMC 6

flat frequency response very low harmonic distortion and noise works with 12V and 48V phantom power balanced, low-impedance output high suppression of interference on the microphone cable excellent protection against high-frequency radio interference with "RFI Shield" frequency-independent impedance signal transmission possible over very long cables reliable operation even with weak phantom power symmetrical, transformer- and capacitor-free output stage with a class-A amplifier above 20 kHz, the signal is attenuated for protection against interference in the ultrasonic range, e.g. through the ultrasonic autofocus of a film camera

The capsules of condenser microphones can't be connected directly to microphone cables or inputs; a microphone amplifier is required in between. Thus a complete microphone of the Colette series comprises any of the twenty available types of capsules combined with an amplifier. The CMC 6 U is designed for standard 48- and 12-Volt phantom powering. Its circuitry recognizes the supply voltage and adjusts itself automatically. Its performance characteristics remain essentially the same either way; mainly, the difference is that the current drawn at 12 Volts is greater than at 48 Volts. However, the 12-Volt mode consumes less power and might be preferred for battery-powered recording.

The microphone amplifier is responsible for providing the necessary electric charge to the capsule, without which it would be unable to generate a signal. Since the capsule's output signal is very weak (Hi-Z), it must be amplified. In order for the microphone's output to cleanly reach the next stage in the signal chain, it must undergo balancing and impedance matching before transmission. The CMC 6 incorporates a balanced, direct-coupled class-A amplifier, yielding a low output impedance, high RF shielding, and minimal distortion.

• In 1973, CMC 5 (P48), CMC 4 (T12) and CMC 3 (P12) are launched. CMC 3 and 5 were identical, except one resistor.
• 1974 first OEM model for Studer: SKM 5. That product was just a CMC 5 in a housing tube with "Studer" engraved instead of "Schoeps".
• 1985 OEM product for Strässer: CM 90. That product was like a CMC 3/5, designed for P24 powering, plus different engraving on the housing tube.
• 1990 first prototype of the CMC 6
• 1991 Generation A0. Launch of the CMC 6, discretely equipped, engraving on the XLR foot, longer tube than the CMC 5, the engraved ring omitted, for the first time variable phantom power P12 or P48 with high tolerance to (non-standard) intermediate values
• 1997 Generation A1. small changes of the electronics
• 2007 Generation B0. new board layout, partly in SMD, FET and power amplifier still discretely equipped
• 2008 Generation B1. Introduction of laser engraving
• 2009 Generation C0. Improved RF protection of the CMC 6 from approx. # 34000 ("RFI" upgrade), recognizable by the golden plate in the XLR connector
• 2012 Generation C1. Revision of the P12/P48 switching of the CMC 6
• 2013 Generation C2. Increased protection diodes against overvoltage pulses (static discharges)
• 2015 Generation C3. mechanically more stable adaptation of the printed circuit board to the XLR foot
• 2019 Generation D0. Better protection of the high-impedance area, complete SMD assembl

No. 191102 custom color: Chromagreen, Smoked Silver (looks like the classic Schoeps nickel), other custom colors on request

No. 191201 custom engraving

Apart from the standard CMC 6 version, Special versions of the CMC 6 U are available.

CMC 6 U linear

The CMC 6 U microphone amplifier normally has a gradual rolloff in response below 20 Hz to guard against infrasonic disturbances from various sources such as air movement and vibration. However, when using pressure (omnidirectional) transducers, particularly with digital recording, it can be desirable to pick up frequencies below 20 Hz without attenuation. The special technology of the CMC 6 U linear microphone amplifiers makes this possible; on request we can deliver microphone amplifiers with response that is flat to as low as 10 Hz. Caution must be advised with respect to infrasonics, however. Since pressure transducers can pick up very low frequencies, ventilation systems in large spaces (churches, concert halls) or traffic rumble can create a problem. With pressure gradient transducers the risk is even greater. They are far less sensitive to very low frequency sound, but respond much more strongly to low-frequency mechanical stimuli such as air currents and solid-borne noise. Such signals may be below the audible range of frequencies, but they can overload electronic circuitry and produce severe distortion, particularly in transformer-coupled circuitry.

CMC 6 U +5 dB

The sensitivity of a microphone using this type of amplifier is 5 dB higher than with the standard version, but the equivalent noise level and maximum output voltage are not materially affected. Thus the highest sound pressure level which the microphone can accept without distortion is 5 dB lower than in the standard version, while the signal-to-noise ratio is essentially the same with either gain setting. This version might be chosen in order to raise the microphone's signals above the noise level of the equipment to which it will be connected, and / or for working with sounds that occur mainly at low levels.

CMC 6xt U – the 40 kHz version