CMD 42

digital microphone amplifier

Features


Order number

  • No. 132210

Testimonials

"The CMD 42 has been instrumental in elevating my recordings to a whole new level. The CMD 42 and MK series are unquestionably my favorite microphones. Schoeps raised the bar with the CMD 42, with both Sound and Technology!" 
Nathan Smith, Sound Design Specialist
Nathan Smith on the CMD 42 on youtube:

“The CMD 42 unlocks so much flexibility and sonic quality that it has become my first choice Colette amplifier. I never want to be without it” 
Dustin Harris, Supervising Sound Editor

”Congratulations on a remarkable product! One that has had a revolutionary and inspirational influence on my work. The increased frequency range, low noise floor and extremely high headroom provide a distinct advantage over any other system I have for capturing audio. I can’t think of another piece of gear in the last 20 years that has had such a profound impact on everything I record.” 
Seph Lawrence, Veteran Game Audio Designer

"It is like stepping off a flight when all of a sudden your ears pop and the world becomes clear"
Paul Paragon, Production Sound Mixer

"We started a new film a week ago, and we've used the CMDs on 100% of it so far on two booms. Wow! What a revelation. They sound absolutely stunning. I am in love with them!
There were some romantic scenes where the cast were literally “breathing” their dialogue. I used gain levels that would have been unachievable on analogue mic preamps. The CMD's were simply silent irrespective of how much I pushed the gain, there was zero self noise (MK 41 capsules). We achieved some outstanding results on close mic’d low level dialogue. It was astounding.
We were starting a film in Tenerife/Saudi Arabia. We used them in +40 degree heat, in vibrating vehicles for long periods, in the desert during airborne sand storms, in humid sound stages. Not once did they let us down. They were bulletproof and not only did their sound quality deliver dialogue beyond the capability of an analogue mic, their build quality has filled me with incredible confidence. We could not have put them through a harder, more brutal and demanding test period in real world extremes of film making. The product simply delivered." 
Simon Hayes, Production Sound Mixer

Description

The CMD 42 is the new digital microphone amplifier from SCHOEPS. It transfers the signal from the microphone capsule directly into the digital domain.

The detailed manual explains all the features and provides practical tips for use.

Like the SuperCMIT, the CMD 42 uses the AES42 interface. The download area lists a selection of current equipment that has this interface. In principle, however, a small power supply at an AES3 input may be sufficient, since the CMD 42 can be controlled via a no-cost smartphone app.

The CMD 42 is not intended to...

The CMD 42 is the new digital microphone amplifier from SCHOEPS. It transfers the signal from the microphone capsule directly into the digital domain.

The detailed manual explains all the features and provides practical tips for use.

Like the SuperCMIT, the CMD 42 uses the AES42 interface. The download area lists a selection of current equipment that has this interface. In principle, however, a small power supply at an AES3 input may be sufficient, since the CMD 42 can be controlled via a no-cost smartphone app.

The CMD 42 is not intended to replace analog microphones. Rather, it is meant for applications in which its special features offer distinct added value:

  • Immunity to interference: The digital output resists any interference in the cable
  • Dynamic range: No analog level-setting is required; the full dynamic range of the capsule is transferred into the digital realm
  • High resolution: Sampling rates up to 192 kHz and extended frequency range for the microphone capsule beyond 40 kHz ("xt" functionality)
  • Unrivaled, low inherent noise in the ultrasonic range, particularly suitable for down-pitching in sound design
  • DSP: Extensive signal processing is available directly within the microphone, including among other routines:
    • Limiter
    • Mono Upmix to Stereo
    • Numerous EQ curves
  • Remote app: Easy control setting via smartphone (acoustically, without wireless technology)
  • Two-channel output: can deliver both a processed and an unprocessed signal simultaneously as a backup or cloned or stereo signal
  • Flexible function indicator via integrated, multicolor LED

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Videos

Practice

Compatible suspensions and windscreens:
The CMD 42 is exactly the same length as a CMC 6, so most suspensions and windscreens will fit in the same way. The CMD 42 is only 10 g heavier than the CMC 6.

One exception: As the lower section of the CMD 42 has a diameter of 20 mm (CMC 6: 19 mm), a different COSI windshield or "holder" in the COSI must be used for the CMD 42. The matching COSI windshield has the designation "COSI-L-20-20". The holder alone (as a replacement for the COSI holder for CMC 6) has the designation "COSI-HLD-20-20" or...

Compatible suspensions and windscreens:
The CMD 42 is exactly the same length as a CMC 6, so most suspensions and windscreens will fit in the same way. The CMD 42 is only 10 g heavier than the CMC 6.

One exception: As the lower section of the CMD 42 has a diameter of 20 mm (CMC 6: 19 mm), a different COSI windshield or "holder" in the COSI must be used for the CMD 42. The matching COSI windshield has the designation "COSI-L-20-20". The holder alone (as a replacement for the COSI holder for CMC 6) has the designation "COSI-HLD-20-20" or "COSI-HLD-CMC 1U".

 

CMD is used by our customers on film sets, for recording atmospheres and as a sound design tool:

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Technical Specifications

Frequency range

8 Hz - 96 kHz

Sensitivity

with MK 2: -40 dBFS at 1 Pa

Equivalent noise level (A-weighted)

with MK 2: 12 dB

Equivalent noise level (CCIR)

with MK 2: 23 dB

Maximum sound pressure level (THD < 0.5 %)

with MK 2:
pad inactive: 134 dB-SPL
pad active: 152 dB-SPL

Latency period

Pure Mode: 11 Samples = 0,06 ms @ 192 kHz
Full Mode: 2.2 ms
Peak Limiter: 1 ms

Maximum cable length

>200 m (with AES cable)

SCHOEPS RFI Shield

Yes, highest immunity

Powering standard / Valid range

AES42, 24 bit / 6-12 V

Current consumption

120 mA at 10 V

Output

XLR-3M, digital: AES42
Mode 1 or 2,2 channels

Length

116 mm

Weight

70 g

Diameter

20 mm

Surface finish

matte gray

Sample Rate

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz

Product History

  • 2005: Launch of the first SCHOEPS digital microphone amplifier "CMD 2"
  • 2021: Start of public beta testing of the CMD 42 (completely new platform)
  • 2024: Product launch CMD 42

Downloads

AES42 digital interfaces

describes the compatible interfaces for the SuperCMIT / CMD 42

User Brochures

en