MSTC 74

ORTF Stereo Microphone

New 2022 model

Features

  • New 2022 model with completely renewed electronics and 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. Its 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.


Order number

  • No. 139901 MSTC 74 (with capsules)
  • No. 132014 MSTC 7 (without capsules)

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 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.

Videos

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...
  • 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 were 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”.

moreless

Downloads

MSTC 64 Ug

ORTF-stereo microphone

User guides, manuals

de | en
Stereo and Surround recording principles

by Helmut Wittek, 2012.

Lectures

en
ORTF Series

ORTF for Stereo, Surround and 3D

Product sheets

en