Microphone capsules
The microphone capsule is the heart of a microphone and is crucial for converting sound waves into electrical signals. It largely determines the sound character, sensitivity and directional characteristic of a microphone and is available in various types, such as condenser, dynamic and ribbon. Replacing and selecting the right microphone capsule can significantly influence and optimize the sound of a microphone.
-
Sontronics ball capsule for STC-1 / STC-1S silverAdd to cartNew65,10€
- Ball capsule silver
- for STC-1 and STC-1S
-
Sontronics hypercardioid capsule for STC-1 / STC-1S silverAdd to cartNew65€
- Hyperrenal capsule silver
- for STC-1 and STC-1S
-
Peluso CEMC-6 Wide kidney capsule 139€Add to cart
- Capsule for Peluso CEMC-6
- Polar pattern: Wide cardioid
- 6-micron gold Mylar diaphragm
-
Peluso CEMC-6 ball capsule 139€Add to cart
- Capsule for Peluso CEMC-6
- Polar pattern: omnidirectional
- 6-micron gold Mylar diaphragm
-
Peluso CEMC-6 hypercardioid capsule 139€Add to cart
- Capsule for Peluso CEMC-6
- Polar pattern: Wide cardioid
- 6-micron gold Mylar diaphragm
-
Schoeps KMIT | Shotgun capsule Colette 1.499€Add to cart
- Capsule for Schoeps CMC 1, CMC 6 (xt), CMD 42
- Hypercardioid polar pattern
- with integrated steep low-cut at approx. 70 Hz
- acoustic properties like CMIT 5 and MiniCMIT
Free Shipping
-
Telefunken TK60, TK61, TK62 | Capsule set 659€Add to cart
- TK capsule set for ELA M260 and M60
- Cardioid, omnidirectional, hypercardioid
- TK60, TK61, TK62 Capsule
- popular with percussive sources, string and keyboard instruments
-
Schoeps MK 4VXP | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Cardioid polar pattern for lateral proximity (less than 10cm)
- Depth attenuation -10 dB at 100 Hz
- Polar diagram like MK 4V
- Preferred for close-talking and in the HSC 4VP headset
-
Schoeps MK 4XP | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Cardioid polar pattern for close proximity (less than 10cm)
- Depth attenuation -10 dB at 100 Hz
- Polar diagram like MK 4
- Preferred for close-up meetings and at microphone units
-
Schoeps MK 4VP | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Cardioid polar pattern for lateral proximity (less than 20cm)
- Bass cut -6 dB at 100 Hz
- Polar diagram like MK 4V
- Preferred for close-talking and in the HSC 4VP headset
-
Schoeps MK 4P | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Cardioid directional characteristic for close-up
- Bass cut -6 dB at 100 Hz
- Polar diagram like MK 4
- Preferably for close-up meetings, at microphone units
-
Schoeps MK 5 | Microphone capsule 1.079€Add to cart
- Omnidirectional or cardioid polar pattern
- True single-diaphragm system (unique design on the microphone market)
- pure pressure receiver in “omnidirectional” position, pressure gradient receiver in “cardioid” position
- universally applicable
-
Schoeps MK 8 | Microphone capsuleAdd to cartRated 5.00 out of 5969€
- Eight polar pattern
- Lateral meeting direction
- 0° objection at the red dot
- Preferred use: MS and Blumlein stereophony
-
Schoeps MK 41V | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Directional characteristic supercardioid for sideways coverage
- Slight height increase
- Preferred as a pillar in the orchestra
- is installed in the CMXY 41V microphone
-
Schoeps MK 41 | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Supercardioid polar pattern
- High directivity, comparable to a shotgun at low and medium frequencies
- Natural sound color, achieved by the constant frequency response, which remains largely the same in all directions
- Preferred for recording dialog in film soundtracks and as a support in the orchestra and on the opera stage
-
Schoeps MK 22 | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Polar pattern Open cardioid®
- optimum combination of the directional effect of the cardioid (MK 4) and the sound characteristics of the wide cardioid (MK 21)
- Low frequency dependence of the directivity with natural sound
- preferred as support and soloist microphone and in the main microphone pair
-
Schoeps MK 21 | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Directional characteristic Wide cardioid
- preferred as a soloist microphone and main microphone
- Extremely low frequency dependence with a very natural sound
- combines the advantages of the omnidirectional (warm sound) and the cardioid (directionality)
-
Schoeps MK 4V | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Cardioid polar pattern for lateral dispersion
- High frequency independence of the directivity
- Slight height increase
- Preferred as a support in the orchestra and in the double MS setup
-
Schoeps MK 4 | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Cardioid polar pattern
- High frequency independence of the directivity
- Preferred as a support microphone in orchestras, for acoustic instruments and conference applications
- often used in the main microphone pair for XY, ORTF and MS stereo recordings
-
Schoeps MK 2XS | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- diffuse field equalized
- for use at a great distance from the sound source
- Preferred use as a room microphone
-
Schoeps MK 2S | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Moderate height increase
- for use near the reverberation radius
- ideal for AB stereophony and Decca-Tree
-
Schoeps MK 2H | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Slight height increase
- for use at a medium distance from the sound source
- ideal for AB stereophony and Decca-Tree
-
Schoeps MK 2 | Microphone capsule 775€Add to cart
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Constant frequency response from 0° (free-field equalized)
- for use close to the sound source
- Preferred use for instrument recordings
-
Sontronics hypercardioid capsule for STC-1 / STC-1S Black 65€Add to cart
- Hypercardioid capsule black
- for STC-1 and STC-1S
-
Add to cart
What is a microphone capsule?
A microphone capsule is the essential part of a microphone that converts sound into electrical signals. It consists of a diaphragm, a transducer and other components that work together to pick up and amplify sound waves. The quality and type of capsule significantly influence the sound character and performance of the microphone.
How does a microphone capsule work?
A microphone capsule works by converting sound waves that hit its membrane into electrical signals. The diaphragm vibrates when it comes into contact with sound waves and generates a voltage in the transducer through its movement. This voltage is then amplified and output as an audio signal. Depending on the type of capsule, the transducer can be a capacitor, a voice coil or another mechanical element.
What types of microphone capsules are there?
There are different types of microphone capsules, including:
- Condenser capsules: They offer high sensitivity and a wide frequency response, ideal for studio recordings.
- Dynamic capsules: These are robust and insensitive to high sound pressure levels, perfect for live performances and loud sound sources.
- Ribbon capsules: Known for their warm and natural sound, often used in professional studios.
- Electret capsules: A type of condenser capsule that has a permanent electrical charge, often used in compact and inexpensive microphones.
What is the difference between condenser capsules and dynamic capsules?
Condenser capsules and dynamic capsules differ mainly in their construction and sound character:
- Condenser capsules: Offer higher sensitivity and a wider frequency response. They require an external power supply (phantom power) and are ideal for detailed studio recordings.
- Dynamic capsules: Are more robust and less sensitive to high volumes. They do not require an external power supply and are perfect for live performances and loud sound sources.
How does the size of the diaphragm affect the sound?
Large diaphragm capsules produce a warm, full sound and are ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments. Small diaphragm capsules offer a more precise sound reproduction and are ideal for detailed recordings such as percussion or string ensembles.
What directional characteristic should my microphone capsule have?
The directional characteristic determines the direction from which the capsule picks up sound best. A cardioid polar pattern is the most common choice as it picks up sound mainly from the front and reduces lateral noise. Omnidirectional capsules pick up sound from all directions, while supercardioid and hypercardioid capsules offer a narrower pick-up zone.
How does the microphone capsule influence the frequency response?
The microphone capsule has a major influence on the frequency response of your microphone. Different capsules are optimized for different frequency ranges. A capsule with a flat frequency response is ideal for natural sound reproduction, while a capsule with an accentuated center frequency may be better suited for voice recording.
How do I choose the right microphone capsule for my needs?
To choose the right microphone capsule for your needs, you should:
- Determine the intended use: Think about whether you mainly want to record vocals, instruments, speech or ambient noise.
- Consider the type of recording environment: Whether studio, stage, outdoor recording or home studio – the environment influences the choice of capsule.
- Determining the microphone: Determine which microphone you want to use and which capsule is compatible.
- Compare technical specifications: Pay attention to sensitivity, frequency response, directional characteristic and noise behavior.
- Set a budget: Set yourself a budget and find a capsule that offers the best price-performance ratio.
Can I replace the microphone capsule myself, or does it have to be done by a specialist?
It depends on the microphone model whether you can replace the microphone capsule yourself. With some microphones, the capsule can be easily replaced, while others require professional handling. If you are unsure, you should ask a professional for advice to avoid damaging the microphone.
How do I properly care for and maintain my microphone capsule?
To properly care for and maintain your microphone capsule, you should:
- Keep away from dust and moisture: Store the microphone in a dry, clean room and use a protective cover or microphone case.
- Clean regularly: Carefully remove dust with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents.
- Handle with care: Avoid shocks and strong vibrations that could damage the capsule.
- Use moisture protection: A desiccant bag in the storage box can help reduce moisture.
How long does a microphone capsule last and when should I replace it?
The service life of a microphone capsule depends on its use and care. With careful handling, a capsule can last for many years. Signs that a capsule should be replaced are a deterioration in sound quality, increased noise level or mechanical damage
What are the most common mistakes when using microphone capsules?
The most common mistakes when using microphone capsules are:
- Improper handling: Shocks and vibrations can damage the capsule.
- Incorrect storage: Moisture and dust can impair performance.
- Overdrive: Excessive sound pressure levels can damage the diaphragm, especially with condenser capsules.
- Not using a pop filter: A pop filter can help reduce explosive and plosive noises, which protects the capsule and improves sound quality.