Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,195

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$100

$401+

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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Schoeps MK 5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Schoeps MK 5 is a masterpiece of audio engineering, offering unmatched versatility for studio recording enthusiasts. Crafted with the precision of over 50 years of German engineering, this condenser microphone capsule is designed to deliver pure, uncolored sound. Its unique ability to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional patterns using a single diaphragm makes it an indispensable tool for any serious recording artist.

In omnidirectional mode, the MK 5 acts as a true pressure transducer, providing a natural sound with a smooth, extended low-frequency response. This makes it ideal for capturing the nuances of acoustic instruments and voices up close. Switch to the cardioid setting, and the MK 5 offers excellent directionality, even at low frequencies, making it perfect for vocal performances and spot miking in complex studio setups. The slight high-frequency lift adds clarity and presence without introducing harshness.

Compatible with the CMC 6 preamp, the MK 5 is a testament to Schoeps' commitment to delivering superior audio quality. Whether you're recording classical ensembles, creating film scores, or producing a podcast, the MK 5's switchable patterns offer the flexibility and performance needed to capture your sound with impeccable detail.

Key Features:

  • Switchable between omnidirectional and cardioid patterns
  • Frequency range: 20Hz - 20kHz (omni), 40Hz - 20kHz (cardioid)
  • Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa (omni), 13 mV/Pa (cardioid)
  • Equivalent noise level: 14dB-A (omni), 15dB-A (cardioid)
  • Maximum SPL: 133dB (omni), 132dB (cardioid)
  • Suitable for CMC 6 preamp

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser capsule
Compatibility Schoeps CMC mic amplifier body
Polar Pattern Omni, Cardioid
Max SPL 133dB SPL (omni), 132dB SPL (cardioid)
Frequency Range 20Hz-20kHz (omni), 40Hz-20kHz (cardioid)

FAQs

What polar patterns does the Schoeps MK 5 offer?

The Schoeps MK 5 offers both omnidirectional and cardioid polar patterns, providing versatility for different recording scenarios.

Is the Schoeps MK 5 suitable for both speech and music recording?

Yes, the Schoeps MK 5 is designed for high-quality recording of both speech and music, offering natural sound reproduction with its dual polar pattern options.

What is the frequency response range of the Schoeps MK 5?

The Schoeps MK 5 has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz in omnidirectional mode and 40Hz to 20kHz in cardioid mode, ensuring a wide range of sound capture.

Can the Schoeps MK 5 handle high sound pressure levels?

Yes, the Schoeps MK 5 can handle a maximum SPL of 133dB in omnidirectional mode and 132dB in cardioid mode, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources without distortion.

What microphone body is compatible with the Schoeps MK 5 capsule?

The Schoeps MK 5 capsule is compatible with the Schoeps CMC microphone amplifier body, allowing for flexible use in various recording setups.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schoeps MK 5.

Features and functionality

  • The Schoeps MK capsules on Lemo CMC1 bodies are preferred for wiring benefits and versatility in configurations like AB omni, XY, and ORTF.

    Source
  • The MK5 capsule features a visible switch for changing pickup patterns, making it adaptable for various recording scenarios like XY and M/S configurations.

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  • The MK5 capsules are effectively used in an AB or spaced pair setup on a Grace SB-66 stereo bar, providing a wide stereo image for grand piano recordings.

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Comparisons

  • The Sennheiser 8000 series offers good ultrasonic capabilities for pitching down sounds, while the Schoeps setup is noted for being smaller and lighter.

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  • The Townsend Labs Sphere L22 is favored for its versatility and emulation options, but some users prefer the Schoeps capsules like MK5 and MK8 for their transparency and response.

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  • The Schoeps CMC 6 with MK5 capsules is favored over the Neumann USM69 due to its superior clarity in the top end, enhancing upper harmonics capture.

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Use cases and applications

  • Sennheiser MKH microphones are highly regarded for outdoor nature and ambient audio capture due to their RF technology, which performs well in humid and cold environments.

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  • The Schoeps MK5 capsule is often used in M/S configurations with the MK8 capsule for recording complex soundscapes, as seen in the recording of Stradivarius instruments.

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  • Schoeps MK5 capsules are reportedly used in a variety of classical recording setups, including XY and M/S, to capture the nuanced sound of historic string instruments.

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  • Owners recommend the Schoeps CMC6U with MK2H capsules for classical piano recordings, especially with a Steinway D, noting its exceptional sound quality.

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User experience

  • Owners of Schoeps microphones have experienced RF interference issues, particularly when recording near cell towers, highlighting a potential limitation in certain environments.

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  • Some users in humid regions find Schoeps microphones more susceptible to humidity changes compared to other brands, impacting reliability during rapid environmental transitions.

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  • Users transitioning from Neumann U87s to Schoeps prefer the latter for most recordings due to a more pleasant and detailed sound representation.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Groban uses Schoeps MK 5

Josh Groban

Singer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for vocals on Josh Groban, Closer, Awake, Noël and Stages, as stated by producer Bernie Herms in this August 2015 Sound on Sound interview.

Groban’s vocals were also recorded at Westlake, using, says Herms, “a Schoeps CMC5U condenser mic with MK5 capsule, going to a Neve 1073, into a GML 8200 EQ , and finally a Neve 33609 compressor. This chain was actually designed for Josh by Hum [Humberto Gatica] on the early records he engineered and mixed for David Foster.”

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Schoeps MK 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Schoeps CMC 5
Schoeps CMC 5 Condenser Microphones
1
AMS Neve 1073
AMS Neve 1073 Preamps & Channel Strips
1
AMS Neve 33609
AMS Neve 33609 Effects Processors
1

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