Schoeps CMTS 501?

[jnorman]

does anyone currently make a mic like the discontinued schoeps CMTS 501? or a fixed blumlein, small capsule condenser stereo mic? thanks.

[NorseHorse]

The CMTS 501 is a dual switchable-capsule stereo mic with 360* rotation. You can see it here:

SCHOEPS CLASSICS: The CMTS Stereo Microphone

[jnorman]

yeah - is that thing sweet or what? i wonder why they discontinued it. maybe nady will make a copy version :-)

a pair of mkh30s or cmc68s would certainly do the trick, but setup is prob tricky.

[boojum]

Realist that I am, I would think that the Schoeps would keep any good mic available in their lineup. If they dropped it I would think that they replaced it with something better. Has anyone written them to ask? They are unusually helpful to people. Or, a note to Jerry Bruck at Posthorn would work, too. Or maybe DSatz on this board.

I am kind of curious myself now.

[zoom]

I have the information that mechanically switcheable capsules for three patterns (O/C/8) which are working with a single diaphragm only (e.g. the MK6) are very sensitive in handling, they need quite often service and do not fulfill in any case the reliability standard which has made the Schoeps products so famous.

One capsule of the CMTS is similar to the MK6 in construction and - ask some people at Schoeps - they have the MK6 still in their portfolio but even they do not recommend it! So the MK6 may be not an alround-capsule, just for a few appplications it is a very practical thing, but often a compromise in sound if you compare it with the single-pattern capsules.

This may explain that the CMTS is discontinued and that there is no other microphone manufacturer with a reputation which offers a similar product.
If anyone here has a different information please let me now...

cheers
Stefan

[boojum]

Kind of makes sense. I would not imagine Schoeps to give up a good source of revenue.

[Svens]

Originally Posted by zoom

I have the information that mechanically switcheable capsules for three patterns (O/C/8) which are working with a single diaphragm only (e.g. the MK6) are very sensitive in handling, they need quite often service and do not fulfill in any case the reliability standard which has made the Schoeps products so famous.

One capsule of the CMTS is similar to the MK6 in construction and - ask some people at Schoeps - they have the MK6 still in their portfolio but even they do not recommend it! So the MK6 may be not an alround-capsule, just for a few appplications it is a very practical thing, but often a compromise in sound if you compare it with the single-pattern capsules.

This may explain that the CMTS is discontinued and that there is no other microphone manufacturer with a reputation which offers a similar product.
If anyone here has a different information please let me now...

cheers
Stefan

Hmmm..... I use the CMTS a lot, its a really old mic, it has been used for years and years, has been on the road, has been used indoors and outdoors lot on many concerts/festivals etc, has been used for lots of sources, used by a lot by different colleagues and has never let me down. I love this mic. It sounds great and is a real workhorse. You can rotate the head endlessly and it keeps doing its job. Never had service in 25 years or so because it keeps sounding awesome. Thats my different information :-)

Peace,
Sven