Schoeps mk4 or mk22 for SFX/sound design

[akej]

I've read everything I can find in this matter here on gearslutz and elsewhere, but I still can't decide between these. It seems hard to find comparisons between them, I've only found one SFX-sample of the mk22.

I will use the stereo-pair mainly for recording close miked sound effects and distant atmospheres. And sometimes music (close miked solo instruments or stereo recordings). Both ORTF (or modified for the mk22) and X/Y. Pretty much everything in other words, but most important are the sound effects!

I use the sounds in sound design for theater and sometimes film. I record on a PMD661 (oade FET MOD).

Which of the mk4 and the mk22 has the best character for sound effects?

I like the bass in the mk22, but is it too dark for sound effects?
The mk4 seems to be very standard for sfx, but is that because its better than the mk22 or just because its been used for so long?

(Next thing on my wish-list is a royer SF-12, does any of the suggested mics work better together with it on music???)

Though there might not be a final answer to the questions, I would really appreciate a little discussion around this to help me in this important decision, how should I sound?

[grawk]

mk21h, the best of both worlds

[Jaymz]

Mk21 might be a bit too wide if he wants to close mic effects in the field.

[grawk]

But it's not as wide as a 22, and the 21H with the HF bump helps balance out some of the additional bass.

[Jaymz]

It's wider. The mk22 is similar to a mk21, but with more emphasis on directionality. I believe that was the idea behind it, to have something between the mk21 and the mk4.

Mk22



Mk21H

[grawk]

Ah, my bad, I'm a few years out of paying much attention to what schoeps is selling. I thought the 22 was another omni. In that case, I'd definitely say the 22.

[Jaymz]

Only recently gotten into Shcoeps myself, superb mics! Though I've heard horror stories from lads that have gone out in the humidity with them for long periods.

That said, there's this cool Aussie recordist that travels around all sorts of environments with a Schoeps M/S pair and gets beautiful recordings of tribal bands and such. Here's his site,

Blog | Sound Related

[ISedlacek]

MK22 sounds to me a way better than MK4. It became my favourite capsule ... MK21 is nice but more and more I perceive it as tiny bit sharp ... MK22 sounds nicely "warm"

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by ISedlacek

MK22 sounds to me a way better than MK4. It became my favourite capsule ... MK21 is nice but more and more I perceive it as tiny bit sharp ... MK22 sounds nicely "warm"

I've been using MK22s for only a few months and I'm in awe! They are now my favorite too. They just kill for MS with an MK8 because you can get the mics closer and still hear lots of air. The magic is how they retain focus on the source while capturing ambiance almost like an omni -- with better rear rejection than MK21. This is just a delightful capsule. I'd definitely use one for Foley and SFX.

[akej]

This sounds good! All votes for mk22 so far... I've also thought about adding a mk8 later for MS, so its nice to hear that they work good together. I like the word "warm" about a mic, makes me want it

[boojum]

You guys are creeping me out. I pretty much thought I had the mic addiction licked. But continued praises for the Mk22 have me jonesing. Hmmm, maybe if I sell the dogs, the washing machine and, ummm, . . .

[akej]

Is there anyone who prefers the mk4 over the mk22?

[grawk]

The mk4 doesn't sound as good, but has better rear rejection. It's still an excellent choice, but if you don't need cardiod, subcard is a better choice.

[Plush]

Yes, for general use I prefer the MK 4. Universal capsule for universal use

[ISedlacek]

MK22 is almost cardiod too ... just a tiny bit broader and more pleasant sounding )

[apple-q]

Originally Posted by grawk

But it's not as wide as a 22, and the 21H with the HF bump helps balance out some of the additional bass.

Sounds like adding sugar to neutralize a soup that is too salty.

[grawk]

It's not a big bump, and it worked well for me. I don't do field recording anymore, but I was happiest with my mk21h/mk8 setup of all the rigs I tried.