CMT 56

Common name: Schoeps CMT 56

Production Status: Discontinued / Vintage

The CMT 56 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone first produced in 1965. It features a single diaphragm capsule switchable between omnidirectional, cardioid and figure of eight pickup patterns. The capsule diaphragm is no longer made of metal but of specially manufactured Mylar for better long-term reliability. These new microphones employ high-quality FET for the first time instead of the previous RF (Radio-Frequency) technology for better linearity and performance. The capsule is fixed via three miniature screws and the contacts as well as the mounts are not compatible with the later Colette series although performance is similar. The 48 V phantom power provides capsule polarisation voltage and FET powering. The output stage is transformer coupled. The microphone has either a 3-pin small Tuchel (D) or XLR-3 M (U) connector. The CMT 3, 4 and 5 series remained in production until the nineteen-eighties.

Electrical Characteristics

Frequency Response
40Hz - 16 kHz
Output Sensitivity
1.2 mV/Pa
Max SPL
126
Max SPL, THD:
0.5
Self Noise (CCIR)
30 dB
Self Noise (DIN/IEC)
23 dB-A
Output Impedance
200Ω
Recommended Load
Powering
Phantom 48 only
Supply Current
1 mA
Alternative Powering

Switchable Options

Pad
Filter/EQ

Physical Characteristics

Connector
XLR-3M
Connector notes
3-pin small Tuchel (D) version available
Available Colours
Matte Grey. Nickel
Weight
Length
Min diameter width
Max diameter
20 mm
Depth

Accessories

Included
Box. SG 20 microphone clamp.
Optional
A 20 shock mount. W 20 windscreen