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Schoeps Mikrofone KFM 6

Binaural Condenser Stereo Microphone

The KFM 6 is a stereo microphone built into a 20cm sphere, modeled in some ways after a “dummy head” binaural mic, but intended to record sound that can be played back over loudspeakers. (In contrast, true binaural recordings are intended only for headphone playback.)

The mic was developed in 1990 by Dr. Günther Theile, of the Institut für Rundfunktechnik GmbH (Munich’s IRT, the Broadcast Technology Institute).

Dr. Günther Theile

[The] sphere microphone produces stereophonic signals which are composed of natural interaural differences, quite similar to dummy-head signals… [However,] the sphere-microphone signal does not contain those dummy-head-specific spectral cues, which are used for front-back orientation during headphone listening, but which are not used during loudspeaker presentation and would therefore cause coloration problems.

As with a dummy head, the spherical KFM 6 body acts as an acoustic baffle, altering the pickup pattern and frequency response of the two omnidirectional (pressure) transducers mounted on its surface.

The microphone capsules are modified versions of Schoeps’ “Colette” series, using gold-plated 13mm Mylar diaphragms within a 20mm housing. The capsules are mounted more than 180° apart; their combined output produces a stereo image 90° wide.

The capsules and internal electronics were engineered to produce an “essentially flat” response, both on-axis and off. The output level of the two capsules (summed) is consistent as a source moves around the sphere. Directionality is consistent across the frequency spectrum.

An LED is built into the mic housing, midway between the mic capsules, to aid in positioning the mic — even at a distance.

The KFM 6 includes the following accessories:

• a wire hangar (Schoeps p/n HKFM)
• a stand mount (with ball-and-socket joint, p/n KG)
• XLR-5F to 2xXLR-3M breakout cable (p/n AK SU/2U)

A foam windscreen and wooden storage case are available separately.

Permalink: Schoeps Mikrofone KFM-6

The mic was released in 1990.

Specifications

Frequency Response - BinauralClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Binaural (100 mV/Pa; 18 - 16,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 13mm Capsule diameter: 20mm	60 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 123 dB Self-noise: 17.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
500g (17.64oz)	200mm (7.87'')	200mm (7.87'')	3-pin XLR male (2)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 12–48v

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