Schoeps CCM 41 seems very quiet

[tom h]

Hello

 

I am a cameraman and don’t have any expertise with audio but sometimes have to run with an audio setup on the camera. I could really do with some advice.

 

I have a Sanken CS3E and have just got a Schoeps CCM41 and a CCM8 as I am wanting to create an M/S setup.

 

When I plug them into my zaxcom nomad I have found the Schoeps CCM41 to be about 10-15 db quieter than the Sanken. I tested using my voice with the microphones about 4 ft (just over 1m) away.

 

I used exactly the same settings for both microphones  and their fronts were level with each other.

 

Even on full gain the Zacom shows the Schoeps peaking at about -25 db and the Sanken at about -10.

 

Would you expect to see such a huge difference in volume between these two microphones.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice/ experience.

 

Tom

[Axel Mishael]

Hi Tom,

 

it is normal, I also have the cmc141 and it is certainly 6 dbs quieter than my dpa 4017 and certainly 10 dbs than the cs3.

 

I guess you shouldn’t be worried.

 

Axel.

[tom h]

Thanks Axel

Good to know, was wondering if I had to return it.

Tom

[LuisT]

everything normal here. The sanken is just more sensitive than the schoeps so you have to put less gain to achieve the same level.

[tom h]

Thanks Luis

[Mungo]

All supercardioid capsules I ever had in my hands, no matter which brand or purpose or price, were at least 6dB quieter than the cardiods. The omnis always are the loudest. It's physics I guess

[Patrick Tresch]

A good preamp is your friend.

[tom h]

Thanks Mungo. Patrick the M2D2 has now arrived, had thought it was going to live with my camera but seems as though it will be moving between my camera and audio bag. I think it's going to be great but haven't had much time to test yet.

[Patrick Tresch]

Feel free to ask any questions 😉 

Patrick

[Rick Reineke]

When investigating or considering a new or alternate mic, I always look at the sensitivity factor in the specs, for instance:  "–21 dB (89.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa". This is considered extremely sensitive (loud), so less gain would be required on the preamp.  Very sensitive mics can have a higher noise factor and a lower maximum SPL  (pros an cons).