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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: gorlando on January 24, 2013, 07:28:41 AM

Title: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: gorlando on January 24, 2013, 07:28:41 AM
I have the opportunity to buy 2 of these goose-neck cables, I want to use their colettes to make a KCY-like cable to connect MK-xx caps to my Tinybox (configured to connect to a KCY cable, with +55V and +8V pins).

My question: is the colette of the SKC active? I have this doubt since the goose-neck is only 20 cm long, maybe does not need an active setup for this short length, maybe.

Thanks
Giovanni
Title: Re: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on January 24, 2013, 09:42:29 AM
Yes, it is active.  I have done that project and posted it here, way back in 2005.

I can help you do it, and it will be a lot easier for you than it was for me, since I did it in the dark with no help or diagrams.  There are tricks required.  Send me a PM.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=48244.0
Title: Re: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: H₂O on January 28, 2013, 10:49:29 PM
I just got 4 of these and will building 2 KCY clones

They are a bitch to take apart but the do come apart and contain the same components as the kc5 active cables.  From what I can tell the capsule end is identical (electronics, internal parts, and Colette) - the body end components are mostly the same - it appears there is an extra capacitor on this end - the casing is completely different.

I didn't have to use a torch but you do have to cut the "neck" - you just need to remove the electronics (after you cut the neck) spray in some WD40 and use a pair of vice grips to unscrew the neck out of the ends - pretty easy.
Title: Re: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: H₂O on January 30, 2013, 09:47:57 PM
The Strain Relief discs (SCH367) in the goose necks are missing a pretty crucial piece in that they do not have the contacts on the screws used to connect the cable shield with the shell of the KCx ends.  They are not needed in the goose necks as the goose neck itself is metal and is directly screwed into the shells.

Title: Re: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: F.O.Bean on January 30, 2013, 11:45:12 PM
The Strain Relief discs (SCH367) in the goose necks are missing a pretty crucial piece in that they do not have the contacts on the screws used to connect the cable shield with the shell of the KCx ends.  They are not needed in the goose necks as the goose neck itself is metal and is directly screwed into the shells.



Are you still able to build the KCYs as you planned ???
Title: Re: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: H₂O on January 31, 2013, 07:18:05 AM
Yes - this just means additional parts are required - I noted it here to make sure others know about this - as if you have never taken apart a real colette you may not realize you need these contacts
Title: Re: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: F.O.Bean on February 03, 2013, 09:51:03 PM
Im glad the whole discs can be purchased for pretty cheap :)
Title: Re: Schoeps SKC 200 - Is it active?
Post by: DSatz on October 28, 2013, 07:54:53 AM
Just to be cranky, let me point out that "Colette" isn't the name of a part. It's a name for the Schoeps CMC microphone series, which introduced (in 1973-74) their patented technology for active cables, goosenecks and mounting tubes as accessories that go between the capsule and amplifier of a condenser microphone.

A certain French colonel, a friend of the late Dr. Schoeps, helped get the company's products adopted by French radio in the early years of the company, and in the process ensured the survival of the company. This colonel had a favorite niece named Colette. I don't know whether he asked Dr. Schoeps to name the series after his niece or whether it was Dr. Schoeps' own idea, and I don't suppose that we can ever find out now.

I also wonder sometimes about the fact that the author who made the name "Colette" famous was rather scandalous, while these men were very conservative.

--best regards