Topic: Schoeps/Telefunken m221b's Questions

[H₂O]

Ok so I am probably going to start looking for 1-2 m221b's soon and I was hoping someone could shed some light on the caps used with these mics.

Are the any of the mk2x or m934 series caps too delicate to use in the field?  I know Schoeps does not support these caps anymore (i.e. at least the mk26)?

I do know the mk26's can have issues with the rubber ring in the pattern switching mechanism making older caps stuck in figure 8.

Are there any other things I should look out for?  (i.e. serial ranges that would be better than others, etc)? 

I am leaning to looking at trying to buy a m221b with an m934b or m934c cap.  What is the difference between the two?

I have read some comments on other boards using the AMC 3's to run colette caps and the owner not liking the sound (prefering the original caps with the m221's). 

[DSatz]

Hi. It's not quite correct that Schoeps "doesn't support" the MK 26 (three-pattern) capsules, but the repairs which they can offer are limited, and the omni and cardioid settings of the capsule are unlikely to be functioning correctly at this point. In quite a few cases the figure-8 setting can be made to work reliably, but not the other two patterns. Unfortunately, in some cases the capsule can't be worked on at all without a real risk of losing whatever functionality it still has left.

All other M 221 capsules (single-pattern or two-pattern) can generally be completely repaired or restored as needed.

The M 934 C is essentially a modern MK 5 capsule. Some of them even had both designations engraved on them. Operationally the main difference is that the cardioid setting of the "C" model doesn't require (and shouldn't use) the "phase ring" which is required for the "B" model. You can see photos of both models on www.m221.de . The attached front page from a 1955 Telefunken sales brochure shows an M 934 capsule with the phase ring in place.

Be aware that there are M 221, M 221 A, M 221 B and various "M 221 F" models. Depending on the suffix letter or lack thereof, different capsules may be needed, so if you're putting together a pair, you want them to both be from the same series. Also, be aware of the Hungarian fakes--they're rather common on eBay and in the inventories of "vintage" equipment dealers. The capsules are usually genuine but the bodies aren't.

--best regards

[NOLAfishwater]

I read on Redding Audio's site that they are now offering new power supplies for their older tube mics.
http://www.reddingaudio.com/schoeps/nps.php 

anyone know how much the power supply is?

[H₂O]

I read on Redding Audio's site that they are now offering new power supplies for their older tube mics.
http://www.reddingaudio.com/schoeps/nps.php 

anyone know how much the power supply is?

That's the NTM 221 that Elvo makes:

http://www.mikrofonbau.de/ntm221_e.htm

It runs for $849 per channel and is AC only.


DSatz + Virtual T - Thanks for all the input. 

[H₂O]

The M 934 C is essentially a modern MK 5 capsule. Some of them even had both designations engraved on them. Operationally the main difference is that the cardioid setting of the "C" model doesn't require (and shouldn't use) the "phase ring" which is required for the "B" model. You can see photos of both models on www.m221.de . The attached front page from a 1955 Telefunken sales brochure shows an M 934 capsule with the phase ring in place.

One thing is that I have noticed is that in France there seems to be alot m 934's for sale but are typically refered to being used with the CMT bodies (and seem to have male threads - i.e. m221a)

Are these capsules compatible with the m221a bodies?

Here are some links:
http://cgi.ebay.de/2-MICROS-SCHOEPS-RTF-CMT30F-2-capsules-MK240-RARE_W0QQitemZ350116746235

http://cgi.ebay.de/Schoeps-M934-f-Capsule-VINTAGE-RARE_W0QQitemZ350115346945

http://cgi.ebay.de/Schoeps-MK241C-Capsule-VINTAGE_W0QQitemZ350115347524

Also did Schoeps ever release a thread adapter(s) to allow use of 221b caps with 221a bodies or visa versa?

[H₂O]

TTT

[DSatz]

The main reason for the differing threads is that the two series of capsules were built to be polarized at different voltages (120 vs. 60). A mechanical adapter wouldn't suffice.

On the other hand I'm not sure that the series of capsules you're describing are compatible with the M 221 B amplifiers (bodies) despite the fact that the threads agree. I seem to recall someone's embarrassed admission that the same threads were used in that new series of solid-state microphone for the simple reason that the company had a lot of capsule shells and amplifier bodies already threaded and sitting on the shelf. Please don't quote me on that, but that's the bell that rings for me about this.

In any case the CMT 30 F was neither an M 221-type microphone nor was it just a CMT 30 microphone with a Sogie output connector (a/k/a "the French connection" a/k/a a real pain the butt); it was a special model made only for French broadcasting. Just by way of background, Schoeps microphones were widely used by French broadcasters somewhat before the brand became well known in Germany. As a result there are Schoeps microphones in France which are older than most of the used equipment which you would find in other countries. For example, many of the M 221s that you see on eBay.fr are M 221 FA models.

Again if you want to write to mailbox@schoeps.de, your queries will almost certainly be directed to Bernhard Vollmer who is the head of quality control and repair at Schoeps, and their main expert on the older microphones. (He is also the person behind the "Elvo" brand name.)

--best regards