Topic: Noob Schoeps "amplifier" questions (CMC1U, etc)

[MPemulis]

I searched this up, but couldn't really piece together/grok the answer. I think it's both too basic to be explained somewhere (as everyone else just basically understands it) and too specific to be outlined clearly enough for me to be able to get it haha.

I have Schoeps MK4 caps, which I power with some nbob active cables and an nbox platinum pre.

I came across some CMC1U schoeps "amplifiers," and have a hard time understanding exactly what that part of the Collette system does. Does it simply supply power to the caps? Or does it do any processing of the audio? How does the CMC1U interact with the preamp (currently a platinum nbox) sound wise? Does it basically do the same thing that the active cables do? (e.g. provide power to the caps?)

So if I were to add the CMC1U, it would allow me to run a regular xlr cable from my chosen preamp (with phantom power) to the mics, instead of using the active cable, correct?

Is there any sonic benefit to running the CMC1U with the Mk4s over using the active cable solution? Or are they pretty much the same sonically, just different ways to provide power?

Any help appreciated in advance. 

[grawk]

They serve the same purpose. To my ears the various aftermarket options don’t sound as good as the official ones do, but the trade offs might be worth it.

[MPemulis]

much obliged, thanks for confirming grawk!

[Gutbucket]

So if I were to add the CMC1U, it would allow me to run a regular xlr cable from my chosen preamp (with phantom power) to the mics, instead of using the active cable, correct?

That's it, functionally.  CMC1U = modern microphone amplifier body made small, returned to its traditional place at the capsule end of the signal chain.  It's small size approaches but is not quite as small/compact as an active cable setup, but allows for a non-proprietary system past the standard-size XLR connector at the microphone end of things. 

[MPemulis]

appreciate it GB!

[fanofjam]

...  To my ears the various aftermarket options don’t sound as good as the official ones do, but the trade offs might be worth it.

I second this comment.  My nbob's are great for stealthing. 

[beroti_music]

...  To my ears the various aftermarket options don’t sound as good as the official ones do, but the trade offs might be worth it.

I second this comment.  My nbob's are great for stealthing.

I agree. I ran nbobs/baby nbox and nbobs/riot-box for a while. But the schoeps cmbi sounds much better.

[scb]

love anytime I see a reference to Michael Pemulis

[fanofjam]

...  To my ears the various aftermarket options don’t sound as good as the official ones do, but the trade offs might be worth it.

I second this comment.  My nbob's are great for stealthing.

I agree. I ran nbobs/baby nbox and nbobs/riot-box for a while. But the schoeps cmbi sounds much better.

That's good to know and makes sense since my CMC based rig sounds better than my stealth rig.  FWIW, I do think my nbob > riotbox combo is a sound improvement on the various nbox options...better balance in the low end.

[jbell]

^  It would be interesting to compare a Riotbox to a Tinybox.

[adrianf74]

^  It would be interesting to compare a Riotbox to a Tinybox.

Well, my buddy owns my old Tinybox configured to Schoeps nbobs. Also have a Riotbox configured for nbobs.  Might be worth trying to do this at some point in the future.