Schoeps CMIT: compact supercardioid shotgun microphone with 10 dB-A self-noise, ideal for boom work in confined spaces where longer shotguns are impractical.
Technical Details
The CMIT 5U operates with 48V phantom power and achieves a maximum sound pressure level of 133 dB SPL. The frequency response ranges from 40 Hz to 20 kHz with a targeted boost around 10 kHz for improved speech intelligibility. The self-noise is only 10 dB-A, which is exceptionally low. The supercardioid polar pattern offers a directivity of approximately 60° at 1 kHz. The microphone features a low-cut filter at 40 Hz and a switchable 10 dB pad. The CMIT 5 variant operates without phantom power, using an integrated battery.
History & Development
Schoeps introduced the CMIT 5U in 2005 in response to the demand for a more compact shotgun microphone. The German manufacturer Schoeps, founded in 1948 by Karl Schoeps, had already competed with Sennheiser's MKH series but wanted to develop a significantly shorter shotgun tube. In 2010, the battery-powered variant CMIT 5 followed. The SuperCMIT 2U from 2012 expanded the series with a digital model featuring integrated algorithms for noise reduction.
Practical Use in Film
Sound recordists prefer the CMIT 5U as a boom microphone in confined spaces where longer shotguns would be impractical. For interior shots in films like "The Grand Budapest Hotel," its compact design allowed for precise miking without intruding into the frame. The microphone is particularly suitable for dialogue scenes with multiple speakers, as its moderate directivity captures more natural room acoustics than highly directional competing models. Its low susceptibility to wind often makes additional windshield systems unnecessary.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the Sennheiser MKH 416, the industry standard, the CMIT 5U offers a less aggressive directivity and a more natural sound characteristic. The Rode NTG3 costs about half as much but does not achieve the low noise floor of the Schoeps. For exterior recordings, many sound recordists prefer longer shotguns like the Sennheiser MKH 60, while the CMIT excels in controlled interior environments. The Audio-Technica AT4073a and Deity S-Mic 2 position themselves as more affordable alternatives with similar compactness but do not match the build quality of the German original.