Beyerdynamic MC 950 True Condenser Microphone (Supercardioid)

About: Beyerdynamic MC 950 True Condenser Microphone (Supercardioid)

The MC 950 is a flexible true condenser microphone with switchable -15 dB attenuation and low-cut filter. If you appreciate a clear sound and high impulse fidelity of small-diaphragm condenser microphones, our MC 950 is the right choice.

Due to its largely linear frequency response with gentle treble boost, the MC 950 microphone is suitable for use with a variety of signal sources such as piano, choir, orchestra or solo instruments of any kind. Due to its supercardioid polar pattern, the MC 950 can be used where sound from the rear is to be reliably attenuated, as it provides the most effective sound suppression at 140° and 220°.

The microphone also delivers excellent results for speech and vocal recordings - we recommend the optionally available WS 101 wind shield for speech and vocal recordings from a short distance as well as for outdoor recordings.

• Flexible true condenser microphone
• Supercardioid polar pattern
• Outstanding clear and detailed sound
• Switchable pre-attenuation (-15dB) and low-cut filter
• High sensitivity
• High impulse fidelity and good transient response
• Handcrafted in Germany

The MC 950 shares the same DNA as the MC 930: versatility, high-quality workmanship, exceptional technical features and a clever construction. Its supercardioid polar pattern is what makes it special. Whether in the studio or for live performances, you can rely on the MC 950!

Focussed on a Variety of Sound Sources

Thanks to its largely linear frequency response, the MC 950 true condenser microphone is perfect for use with various sound sources, such as piano, choirs, orchestras or solo instruments of all kinds. This microphone delivers excellent results when used to record spoken and sung vocals when used with the WS 101 wind shield.

The MC 950 really comes into its own when sound needs to be effectively blocked from the sides. Equipped with an almost frequency-independent supercardioid polar pattern, this microphone is excellent at suppressing sound at 140° and 220°.

As Easy as Flipping a Switch

Thanks to its switchable attenuation (-15 dB), the MC 950 can also be used with loud instruments. Disruptive bass frequencies and low-mid frequencies that are caused, for example, by impact sounds or proximity effects, can be minimised by the switchable low-cut filter of 6 dB/octave at 250 Hz. This microphone works with 11–52 V phantom power.

Fast, Faster, MC 950

Thanks to its lightweight, gold-vapourised diaphragm, the MC 950 exhibits excellent vibration and impulse behaviour. This makes signals sound natural and precise throughout the session. The handmade true condenser capsule boasts excellent transient response, enabling it to quickly reproduce even percussive sounds.

Powerful for use with Interfaces and Mixing Consoles

As with the MC 930, which has a cardioid polar pattern, the MC 950 has one of the most powerful outputs in its class (35 mV/Pa).  This is a huge advantage, because it requires very little amplification.

A Closer Look: Supercardioid

The MC 950 true condenser microphone boasts an almost frequency-independent supercardioid polar pattern. This is different to a cardioid pattern, but not significantly different to a hypercardioid pattern. Thanks to its supercardioid pattern, this microphone prioritises sound coming from the front, while all of the signals from the sides, and some from the back, are reduced. This enables excellent channel separation, which is what makes this microphone perfect for studio use as well as on a loud live stage.

Quality Made in Germany

Handmade in Germany to a high-quality standard, the MC 950 true condenser microphone is distinguished by beyerdynamic’s renowned workmanship. Acoustically relevant components such as the true condenser capsule, the system suspension and the counter electrode are produced in-house. This unique process enables us to produce products of consistently high quality and makes each MC 950 one of a kind.

A Hard Shell Protecting a Clever Core

The MC 950’s high-quality true condenser capsule is protected by a durable, compact housing of solid metal. Its strategically placed holes mean it has a significant effect on the sound. The microphone head is a robust yet acoustically neutral sintered disc.  And switchable pre-attenuation and switchable low-cut filter are both integrated in the housing. Rounded off by its streamlined weight, this microphone is quick and easy to position at any time. The MC 950 now comes safely stored in a sturdy hard case.

Individual Measurement Curve

Intricately handmade means every MC 950 is unique. We even go one step further and individually measure each and every microphone. A print-out of the measurement curve is included with your purchased MC 950.

Durable Materials

Our microphones are designed for daily use in professional conditions, which is why only durable materials are used in their construction. If the microphone nevertheless gets damaged, our service policy means that we can replace almost every part.

Specifications

• Transducer type - True condenser
• Operating principle - Pressure gradient
• Frequency response - 40 - 20,000 Hz
• Polar pattern - Supercardioid
• Sensitivity (0 dB = 1 V/Pa) - 35 mV/Pa (= -29 dBV)
• Nominal impedance - 180 Ω
• Load impedance - 1000 Ω
• Max. SPL
  • at 1 kHz - 124 dB
  • with pre-attenuation - 139 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio rel. to 1 Pa - 72 dB
• A-weighted equivalent SPL - 15 dB
• Low-cut filter - switchable, 6 dB/octave at 250 Hz
• Power supply - 11 - 52 V phantom power
• Current consumption - 4.6 mA
• Connector - 3-pin XLR, male
• Dimensions
  • Length - 5.04 in (128 mm)
  • Diameter - 0.83 in (21 mm)
• Weight - 0.23 lb (106 g)

​What's in the Box

• MC 950 Microphone
• MA-CL 21 Microphone clamp
• Microphone Case