Sanken CMS-50 M-S Stereo Shotgun Microphone

The Sanken CMS-50 with M and S component outputs to compose a stereo signal, convienient for pre and post processing.

Super Short Mid Side (M-S) Stereo Professional Shotgun

The unique CMS-50 is a 5.4′′ compact stereo condenser shotgun that weighs only 130g. The mic is especially suited to users that require the versatility and smooth stereo that an M-S design provides. Tight or wide patterns and premium sound, it can be camera mounted without interfering with even a short lens, yet still provide the quality of audio demanded by today’s professionals.

It is an M-S (Mid-Side) configuration which makes it possible to adjust the stereo width from mono to stereo at the mixer or in post production. The shotgun includes two outputs, a cardioid and figure of 8, which can be fed into the mixer for width adjustments. If both outputs are recorded then width can be managed in post. 

Like all Sanken shotguns it is rugged and dependable with a wide range of applications where sound clarity and noise rejection are critical requirements. 

CMS-50 shown with optional GS-23 shock mount

Decoding M-S Signals from CMS-50

The CMS-50 outputs M and S signals. These can be decoded to Left and Right using the optional MB-2D decoder or can be decoded in the mixing console…

To derive the left and right channel outputs from M-S coincident microphone sources use the following summing and difference:

L ch : Sum of M and S
R ch : Difference between M and S

By connecting the outputs to the mixer as shown, both M and S signals can be decoded as L ch. and R ch. The angle between L and R can also be varied by the adjustment of the S ch. fader volume. When levels of M and S are the same, the stereophonic angle is 127°.