Schoeps CM640 Tube Condenser Microphone Cardiod

This unit includes modern power supply and cabling.

Used only in a smoke-free studio.

Quote from Google AI:

The Schoeps CM 640 is a highly revered, vintage small-diaphragm tube condenser microphone introduced by the legendary German audio manufacturer SCHOEPS Microphones in 1960. Belonging to the historic CM 60 series, it represents the brand's final generation of vacuum-tube technology before transitioning to solid-state designs. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Specifications & Design

• Capsule Type: Tailored specifically as a speech cardioid pencil condenser, featuring a specialized acoustic frequency response suited for clear voice capture.
• Diaphragm Material: Built with a premium nickel diaphragm, giving it a distinctly classic, textured sound profile compared to later gold-sputtered mylar capsules.
• Internal Tube: Powered by a sprung-suspended EF 94 (6AU6) vacuum tube rather than being soldered directly, allowing for easy component swapping and maintenance.
• Modular System: The CM 60 preamplifier base was interchangeable, running specialized capsules ranging from the CM 63 (omni) to the CM 640 (speech cardioid).
• Impedance Variations: Vintage models can be found in a rare low-output 50-ohm version (historically indicated by a red dot) or a standard 200-ohm version (indicated by a blue dot). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Sonic Character & Applications

Unlike modern Schoeps microphones—which are celebrated for their transparency, neutrality, and hyper-realistic acoustic capture—the CM 640 is considered an "oddball" with immense vintage character. It imparts a velvety warmth, a rich low-mid harmonic density, and a smooth top-end roll-off that makes it highly sought after for Reverb vintage listings and boutique studio setups. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Audio engineers prize it for:

• Lead vocal and intimate singing tracking.
• Voiceovers, podcasting, and broadcast speech.
• Adding body and warmth to bright acoustic guitars, violins, or piano.
• Taming the harsh transient attacks of drum overheads or room mics. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Legacy and Collecting

Because it relies on a dedicated, external power supply unit (like the original Schoeps CN61) and a proprietary multi-pin cable, working units require historical maintenance. Solid-state, transistorized variants under the model name CM 060 (often distributed by Strässer) were released later in the 1960s, but the original tube-driven CM 640 remains the prized piece for collectors looking for Neumann-rivaling quality.

This is a used microphone. It is over 50 years old. If you want it to be in "new" condition, don't bid. If you want an original manufacturer's warranty, don't bid. If you want any guaranty or warranty at all, don't bid. One representation: the microphone has been recently tested by me, and it is working as it should.