Schoeps MK 41 Super Cardioid

This is the capsule used on many film sets, for dialogue. It is great in that role, because when you miss the peak of the signal because you aim slightly beside the source, you can simply bring it up in the mix, because the MK41 has virtually no off-axis coloration. Most Schoeps mics are good in that respect, but the MK41 is their king, making it sound very natural, even when there is a lot of room reflection. That, plus the fact that it is a hypercardioid makes is eminently useful for recording voices and solo acoustic instruments.

All Schoeps mics sound very well balanced, neutral with a warm tone to them. The MK41 fits that description perfectly too. For recording piano I would not suggest these, but a more "clinical" sounding microphone, such as DPA omnis, because the Schoeps warmth can be overbearing a bit too much with the already deep warmth of the piano. But for strings, both bowed and plucked, and voices I can highly recommend the MK41.