x
anonymous 1 December 2005

Hi all

I'm slowly developping my beginner skills: mostly on acoustic al stuff (jazz, choral, folk).
I'm learning the difference between xy, ortf and ab and have tried them all.
So far I'm beginning to get a bit of a feel for these stereo recording techniques. Generally speaking I prefer ortf and ab, not xy.

Now I'm wondering what MS can do for me. I know about the theoretical stuff but don't have any hands on experience as I don't have a figure8

I was wondering if anyone could put up some files so I can try out the ms mixing / listening myself (I'm using Cubase sx, so I'm ok on that)
I'm especially interested in how much margin there is in focus / width

Up to now I can only assume MS is most comparatable to xy (soundwise)

Any other comments related to the sound of MS (vs. the other stereo techniques) is highly appreciated

Cheers

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Zilla Thu, 12/01/2005 - 15:37

GentleG wrote: ...Generally speaking I prefer ortf and ab, not xy.

Any other comments related to the sound of MS (vs the other stereo techniques) is highly appreciated.

I suspect what you are attracted to with ORTF/AB is the inter-aural time delay resulting from the non-coincident placement of the capsules. This delay imparts a sense of spaciousness. XY does not have this delay and therefore lacks spaciousness. However, XY has better monaural compatibility and better localization.

Like the XY config, MS is also a coincident stereo mic technique. In fact, the point of MS is basically to synthesize the XY configuration, but allow pattern adjustment, electronically, during or after the recording. The trade-off for this flexibility is the added processing of a MS matrix encoder. I always find any additional processing in my signal path to be unwelcome.

anonymous Thu, 12/01/2005 - 18:03

Thanks all,
Especially David

First impressions while listening: huge flexibility

I just reread about ms and xy in The Microphone Book by John Eargle (great book btw)
It's time I try encoding / decoding xy to ms to get another look / hear on the subject
And I guess I should try different angles on xy recording

Generally speaking I prefer ortf / ab on wider sources (choir)
and xy on smaller (upright piano, drums, mallets)

Cheers all

anonymous Thu, 12/01/2005 - 18:03

Thanks all,
Especially David

First impressions while listening: huge flexibility

I just reread about ms and xy in The Microphone Book by John Eargle (great book btw)
It's time I try encoding / decoding xy to ms to get another look / hear on the subject
And I guess I should try different angles on xy recording

Generally speaking I prefer ortf / ab on wider sources (choir)
and xy on smaller (upright piano, drums, mallets)

Cheers all

x

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