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Description
An omnidirectional (or nondirectional) microphone's response is generally considered to be a perfect sphere in three dimensions. The smallest diameter microphone gives the best omnidirectional characteristics at high frequencies. Many engineers are afraid of using omnidirectional microphones in a multi microphone setup with several musicians or sound sources. "Leakage" seems to be the buzzword that is often heard in such situations and, without even trying anything else, directional mics are by habit chosen. A cardioid may be the right choice, but often an omni would give a better performance, because of its sonic qualities, low handling-, wind- and pop-noise and lack of proximity effect. The omni, however, can be moved closer to the source, without the penalty of the proximity effect that occurs with a directional microphone (pressure gradient transducers). The leakage that still occurs - in an acoustic setting it cannot entirely be avoided - is at least of neutral tonal quality and may add some beautiful "air" around the instrument.

Piano mics?

I'm using a pair of DPA 4099's to mic my current grand piano, and they've have been ok, but I have a Steinway D coming in soon. Since I'll already likely be renting some different vocal mics to compare, I'm wondering if folks here have any mic recommendations for a very very large and resonant sound. Budget is probably 3,000 or less for the pair.

Omni mic advice

I don't own any true omnis. When I want to use one, I go with a C414 in omni mode. So what omni mics (and at what price) would be a clear step up from the C414s either for use as omni outriggers in orchestral recording or for close Micing of acoustic instruments. (I've used the C414s as omni outriggers, but have usually chosen another pattern when using them in the studio.)

DPA 4007 vs. . 4006 as orch mains?

Hi!

I have a pair of DPA 4003 that I enjoy for orch mains, and I also have some experience with 4006's. Anyhow- there is a pair of 4007s that I could procure. According to the DPA site, they seem to be like 4006's but able to handle higher SPLs. Does anyone here have any deeper experience with the 4007 as compared to the 4006? Differences in output level? Tone?

thanks!

Sennheiser MKH 20

Hi!

Has anyone here used the Sennheiser MKH 20? I'm looking for a really good and transparent omni for a AB setup (you could say I'm aiming for the best there is...). I've also been checking out microphones like the Earthworks QTC1, DPA 4003, Schoeps aso. All seem to be really good mics, but the MKH feels right in some strange way. What do You think?

Vintage dbx A1 Soundfield omnidirectional speakers

Anyone familiar with dbx A1's? I have an opportunity to buy a pair of these and I'm planning on reselling.The controller box is not with the speakers(I believe the controller is simply a "tuned" high-low filter and could probably be easily reproduced).

I can't find much info on them,they must not have made/sold many.But what I have found says they are the ultimate in speakers.