binaural mics

[mojew]

are these useful for studio recording at all?

I have a chance to get a few pairs for pretty cheap from a guy who handmakes them.

They'd be cool for recording my band's practices and shows to minidisc with... but would they be useful at all for any studio band work?

 

[Innovations]

A studio would just use a ORTF or XY pair of cardoids.

 

[mojew]

okay, by studio i meant "studio." as in my bedroom. like.. would these be useful at all for recording vocals or guitar or drums? better than my sennheiser 835?

 

[billisa]

Binaural is a phenomenal effect when played back through headphones. When it's done well, it's probably the best 3D imaging you'll get, but it's not nearly as effective played back through speakers, so unless those mics are really excellent, and unless you plan to play the finished product back primarily through headphones, it might be better to get a more versatile pair.

If you choose to try the binaural route then it helps to wear the mics right where your ears are, or simulate that distance and place some kind of sound damping material between the mics where your head would be. They should be omni-directionals pointed straight out perpendicular to the sound source. Make sure the levels are as perfectly balanced as possible.