Combining mics for stereo recordings

[Nellsalot]

Why is it, or is it at all, a bad idea to mix microphone types when stereo overhead micing (specifically on drums)? Will it sound really uneven and patched together? How about two LDC of different brands/models? Or one LDC and one SDC?

I say this because I would like to have mics to choose from for other non-stereo applications, so having two different mics would be better for that purpose than having two of the same. Of course, if it means a noticeable compromise in sound quality on OH, I'd certainly go for a stereo pair. I'm thinking Studio Projects C4.

 

[treymonfauntre]

one ldc and one sdc might not be bad unless you were going to hard pan them.. it might sound real weird. i'm all for mixing mics for overheads though, mostly because of budget!

 

[noisedude]

Sometimes it can be ok. I guess if you were using M-S stereo techniques you'd definitely be ok, but for a lot of other stereo pairs you might find that the two mics sound too different for a good sound. For example, if one mic has a lot more detail in the high end, and the other sounds more dull or dark, your stereo image of the cymbals on your kit is going to sound a bit odd.

 

[Big Kenny]

Yup stereo image is lost. Different freq's are accentuated and the mics fight