crossed fig-8 recording

  • Thread starter Thread starter Havoc
  • Start date Start date
H

Havoc

New member
As I'm thinking of getting a pair of mics and want to try out the crossed fig-8 stereo, I'm on the lookout for recomendations on mics to be used.

On the list now are the AKG414, CAD M179 and the Oktava ML-52. There are probably others around, but those fit the budget.

So, are those usable, and which is most appropriate for more classical music oriented recordings? Thanks
 
The technique is called Blumlein. It's often used with ribbons, since they have a natural figure-eight pattern, and the Royer SF-12 is basically a ready to go Blumlein array. On a tighter budget, you could get a pair of Beyer M-130 ribbon mics. I would shy away from the new Oktava for your application as it has a very colored sound.

I don't know much about classical recording technique, but I always thought using large diaphragm condensors wasn't too common. Maybe modular small diaphragm mics with figure-eight heads? These would tend to have a more natural and accurate response, but some large diaphragms condensors may in fact be better.

Bear
 
Bear G F...You heard the Oktava ML52...On the sound what did you hear..Any mic that you would compare it to for sound..Thanks in advance..

Don
 
Havoc ..Sorry for asking a question on your thread...For large diaph. mics of the less expensive vari. how about the Shure KSM44 they are fairly flat for large diaph.Or maybe the At 4050..both mics are less $ than the 414 and IMHO more nuteral..Good luck

Don
 
I have used 2 AKGC3000B's for everything from marching bands to soprano's. They tend to give a nice sound. They are large diaphram and I have not had a problem. I think it helps that they have 2 pads on them, a low cut and a -10db. The only problem with large diaphram is that you need phantom power. But I guess thats not a hard problem to overcome.



This was recorded with 2 AKG's on a behringer eurotrack (for phantom power), into a Roland VS880EX. No pads were on for this recording. The mic's were placed about 15 feet away and were on 45 degree angles from center. I hope this helps. I think large diaphram's certainly can perform for recording classical.

Robby
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Seems there is still homework to do like finding those mics for a listen. Apparently there are more ribbons and multi patterns around that I thought. Back to start....:)
 
You mentioned Classical music; what instruments are you planning on recording?

Bee, I couldn't get your link to work. I'm interested in hearing your piano as I play and record piano too.
 
Well most will be organ, rest will be more chamber music. A couple of violins, piano or clavichord, flute. More the smaller setups. Some excursions to folk are also on the list.

Must say that the Beyer M-130 looks attractive. Found also something about the Coles 4038, but the makes website is not exactly informative. The search continues...........
 
Pipe organ? Again, not my line, but to get the lowest lows with ambient micing, I think you would want to use a true pressure transducer omni mic, which in some cases can be flat almost down to DC. Pressure gradient (anything directional, and dual diaphragm condensors set to omni) mics generally won't do flat and accurate bass down that low. Check Harvey's "How does diaphragm size/polar pattern relate to mic applications?" thread for details.

Bear
 
www.geocities.com/beezoboy/sounds/quartet_piano.mp3

Post this link into your browser and it will work. For some reason geocities and linking to forums never works. You'll get a quick connection though.

I think Bear'sGnFission is right with the about the omni. You'll get a much better organ sound with it. Room noise could be an isssue though. You might try some ECM8000's as they are only 35 a peice. I mean I waste more than the price of one of one of these mics when I take a girl for dinner somewhere. If nothing else you might be able to use these mics closer to the source in conjunction with a more expensive omni to acheive some nice results. Or use them to achieve some natural reverb by placing them further away. If you have read the forum lately though, there is a huge deal being made about these things. I wouldn't suggest using them as your main mics though. I'll be recording a choir with the ECM8000's and will let everyone hear them soon.

Beezoboy
 
Nice work Beezoboy - for me the piano is toooo far away compared to the strings which have much more presence. 15 ft is faaar away!!.

If you can afford them I'd look at a pair of AKG414 as they have variable patterns so you can try MS was well.

cheers
John
 
A friend of mine has been in SE classes for the last 2 years and has access to many expensive mics. she swears by the AKG414 and says it is one of the best all around mics.

Do you guys agree on the 414? Would that be a better purchase than a couple $200 mics for acoutic guitar and vocals?
 
Tex, I've never used that mic myself, I have several friends who have though, and I've never heard anything but good praise for it.
I'd like to have one myself, but my mic budget is stretched paper thin right now.
 
Well I heard somebody on this forum do a little folk guitar thing with some ECM8000's and I was really impressed. I'll see if I can find the post so you can hear it. As for vocals I have heard that a C1 is bad. Some guy did a post around here that was great with recorded all with a C1. I think he even did his guitar cabinet with it. Those together would put you right at about $300 though. I think the C1 would would be good to get if you didn't want to get the ECM8000's. I am just really impressed by what I have heard from these microphones so far.

Beezoboy
 
If you cannot spring the cash for a C414, another AKG microphone that sounds really good [when directly compared to the AKG C414B-ULS] is their newer C 4000 B model.

I'm getting wonderful results recording acoustic [and electric] guitars with the C 4000 B. This model also sounds incredible when used in live gigging situations. It's very versatile. To top everything off, the C 4000B must be the QUIETEST condenser made [with only 8 dB self noise]. The C414 has 14db self noise.
Great microphone overall...:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top