Matched Pair for M/S Mic'ing Technique

[cominginsecond]

Is it important that the two mics used in the M/S mic'ing technique be a matched pair? If so, how important?

 

[skippy]

Not particularly. Iin fact, since the two mics have different polar patterns (figure 8 for the side, and cardioid/omni or even hypercardioid if you're really adventurous for the mid), the concept is nearly meaningless: by definition they won't be matched in their frequency responses, even if it is the identical mic with the pattern switch set differently.

Don't sweat it. Play around with as many different combinations as you can get you hands on, and let your ears pick. Part of the attraction of this technique is that you can do so much for your sound by mic choice...

 

[cominginsecond]

Not particularly. Iin fact, since the two mics have different polar patterns (figure 8 for the side, and cardioid/omni or even hypercardioid if you're really adventurous for the mid), the concept is nearly meaningless: by definition they won't be matched in their frequency responses, even if it is the identical mic with the pattern switch set differently.

Don't sweat it. Play around with as many different combinations as you can get you hands on, and let your ears pick. Part of the attraction of this technique is that you can do so much for your sound by mic choice...

This is what I thought, though I couldn't remember the reason why. Thanks for your help.

 

[DigitMus]

FWIW I really like the sound of a ribbon for the side (fig. 8) mic and a SD cardioid condenser for the middle. Play around, have fun.

Scott

 

[cominginsecond]

FWIW I really like the sound of a ribbon for the side (fig. 8) mic and a SD cardioid condenser for the middle. Play around, have fun.

Scott

The only Figure 8 mic I have (or am going to have in a couple days) is the Studio Projects B3, but for the middle i have the choice of the Rode NTK, the MXL 603, or the Behringer ECM 8000. I will try all three.

 

[Daniel Smart]

ECM's an omni, not a cardiod. The other two would be fine. NTK and B3 would probably sound pretty nice.

-Daniel

 

[cominginsecond]

ECM's an omni, not a cardiod. The other two would be fine. NTK and B3 would probably sound pretty nice.

-Daniel

You can use an omni for the middle mic.