MS mode

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djclueveli

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i'm reading the bob katz mastering pdf file on MS mode and it says "A simple audio decoder (just an audio mixer) combines these two channels to produce L (left) and R (right) outputs. Here’s the decoder formula: M plus S equals L. M minus S equals R. Here’s how to decode in the mixer: Feed M to fader, Feed S to fader 2, pan both to the left. Feed M to fader 3, S to fader 4, invert the polarity of fader 4 (“minus S”), pan both to the right. The more M in the mix, the more monophonic (centered) the material, the more S, the more wide-spread, or diffuse the material. If you mute the M channel, you will hear out of phase sound, containing largely reverberation and the instruments at the extreme sides. Mute the S channel, and you will largely hear the vocalist; the sound collapse, missing richness and space.” How would i accomplish this with Waves SI plugin because it has MS mode on it and i am mixing with Acid Pro. Can anyone give me Step by Step directions on how to do what Bob Katz is talking about, with Waves SI plugin. thanks
 
You need to have recorded something using the MS mic'ing technique before this has any relevance. Are you familiar with this? Otherwise what are you trying to do exactly?
 
The typical M/S mic setup is a figure 8 + a cardioid. The same care has to be taken in setting up the diaphragms in the same plane that you would take with stereo micing with two separate mics. Beyerdynamic sells a pair of ribbons for this: an M-160 cardioid and an M-130 figure 8 (I already have the M-130 -- maybe I'll get the M-160 next).

You need a splitter for the figure 8 mic, since it goes to two channels, with one channel's polarity reversed. The whole business takes 3 tracks, including the cardioid.

I'm anxious to try this out. Electronic Musician Magazine will have a piece on the technique in next month's (March 2006) issue.
 
djclueveli said:
i only have 1 mic and its a shure ksm27

Well then why are you trying to figure out how to do MS decoding?

By the way....you included step by step instructions for the technique in your own first post. What more could you ask for?
 
yeah, I spoke to Bob in person (in a meeting a few weeks ago) about that and it's more reserved as a mastering thing and/or if you use the MS mic setup in recording.


Other than that, it's really going to confuse the shit out of you. Or worse, you could damage your mixes if you're using the MS setting improperly.


So if you are dead set on learning or experimenting with MS modes, then read up a little on the MS mic setup (which was explained anyway) and see what you can find.
 
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