What mics to use for M/S

  • Thread starter Thread starter Englebert
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Englebert

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Haya!

First, let me state out that I do know the principles of M/S-setup (1 cardioid, 1 Fig of, split, phase etc.). My question is: how similar do the two mics have to be? I understand that a cardioid can never sound exactly same as a figure of 8, but would two similar multi-pattern mics be needed?

The reason I ask this is something Alan Hyatt said in the "Studio Projects C1 vs. B3"-thread. I got the impression that he recommended C1/B3-combo for M/S-recording. Wouldn´t B1/B3 (or C1/C3) be preferable? Please correct me Alan, if I got it all wrong... I am a proud owner of the C1 (I love it!) and the prospect of getting into M/S-recording by just purchasing B3 is quite tempting; not only is it considerably cheaper than C3 but I would also get one more different flavor mic in my humble locker.
 
No, as Harvey explains somewhere in the Big thread, the two mics don't have to be the same.

The difference compared to x/y stereo recording, where the mics have to be closely matched, is that in M-S one mic is taking the sides - both the sides. This means that there are no differences in frequency resonse between left and right (at least there shouldn't be if you have a decent mic). And this in turn means you won't have instruments wandering about in the stereo image, depending on what note they play.

This is why it's essential you use a side mic where the two lobes of the figure 8 have exactly the same frequency response.

Cheers
/Henrik
 
Tack så mycket, Henrik!

Maybe I just should dig that marvellous thread up and read it through once again. Now if Alan could only get his European office up and running...
 
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