X and Y Micing Techniques

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imacgreg

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Hey,
I was wondering what the diference between X and Y recording techniques is. I kind of get what they mean you know, it's how the mics look, but i am wondering what the difference in sound is.
I would probably be micing drums soon, so if you guys have any tips on that too.

Thanks,
imacgreg
 
I think you mean the X-Y configuration ?.
It's not 2 different ways but 1- called "X-Y".

If you want more info just ask
 
Yeah, I am kind of confused. If you could explain to me what this technique is i would appreciate it.

Thanks!
 
X-Y is a very commen stereo miking configuration.

It will give it most cases a good stereo separation and imaging and at the same time it is safe to use on most cases
when hearing the same sound in mono.

Take 2 mics ( cardioid condensers is typical ) overlap them at the capsules, then form a 90 degree angle (kind of like a "v") nearly touching each other.

Great for overheads on drums or miking a piano and more.
 
The main reason for using this technique is to avoid phase problems associated with say, a spaced pair stereo config. Because the capsules are so close together, there's little chance of placing the mics in counteractive areas of the waveform, which would cause them to cancel each other's signal. This is why it's generally safe for mono playback.
 
Hi Big K. Hey, I thought you only got phase problems when the mics were at different distances from the sound source.
 
Dobro,

I'ts a question of sound reaching mics at different times and not distance.
Of course distance can cause time problems.
 
If two mics are the same distance from a sound source, then the sound reaches both of them at the same time. Same distance, same time. No phase problems, right? :)
 
Well almost no problem. There is always some kind of phase interaction but that is a good thing. It adds some richness to the sound.

[This message has been edited by Shailat (edited 03-26-2000).]
 
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