XY micing w/ MC-012s ?

[chessrock]

I've been thinking of getting another Octava MC012 and using them for an XY pair on accoustic guitar and drum overhead.

My only concern is the so-called "sub-cardiod" pattern. Trying to use omnis, for example, in an XY configuration is kind of an exercise in futility. And I am kind of concerned since I have heard that these MC12's have a very wide, almost-omni pattern.

Anyone have any problems with XY-ing these things? I mean will it give me something remotely resembling a stereo image, or will it be more like a "sub-stereo" image? Be honest!

Thanks!

 

[skippy]

Their cardioid pattern isn't a super-tight cardioid, but it's *far* from omni: I use them in XY all the time. They're great, for my use anyway. Try them and see for yourself.

 

[chessrock]

Thanks for the reply. So the stereo image is decent, then? Level with me now, Skip. If I shell out an extra hundo for another MC012, and it sounds more like an "improved mono" as opposed to stereo, then I'm going to be all over this board saying Skip is the enemy of stereo-imaging. And that wouldn't be good.

 

[skippy]

Slag me off any way you like, if that happens. I like the stereo imaging I get, and I have no trouble recommending it. If you don't like it, that's just a product of what you want to hear, and what I want to hear, differing.

I like a good M-S rig better still, but some people hate the "M-S sound". I like Blumlein too, when I get a good room to work in. So what? It works for me. Other than that, I've never claimed to have a corner on the market for either knowledge or chops... Your mileage may vary! Use _your ears_, not my words, to make decisions about your art.

 

[ausrock]

Chess,

Talk about coincidence, we just finished using a pair of MC012's for X/Y'ing an acoustic about 3 hours ago.

Now I haven't had the luxury of doing this with other mics, but the result was quite good.......pan L and R during mixdown and the stereo image is "there"

 

[chessrock]

Very cool. Thanks so much, fellas.

Skippy, I hope you got the humor, there. "Enemy of Stereo Micing" lol. Thanks for the input.

Chess

 

[Meshuggah]

I used the MC012 in xy when I do overheads.. Work a bit with the angle between them, and you'll get an excellent stereo-image. I just did it recently and I was VERY pleased.

 

[chessrock]

This is just an idea . . . but I was thinking of this:

2 MC-012's in an XY positioned IN FRONT OF the set, dead center. Position them about an inch or two above the the two center toms, and mess around with the angle.

I was thinking this might kill a couple birds with one stone. Give me a nice stereo image, and also pick up some more of the toms at the same time. Might save me from having to mic the toms altogether, which would simplify things.

Anyone ever try this?

 

[h kuhn]

I have tried them in xy, and the result was decent (a violin with a steinway in the back, , live can be so good...) i like them even better as ortf, especially on drums.
cheers
harald