In this experimental recording session, Ateeksh and Preetish, our sound engineering students from DASE 22 batch, explore five stereo mic techniques on the acoustic guitar that can be used by our students.
The main aim of this recording session is to closely observe two aspects and understand the difference between the five stereo mic techniques:
Two Key Aspects:
1. Tonality: Tonality refers to how the tonal character changes when mics are placed in different spaces. It doesn’t only refer to the volume, but it’s about the right balance between low, mid and high frequencies, majorly influenced by the mic placements relative to the sound source. The mic placement can significantly alter the tonality.
2. Stereo Image or Width: Stereo width or image refers to how wide or narrow the guitar sounds when switching between stereo techniques, it creates immersion and dimension. In simple words, stereo width refers to how far apart sounds feel in the spatial field between your left and right speakers.
Read the blog further to explore the five stereo mic techniques.
- Spaced Pair Technique – Spaced Pair Technique is also known as AB Stereo Mic Technique. AB Stereo technique is great for medium distance for events such as choirs, orchestras and drum kits. In a space pair set-up, the microphones are placed at an equal distance from the guitar while also following the 3:1 rule to reduce pace issues. Commonly, one mic is aimed towards the body and the other towards the neck, which helps capture both tonal balance and stereo width.
- XY Mic Technique – The XY technique places two microphones at 90-degree angles, with the capsules kept as close together as possible, or coincident. This technique is great for close mic applications and it provides a clear stereo image. Moreover, there are less phase issues.
- ORTF Mic Technique – The ORTF technique uses two microphones placed 17 cm apart and angled at 110 degrees from each other. The spacing between the microphones imitates the distance between human ears which creates a realistic, spacious stereo field, which is often described as more natural than XY Technique. There’s a good balance between width and focus.
- Blumlein Technique – The Blumlein mic technique uses two figure-8 microphones placed at a 90-degree angle, coincident with each other. They are placed close to each other to prevent phase out issues. The microphones are arranged in an X-Y or crossed pair configuration. Ideal for well-suited acoustic places.
- Mid Side Technique – It uses one cardioid microphone facing the source and a figure-8 microphone placed sideways on top of the mid microphone. Because of the placement, there is minimal overlapping between the mics. You get control over spacing and ambience.
Pro Tip – Stereo width can be controlled even after recording.
Through this recording session, Preetish and Ateeksh demonstrate how mic placement can significantly affect tonality and stereo width or image. Each miking technique offers distinctive and unique listening experience. Moreover, microphone placement adds character to the sound.
For a better understanding, watch the video for reference – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRCcfCfDLMZ/?igsh=NjNsb2o5bDhyb3ps