[HANASHIR:13950] RE: MD Recorder?

[Adrian Durlester <adrian...>]

Ilana (et al):

There are traditionally two approaches to making stereo recordings. One
involves what is called a "spaced-pair" of microphones, the other utilizing
"single-point" or "close proximity" techniques.

Professional recordings of symphony orchestra, ensembles, etc. usually
utilize two microphones for stereo recordings, in some form of "spaced-pair"
or "close proximity". These techniques include XY (aka Coincident Pair),
Mid-side, ORTF, Decca Tree, Blumlein and Spaced Omni. Each technique
utilizes 2, 3 or 5 microphones to obtain a stereo image. Certain techniques
only work with specific microphones (esp. Blumlein and Spaced Omni.) XY and
ORTF place the microphones in close proximity - in XY-the microphone
patterns cross each other (i.e. the mic on the right is focused on the left,
and vice versa) and in ORTF the mics actually face apart from each other at
about a 107 degree angle.

Stereo Microphones
Looking to simplify the process, especially driven by the needs of field or
location recording for movies and television, manufacturers began to develop
what are known as "single- (or one-) point stereo microphones"  The stereo
microphone is really two microphone capsules in a single unit, making them
convenient to use on location or mounting on a camera. Some stereo
microphones allow you to adjust the stereo separation via controls on the
microphones , or through remote electronics.  Because the two microphone
pickup points are so close together, a stereo microphone can be used to
create simple monaural recordings as well.

There is a hybrid product manufactured by Crown Audio that is my personal
favorite for location stereo recording. It is their Crown SASS-P MkII. This
device contains two of the familiar Crown PZM omnidirectional boundary
microphones (those flat, black squares) mounted in a special holder designed
to create an accurate stereo image. It's not something for the individual,
casual user, but for professional location recording, it's quite excellent.

Finally, to answer a question you didn't ask - "why record in stereo?" -
it's all about how the human ears work. We don't hear monaurally (unless we
only have one working ear.) Monaural recordings are incapable of the depth
and subtlety that stereo-imaged recordings are. Stereo-recording helps us
hear, as close as possible, the actual sonic conditions being recorded.
Particularly, in a noisy ambient environment like a Hava Nashira workshop,
stereo recording enables one to hear things more clearly.

Hope this helps.

Adrian


Adrian A. Durlester, M.T.S.  - adrian (at) durlester(dot)com
http://www.durlester.com/
Director of Education, Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA
education(dot)director (at) bethelhebrew(dot)org
Past Conference Chair, CAJE 27
List-Owner for hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org; Co-Owner for L-Torah (at) 
shamash(dot)org
http://uahc.org/hanashir
adrian (at) ehavanashira(dot)org


> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org] On Behalf Of ilana axel
> Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 10:50 AM
> To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Subject: [HANASHIR:13949] RE: MD Recorder?
> 
> 
> Adrian - can you please answer another question by a
> novice?
> > 
> You wrote:
> > Sony ECM 717 is a clip-on type one-point stereo
> > microphone (around $60
> > street price)
> 
> What does "one-point stereo" refer to?
> 
> Thanks, Ilana
> 
> =====
> Ilana Axel
> Music Director/Jewish Music Specialist/Singer
> JRF Master Teacher 2002
> Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue
> Northbrook, Illinois
> Tel: 847-279-0473
> iaxel (at) yahoo(dot)com


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