Re: Recording Emergeny!!!!
MFB, I re-read your post on the overhead mic positions ( x,y ).What is the difference if the werent crossed and just almost touching? What about an an a,b position? It is also often seen on drum kits. Is that a option, and if so whatr are the sonic differences in sound between the two?
Thanks, prof.
AB is the spaced technique that I mentioned. It's just another way of saying it. There are various spaced techniques, but AB is just the name given to them.
The reason that the mics are crossed in the XY is so that the cardioid patterns overlap:
I've just plagarised that from this website:
http://www.pcmus.com/Condenser-Recording-Mics.htm
Which has pretty pictures and everything!
Basically, the XY technique means that there is a 'United Front' at the front of the pickup range. If the mics were side by side, there wouldn't be an even pickup at the front and you'd have a slight 'gap' in the field. Imagine drawing two hearts an inch apart, with the tip of the heart facing forward, then imagine them at 90 degrees intersecting each other - the 'round' side creates an even field and because the mics intersect and the tips of each heart shape are facing directionally, you get a greater stereo image that way. If you were to keep them parallel, you wouldn't get that good stereo image, either. If you were to place them next to each other, but 90 degrees apart from each other, rather than intersecting, you'd get a massive gap in pickup in the middle.
There's not really a massive difference between the two sound-wise, it's just that the XY pair is a little trickier to get right because the placement is less flexible. On the other hand, there is less likelihood that phase cancellation will occur because the two mics are in close proximity and their placement is relative to each other.
There is actually a third mic technique that isn't often used on drums, it's more likely to be used on pianos called 'Mid and Side' or MS, that requires a figure-of-eight pattern microphone and a cardioid. I've never used it, but apparently it's great for mono mixes. Basically you put the figure-of-eight near the source, with the pattern with the cardioid at 90 degrees halfway down the figure-of-eight (traditionally at 90 degrees) to fill in the 'gap'.
Nicely plagarised from:
http://emusician.com/mag/emusic_front_center/
This actually explains it far better than I can, but if you're in an adventurous mood and have the necessary equipment...
Anybody who thinks my explanations are rubbish, tell me! This was written in a bit of a hurry because I'm supposed to be sailing in half an hour on the River...
EDIT: Unfortunately the sailing didn't happen. Someone took my place. And I was so looking forward to capsize drill...