Stereo Pairs at DVinfo.net

Bryan Beasleigh · December 3rd, 2003, 09:21 PM

We discuss stereo mics and occasionally stereo pairs and usually limit that to the Rode NT5 and perhaps a set of Oktavas. I've even read of people using AKG C1000's and some large diaphram side address condensers.

How would two NT3's do set up as a coincident pair, or even two AT3031's. I'm tempted to try another Nt1A.

Anyone with any experience on this subject out there, i'd appreciate your comments.

I was looking at the Sabra Som web site and their shock mounts and mic bars would make rigging such a set up easy.

As an example , if a person had an NT3 or a C1000, then all they would need is another mic and not another pair of mics.

Martin Garrison · December 3rd, 2003, 10:36 PM

You mightl achieve a better stereo effect with a matched pair. Otherwise there may be minute differences that will be apparent when played simultaneously.

Bryan Beasleigh · December 3rd, 2003, 11:41 PM

I doubt that a slight mismatch would affect the sound quality, it may affect the accuracy. Two reasonably well made mikes of the same model should do OK.

Don Berube · December 4th, 2003, 12:46 AM

I have had very good success with my crown Sass-P MK-II binaural microphone - easy to set up and totally mono-compatible.

http://www.coffeysound.com/store/CROWN_SASS_P_LG.html

- don

Helen Bach · December 4th, 2003, 04:45 PM

I've never used stereo for drama, but have used it for documentary - mainly ethnic music, tribal customs etc.

I normally use a Sennheiser MKH30 as the side mic with either an MKH50 hypercardioid (preferable) or an AT4073 short shotgun as the mid mic, depending on how narrow I need the mid. If I'm picking up a solo instrument or voice I might use an MKH40 cardioid as the mid. These M-S pairs are also physically neat, with both mics in line and one mounted on top of the other. The pair will fit inside a standard Sennheiser zeppelin if necessary, albeit with a compromised air gap.

On other occasions (rare) I've used pairs of AKG C414B-ULS mics either as A-B cardioids or for variations on mid-side (mid being omni or cardioid in this case).

Mid-side is my usual preference because it is mono compatible and the centre sounds are on-axis to the mid mic. With X-Y cardioids the centre is off-axis to both mics, of course.

I agree with Don about the SASS-P. I don't have one myself, but the recordings I've heard have had good ambience.

However, if I had to pick my favourite (for the kind of documentaries I've done up to now) it would be the Soundfield ST250. Dear Santa...

Best,
Helen

Bryan Beasleigh · December 13th, 2003, 12:18 PM

I had the oportunity to A/B the Oktava 012 with several other mics includibt the rode NT5 and the AT 4031. The Oktava was amazing. I tried all capsules in the kit as well as the 10 db pad.

I've ordered a stereo pair of the kits and will pick them up monday. The dealer , myself and another interested party will check then against the mic I tried on friday afternoon.

I'm paying less than $550 Canadian for the pair of kits. I'm not sure exactly what the matching criteria will be.

December 3rd, 2003, 09:21 PM	#1
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Stereo Pairs We discuss stereo mics and occasionally stereo pairs and usually limit that to the Rode NT5 and perhaps a set of Oktavas. I've even read of people using AKG C1000's and some large diaphram side address condensers. How would two NT3's do set up as a coincident pair, or even two AT3031's. I'm tempted to try another Nt1A. Anyone with any experience on this subject out there, i'd appreciate your comments. I was looking at the Sabra Som web site and their shock mounts and mic bars would make rigging such a set up easy. As an example , if a person had an NT3 or a C1000, then all they would need is another mic and not another pair of mics.

December 4th, 2003, 12:46 AM	#4
Don Berube Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Boston, MA (travel frequently) Posts: 837	I have had very good success with my crown Sass-P MK-II binaural microphone - easy to set up and totally mono-compatible. http://www.coffeysound.com/store/CROWN_SASS_P_LG.html - don __________________ DONALD BERUBE - noisybrain. Productions, LLC Director Of Photography/ Producer/ Consultant http://noisybrain.com/donbio.html CREATE and NETWORK with http://www.bosfcpug.org and also http://fcpugnetwork.org

December 3rd, 2003, 10:36 PM	#2
Martin Garrison Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 173	You mightl achieve a better stereo effect with a matched pair. Otherwise there may be minute differences that will be apparent when played simultaneously.

December 3rd, 2003, 11:41 PM	#3
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	I doubt that a slight mismatch would affect the sound quality, it may affect the accuracy. Two reasonably well made mikes of the same model should do OK.

December 4th, 2003, 04:45 PM	#5
Helen Bach Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 120	I've never used stereo for drama, but have used it for documentary - mainly ethnic music, tribal customs etc. I normally use a Sennheiser MKH30 as the side mic with either an MKH50 hypercardioid (preferable) or an AT4073 short shotgun as the mid mic, depending on how narrow I need the mid. If I'm picking up a solo instrument or voice I might use an MKH40 cardioid as the mid. These M-S pairs are also physically neat, with both mics in line and one mounted on top of the other. The pair will fit inside a standard Sennheiser zeppelin if necessary, albeit with a compromised air gap. On other occasions (rare) I've used pairs of AKG C414B-ULS mics either as A-B cardioids or for variations on mid-side (mid being omni or cardioid in this case). Mid-side is my usual preference because it is mono compatible and the centre sounds are on-axis to the mid mic. With X-Y cardioids the centre is off-axis to both mics, of course. I agree with Don about the SASS-P. I don't have one myself, but the recordings I've heard have had good ambience. However, if I had to pick my favourite (for the kind of documentaries I've done up to now) it would be the Soundfield ST250. Dear Santa... Best, Helen

December 13th, 2003, 12:18 PM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	I had the oportunity to A/B the Oktava 012 with several other mics includibt the rode NT5 and the AT 4031. The Oktava was amazing. I tried all capsules in the kit as well as the 10 db pad. I've ordered a stereo pair of the kits and will pick them up monday. The dealer , myself and another interested party will check then against the mic I tried on friday afternoon. I'm paying less than $550 Canadian for the pair of kits. I'm not sure exactly what the matching criteria will be.