Figure-8 pattern: Any other uses besides MS stereo recording? at DVinfo.net

Dave Largent · November 19th, 2005, 04:07 AM

I see that some of the large-diaphragm condensers
offer a fgure-8 option. What is the purpose of
figure-8 on an LDC?
How about putting an LDC right between a singer and an
instrumentalist when the mic is set to figure 8?

Chris Long · November 20th, 2005, 10:10 AM

It can also be used as a "duet mic" so that 2 (or more, I suppose) singers can face each other and follow each others' cues. Some time getting the balance right is important, I'd guess.

No reason it can't be used the way you mention, for a more naturalistic recording. So many people like to isolate everything completely that I'm not sure how many might use it that way, but I've got recordings that were done that way--they catch a more blended, natural (and more "musical") sound. I like it.

Seth Bloombaum · November 20th, 2005, 10:52 AM

Figure-8 is great for two person narratives because a booth is usually a small space for two people. Going from 2 mics to 1 means elimination of any time phasing and comb-filtering issues (harshes up the sound) especially important with overlapping dialog (because you can't just pan tracks in post).

Also, while I've never done this, figure-8 used to be a primary narrative mic pattern even for one talent. Apparently, before dead recording standards for narrative, figure-8 was highly regarded for a natural sounding room and voice. I'm not sure what kind of room, but perhaps not a totally dead one such as we like these days.

Dave Largent · November 20th, 2005, 02:09 PM

Also, while I've never done this, figure-8 used to be a primary narrative mic pattern even for one talent. Apparently, before dead recording standards for narrative, figure-8 was highly regarded for a natural sounding room and voice. I'm not sure what kind of room, but perhaps not a totally dead one such as we like these days.[/QUOTE]
Now that's something I had never heard of.

Paul R Johnson · November 20th, 2005, 02:33 PM

Quite common to use two fig 8s, one on top of the other, upside down, rotated 90 degrees - performs in a similar manner to a coincident pair of cardioids, but the extra rear pickup adds a new dimension to the sound, especially in less than perfect venues - the rear pickup is also good for capturing audience response. Hails from the old BBC technques when stereo first appeared.

November 19th, 2005, 04:07 AM	#1
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	Figure-8 pattern: Any other uses besides MS stereo recording? I see that some of the large-diaphragm condensers offer a fgure-8 option. What is the purpose of figure-8 on an LDC? How about putting an LDC right between a singer and an instrumentalist when the mic is set to figure 8? Last edited by Dave Largent; November 19th, 2005 at 06:51 AM.

November 20th, 2005, 10:10 AM	#2
Chris Long Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Middletown, Maryland USA Posts: 177	It can also be used as a "duet mic" so that 2 (or more, I suppose) singers can face each other and follow each others' cues. Some time getting the balance right is important, I'd guess. No reason it can't be used the way you mention, for a more naturalistic recording. So many people like to isolate everything completely that I'm not sure how many might use it that way, but I've got recordings that were done that way--they catch a more blended, natural (and more "musical") sound. I like it.

November 20th, 2005, 10:52 AM	#3
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Figure-8 is great for two person narratives because a booth is usually a small space for two people. Going from 2 mics to 1 means elimination of any time phasing and comb-filtering issues (harshes up the sound) especially important with overlapping dialog (because you can't just pan tracks in post). Also, while I've never done this, figure-8 used to be a primary narrative mic pattern even for one talent. Apparently, before dead recording standards for narrative, figure-8 was highly regarded for a natural sounding room and voice. I'm not sure what kind of room, but perhaps not a totally dead one such as we like these days.

November 20th, 2005, 02:09 PM	#4
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	Also, while I've never done this, figure-8 used to be a primary narrative mic pattern even for one talent. Apparently, before dead recording standards for narrative, figure-8 was highly regarded for a natural sounding room and voice. I'm not sure what kind of room, but perhaps not a totally dead one such as we like these days.[/QUOTE] Now that's something I had never heard of.

November 20th, 2005, 02:33 PM	#5
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,045	Quite common to use two fig 8s, one on top of the other, upside down, rotated 90 degrees - performs in a similar manner to a coincident pair of cardioids, but the extra rear pickup adds a new dimension to the sound, especially in less than perfect venues - the rear pickup is also good for capturing audience response. Hails from the old BBC technques when stereo first appeared.