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Re: MSTC 64g

Subject: Re: MSTC 64g
From: Wild Sanctuary <>
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 09:38:11 -0700
G'day Walt,

When Lang provided data on his SASS set-up, we tried it and he's 
right: The results are spectacular as far as stereo imaging and a 
sense of aural space. All of his recordings clearly demonstrate the 
clarity and transparency that's claimed. I was under the impression 
that he was using some combination of Sennheisers (MKH20s) which are 
typically low noise and quite transparent. I really haven't 
specifically tested the SASS setup for the phantom center channel 
problem...notable in most stereo configurations. The 3dB drop 
typically occurs when the patterns of the omnis or cardioids overlap 
in the middle. While that drop is significant for our efforts since 
we need more options, it might not be for others. Lang contributed a 
passage in Wild Soundscapes titled "Binaural Recording Issues" and 
which appears in the Appendix of the book that is worth reading for 
those interested in the SASS system.

Also, as Lang and Gordon Hempton have both pointed out, when 
monitoring stereo, SASS, and/or binaural, you get what you hear. 
While with the M-S system you do not and it is not immediately 
intuitive what you are hearing (unless you are monitoring off a 
pre-amp headphone output that provides stereo capabilities.)

Bernie



>Wild Sanctuary wrote:
>>  The MKH 40 are DEFINITELY less noisy than the Schoeps. I've got both
>>  systems and much prefer the Sennheisers both for general recording
>>  and for our National Park Service calibrated studies. Although a bit
>>  less sensitive, we use 3 MKH 30/40 M-S systems and couldn't be
>>  happier. The Schoeps fail in many kinds of circumstances. The
>>  Sennheisers are durable and can withstand very high humidity (even
>>  rain if not directly hitting the mics) for long periods w/o failure.
>>  Also, an M-S recording provides 5 results from one recording (SeeWild
>>  Soundscapes: Discovering the Voice of the Natural World [Wilderness
>>  Press, Berkeley] Chapter 7).
>>
>>  Note: other stereo systems (XY, most binaural and ORTF) create a -3dB
>>  drop in the phantom center channel that is a recurrent problem for
>>  those wanting the most flexibility from a two channel signal.
>
>Bernie-
>
>Have you done any checking on the SASS as far as this phantom center
>channel problem? Or Lang's version with the MKH-20's. I've not had my
>setup running long enough to do much yet.
>
>I've got plans to use one of the spare housings I bought to mount my
>pair of MKH-40's to see how they compare to the MKH-110's I set up. When
>I find the time to machine all the bits.
>
>I'll also be doing the MKH 30/40 M-S combo.
>
>Walt
>
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-- 
Wild Sanctuary, Inc.
P. O. Box 536
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-996-6677 tel
707-996-0280 fax
http://www.wildsanctuary.com

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