As was noted, you can either decode to the file you are recording, or
decode only to headphones. I prefer the later, since I like to do the
decoding in the computer. So if you decode to the file, then turn off
decoding in the headphones.
A couple of things to test that might explain your weird 'clock' test.
Are you certain you were feeding the mid mic into the left channel,
and the side mic into channel 2? Any plugin would expect that layout.
If you swap them, the decoder still 'works' and you'll get back a
very strange sound field.
Also, the 'amount' of side signal to mid signal is important. If
you're pumping in more side level than mid level, it will start to
artificially widen the stereo image, which will start to sound weird,
and at the extreme will sound 'real' weird. With a 1:1 ratio your
stereo image is roughly 90 degrees.
Also check that the proper 'lobe, or 0 degrees, is pointing left
(when viewed from behind). This is indicated on Schoeps by a red dot,
probably the same on an MKH30. If it's reversed the stere image will
be reversed.
Usually an MS plugin shouldn't have many controls, aside from
possible a 'width' control or individual controls for mid and side
level. I don't know of an alternative for Peak, if you have a multi-
track editor with three channels, it's very easy to setup your own
decoding method, which I or someone else can post if you want.
Can you describe better what it sounded like? My initial guess would
be that your feeding the side signal into the left channel of the
decoding plugin. Double check your 5-pin XLR and make sure that
they're not crossed, sending the wrong channel to the 722. Unplug one
at a time on the mic end, and verify each mic is going to it's proper
channel.
With MS 'on' in the 722, you should be able to just hold the mic in
front of you, turning it slightly and speak , LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT
speaking into that direction, and you should hear it in the
headphones. That's how I do a quick check that it's all working
properly.
Good luck!
Tim
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