Re: Investing in high-end mics (was Fostex FR-2LE preamplifier noise

["Tim Nielsen" supernielsen]

If you're thinking of moving from MS to XY, I'd offer the opinion
that you're trading apples for apples. MS, properly decoded, IS xy.
When I've done tests of large scale sound systems, my MS and a
friends XY Schoeps setups, were nearly identical. We actually both
agreed that if anything, the imaging on the MS was a tiny bit better,
but almost imperceptible.

Now, different techniques such as spaced omni's, Blumlein, ORTF, will
definitely sound different, and it would be worth trying some of
them. The problem is, I would think that unless you're comparing the
same band of mics, it would be a difficult test, the mics themselves
will color your testing as much as the stereo method.

But I'm still convinced that a quality MS rig, like the MKH or
Schoeps, will yield more than satisfactory results, even in a wide
soundscape.

Tim