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Re: Mono v. Stereo

Subject: Re: Mono v. Stereo
From: "John Hartog" hartogj
Date: Mon Dec 29, 2008 8:34 pm ((PST))
Hi Syd,

That stereo has more potential than mono doesn't mean it is the best
option for any specific project. Of course, do what you have to do to
get the results you need - if it is easier to get the results in mono
then mono might be the best way.  

However, is there a reason you cannot get just as close to a Lyre Bird
with stereo mics?

By recording in stereo, you could still achieve the detailed analysis
you are after. Not only could you get the same precise sound
signatures you get from mono, but you would also have spacial
information. Perhaps you don't need that extra information today for
this specific project, but in the future you may be interested in the
placement of surrounding sounds, the qualities of the local ambiance,
or resonances the lyre bird's call that help describe the subject
within its setting.

It is possible to extract mono from stereo, but not stereo from mono.
That is why stereo has more potential.


John Hartog




--- In  Syd Curtis <> wrote:
>
> 
> John Hartog has referred to mono having limited potential as compared to
> stereo.  May I add one minor qualification.
> 
> If the recording is being made for pleasant listening, then
certainly stereo
> is the way to go.  However, if it is for detailed analysis of the
sound made
> by a particular bird, insect, or whatever, this may not necessarily
be the
> case.  
> 
> High frequencies attenuate with distance more rapidly than low
frequencies.
> Therefore if one wants an accurate recording, (and as free as
possible from
> extraneous sounds), it is advantageous to have the microphone close
to the
> sound source.  For my work on lyrebird vocalisation I aim to have
the mic
> less than 2 metres from the bird.
> 
> In that situation, stereo offers no advantage over mono.
> 
>     Syd Curtis
> 
> (Brisbane, Australia)
> 
> 
> 
> > From: "John Hartog" <>
> > Reply-To: 
> > Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:05:40 -0000
> > To: 
> > Subject: [Nature Recordists] Re: First post--Need Some Advice
> > 
> > There is nothing inherently wrong with recording in mono, just like
> > there is nothing wrong with recording with a noisy mic. However, it
> > will limit the potential of your recording.
>





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