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Re: [Nature Recordists] Re: ORTF Recommendations

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Subject: Re: [Nature Recordists] Re: ORTF Recommendations
From: James Shatto <>
I think that the distance between the elements is the main engineered porti=
on,
IMO.  You can have your mics at any angle as long as the distance (17cm) is=

achieved.  You can't officially call it ORTF that way, but still.  There is=

quite a bit of play in that number as your mic elements are probably 1cm or=

larger in width.  And the speed of sound varies depending on factors.  If i=
t
sounds good it is good.

I'm not so sure what's so magical about 17cm, but it seems to make a notice=
able
difference IMO.  Even when the mics are parallel (0 degrees).  Or you could=
 play
it safe and keep the mic elements as close as possible so you can mix to mo=
no
while still having a wide soundscape in stereo.  Various techniques, some o=
f
which have names.  On a side note, taking two OSP stereo bars and rigging t=
hem
together by the two inner holes gives you exactly 17cm between the center o=
f the
outer open holes.  It's what I like to call my microphone ruler.  Unfortuna=
tely
there is no mounting hole left if you rig the bars up that way.

I tend to want to zoom in on sources at a distance so I rarely get past 90=

degrees myself.  Not that OMNI mics are supposed to be directional, but onc=
e you
start factoring in the rigging or the landscape there is some directionalit=
y to
them.  If only because everything is being held against a surface due to
gravity.  Which is better than the alternative for us lifeforms.

- James

--- On Mon, 8/23/10, gt <> wrote:

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