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Re: Blumlein Pair / Ribbon Mics outdoors.

Subject: Re: Blumlein Pair / Ribbon Mics outdoors.
From: "gweddig" gweddig
Date: Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:48 pm ((PDT))
I have recorded this way several times and always been somewhat disappointe=
d with the results.  I think there are several factors for me:

The figure 8 capsules tend to be a bit noisier than other capsules (well my=
 Schoeps are).

The Blumlein theory (in my mind anyway) assumes a front facing soundstage f=
or the primary pickup, receiving the direct waves to the 0 degree (in phase=
) half of the capsule.  The reflections then are received later at the rear=
 of the capsule (180 degrees out of phase).  In a concert hall this works w=
ell since the secondary wave reflections are usually a much lower volume.

In nature the waves are, many times, coming from 360 degrees so the out of =
phase material from the rear messes up (to me anyway) the clean soundstage =
of the stereo field.

The other artifact I noticed is that a bird flying towards me from just off=
 of center from the front, flipped sides as it passed directly overhead, as=
 the out of phase capsule picked it up from behind.

On the other hand, if it sounds good it is good, so YMMV.

I look forward to enjoying your recording tomorrow.

--greg weddig
http://gregweddig.net






--- In  Gregory O'Drobinak <=
.> wrote:
>
> Interesting. I assume that the mics are located one above the other, i.e.=
, truly
> coincident?
>
> I would love to hear this setup with a filled stereo field more out in th=
e wild,
> more species from left to right. Can you get it out there for us?
>
> I have read many times that the Blumlein pair is really fine for doing na=
ture
> recording, but I don't believe that I have ever heard any recordings done=
 this
> way before. I don't have any figure-8 mics right now, just about everythi=
ng
> else. I have had some good results with ORTF cardiods, though.
>
> Thanks, Mike!
>
> -Greg
>
>







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