> I like the idea of stereo environmental recordings more and more,
> not just mono. If I start using a Mid Side array is it possible to
> retrieve the mono track from it to use for my research, but also
> have the stereo picture for ambient recordings? I.e. do you get 2
> for one?
Andrew,
To clarify wildlife sounds, a directional mic is best, and I am sold
on the MKH series of gunmics and long gunmics. They are state of the
art for field recording, robust and tolerant of damp. I can't afford
the newer models but am very happy with old types MKH-416 and MKH-816.
Using these for M-S stereo is a new ball game, as adding an "S" mic
effectively renders the combination close to omni as far as ambient
noise goes. To answer your question, adding an "S" mic preserves a
good "M" recording used as mono. I used crossed gunmics, both of which
are off-axis by definition to what you are pointing at.
My favourite mono mic is the MKH-816 which has a fairly narrow forward
cone of sensitivity, but it does have handlng problems.
See if you can borrow mics first and judge for yourself. You can check
out hiss by piling bedclothes over the mic rig and using a mid and
bass cut. The MKH 30 series quotes an output level of 40dB/Pa which
should make recorder input noise less of a problem, but you can check
that as well by recording with an open input and a short circuited
input. Ideally, input noise should be checked with a 150 ohm resistor
across the input, but if you haven't got one do the above.
It is possible to reduce hiss with a good noise reductoion process
without affecting the wanted parts of a recording. The trick is to
apply it to the hiss frequencies only.
Do you have a "noisy" recording I can listen to?
David
David Brinicombe
North Devon, UK
Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum - Ambrose Bierce
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