Mic Placement

Question 1

What are three key things to consider with microphones?

Answer 1

Polar Pattern – How the mic picks up sound (On/Off Axis, Rejection).

Frequency Response – How it captures different frequencies.

Proximity Effect – How distance affects bass response.

Question 2

What is XY stereo?

Answer 2

XY stereo is a microphone technique where two mics are placed at a 90°-120° angle with their capsules close together. This creates a natural stereo image with minimal phase issues.

Question 3

What is AB stereo

Answer 3

AB stereo is a microphone technique where two mics are placed apart (typically 40cm–60cm). This creates a wide stereo image, but can cause phase issues if not spaced correctly.

Question 4

What is Sum and Difference (Mid-Side) stereo recording?

Answer 4

Sum and Difference (Mid-Side) recording uses. Mid mic on top, side mic below
1. A mid mic (captures sound from the front) cardioid Polar Pattern.
2. A Side mic (captures left and right). Figure 8 polar pattern

The signals are combined to create a flexible stereo image that can be adjusted after recording.

Question 5

What is close miking?

Answer 5

Close miking places a microphone very near the sound source (usually within a few inches) to capture clear, direct sound with minimal background noise and strong detail.

Question 6

What is decca tree

Answer 6

T SHAPE
Two mics placed and panned 1.5 to 2 meters apart (wide for stereo effect).
One mic placed about 1 meter in front of the others for focus and depth.

Question 7

What mic typically for decca tree

Answer 7

Nuemann m50