Topic: M/S Situations?

[JasonR]

Think of M-S like X-Y (coincident pair of directional microphones) with the ability to adjust the included angle in post.  The same rules apply.  M-S, like X-Y, has excellent mono compatibility which is helpful for anything that might end up broadcast on radio, or mixed with a mono feed like a mono SBD signal.

- Jason

[CQBert]

I like to run M/S at a small local venue and I am approx 10 ft from the stage and 8-9 ft up in the air.  The results have been great but to be fair I really like split omni from there a little better...the crowds are usually very quiet and the recordings extremely clear.

CQBert

[BWolf]

i've had a few good pulls lately using M/S slightly FOB at mid size outdoor shows.  i think they came out great!  using both hypers and cards for the M.

Inside venues?

I've run it inside and outside.  Mixed both on the fly and in post.  Here are the few pointers that I'd give to someone whos never played with it.  Do it in post to start with.  That'll give you a good idea when you run on the fly about the mix you like.  I would start with 50/50 (that is the same gain on both the mid and the side) and move from there.  I usually go with a tad more mid then side, but it depends on the place.  Outside usually calls for a little more mid, especailly because you are a little further back.  I wouldn't really try more side then mid outside, but to each his own.  I was extremely close at moe. acoustic for bonnaroo and was running them about 3 db from each other with the mid a little higher then the side.

For inside, I would also suggest starting at 50/50, but then play with it to your liking.  Bring some headphones.  Depending on how close you are, a touch more mid might be nice. 

Remember, if you don't want to mix on the fly, it keeps the sound very open to whatever you want to do.  In post, you can make your recording sound like cards, hypers, or mono, and have as much depth as you could possibly need.  I really really like M/S and have had nothing but good results with it.  Its incredible what you can do with it in post if you record the mid and side to separate chanels, makes it so versitile and really opens the soundstage.

[Scooter]

yeah, i usually end up with the S about 3-6dB lower than the M.  I love being able to matrix in post!   ...and nobody wants to patch!

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

It isnt hard, there should be a phase flip option on your editing software...you dont have to use the MS encoder...you can also link the two "side" channels" and adjust them together(linked mode) to get the desired image.

out of curiousity, won't this create three separate channels/tracks? the Left, the Center and the Right? how do I mix it all together? I'm using WaveLab (but am a major novice) and also have Audacity.

[BWolf]

It isnt hard, there should be a phase flip option on your editing software...you dont have to use the MS encoder...you can also link the two "side" channels" and adjust them together(linked mode) to get the desired image.

out of curiousity, won't this create three separate channels/tracks? the Left, the Center and the Right? how do I mix it all together? I'm using WaveLab (but am a major novice) and also have Audacity.

If you record with two separate channels, you will get a mid and a side (left and right).  then in post, you make the L = M + S and R = M - S.  This is intuitive if you look at the wave form.  The figure 8 capsule will be positive for sounds on the left, and negative for sounds on the right.  So the R = M - (-S) = M + S, but because the right side sounds will be negative, you need to "flip" the phase (which is what the plugin will do).

In wavelab, there is a plugin for the mixing down to stereo.  So on the right, in the effects, click on the right side of one of the effect option slots.  Go to the "VST" menu and find the one called "toolsone".  You will be able to invert the right and click on MS process.  Play with the control till it sounds like you want it.  Then you'll have to set up a batch process for the wave, and choose the "toolsone" plugin for the batch and make the settings the same as the way you liked them.  Let the batch run, and you'll have a new wave file with a L and R chanel that is the matrix of the mid and side. 

Hope this helps.

BW

[ghellquist]

There is a free plugin at the Voxengo site, called MSED, that does the matrixing for you in one plugin. Simply place it in your DAW application. Be warned though that default setting is pass-thru so you need to switch settings. Really simple to use and with good results.

Gunnar

[RebelRebel]

Yes, you will have 3 tracks. you use the audio montage feature in wavelab to mix them.

It isnt hard, there should be a phase flip option on your editing software...you dont have to use the MS encoder...you can also link the two "side" channels" and adjust them together(linked mode) to get the desired image.

out of curiousity, won't this create three separate channels/tracks? the Left, the Center and the Right? how do I mix it all together? I'm using WaveLab (but am a major novice) and also have Audacity.