Topic: Onstage M/S question...

[Patrick]

I am decoding an onstage m/s tape, playing around with different ratios and having some problems.  First of all, the band is the Benevento/Russo duo, and their stage setup is exactly as shown in my avatar to the left.  The m/s stand was set up DFC between the keys and drumset, about 3-4' back. 

I realize that m/s is completely different than a conventional stereo pattern, and is primarily used for mixing to mono, but the two sound sources (keys and drums) seem to drift between right/left after I decode the signals.  One song will have the "correct" placement, while the next will be reversed, and sometimes it just sounds very "mono" with little separation at all.

I can't figure out whether this is a problem with my decoding, or simply a matter of bleed from the monitors or mains.  Both are very possible at this point, and it's frustrating!  I have worked with m/s before but not too much, so any help would be appreciated!

[BWolf]

I would guess that you have a good amount of monitor bleed from one side to the other in such a small space.  I do like to mix on the fly just cause its easier, but have mixed a few times in post.  What I've found is that changing the percentage of mid to side in an up close situation can be swayed a lot by the volume of the channel.  Typically, even with the gain the same on the mid and the side, the side picks up a lot less "volume".

Maybe adding a little gain to the side channel before you mix down will give you more pleasing results.