Topic: AKG C34 / C422 switchable pattern visualization

[Brian Skalinder]

Here're some generic images of what the C34 (and I assume C422, as they use the same control box) patterns look like from each of the steps on the S42 selector box.  Big Assumption:  each step on the S42 adjusts the pattern in equal increments.  There are 9 steps on the S42 selector box, from omni (step 1) through cardioid (step 5) to figure-8 (step 9).

Found the interim steps interesting.  Looks like step 6 is similar to supercardioid and step 7 similar to hypercardioid.  Curious to try out the two interim positions between card and omni. 

Images generated with the Schoeps DMS plug-in.

[Tim]

that's cool, thanks for posting

[Sanjay]

that's cool thanks!  Always wondered how exactly they looked.

[mmedley.]

4 looks like it might be a winner. 

[Brian Skalinder]

4 looks like it might be a winner. 

I've run step 4 once, ~105º.  Turned out well, but not great - venue sound was just so-so.  Wish I'd run a wider angle on it, too.  Actually, I wish I had an SRA Diagram showing angular distortion and reverberation limits for each of the steps.

[bgalizio]

I think 4 at 120* would sound pretty nice.

[macdaddy]

these would be the same for the c422, 'cos it uses the same pattern box, right..?

+t

[Brian Skalinder]

these would be the same for the c422, 'cos it uses the same pattern box, right..?

Seems a reasonable assumption, but again...another assumption to go along with the ones in the original post.  Updated original post to reflect c422, as well.

Not sure about the C422, but C34 users note:  it's not possible to set up Mid-Side correctly if one sticks with the traditional channel assignments of 1 = left and 2 = right.  Viewed from the top of the mic, looking down its long axis, the top/right/side/ch2 cap rotates clockwise 180º relative to the fixed bottom/left/mid/ch1 cap.  This means the top/right/side cap's positive (+) lobe in figure-8 points to the right of the bottom/left/mid cap in Mid-Side.  However, the standard for Mid-Side appears to call for the side channel's positive (+) lobe facing left of the mid.  The result of this positive (+) lobe facing right instead of left when running mid-side?  Upon decoding, L/R channels are switched (as explained here).  To fix, simply invert the right/side channel prior to decoding, or assign ch1 = right/side and ch2 = left/mid.

[Stagger]

Most of the better tapes I made with the c34 were at 7 XY 90deg. I think with some of today's pres and recorders tough it might be a bit bright. With an EAA and AD1K it was perfect.

[macdaddy]

these would be the same for the c422, 'cos it uses the same pattern box, right..?

Not sure about the C422, but C34 users note:  it's not possible to set up Mid-Side correctly.  Viewed from the top of the mic, looking down its long axis, the top/right/side cap rotates clockwise 180º relative to the fixed bottom/left/mid cap.  This means the top/right/side cap's positive (+) lobe in figure-8 points to the right of the bottom/left/mid cap in Mid-Side.  However, the standard for Mid-Side appears to call for the side channel's positive (+) lobe facing left of the mid.  The result of this positive (+) lobe facing right instead of left when running mid-side?  Upon decoding, L/R channels are switched (as explained here).  To fix, simply invert the right/side channel prior to decoding.

i always thought the top was the left channel.

[Nick's Picks]

I always ran my 422 and the c34 at #5 cards, ...if it was a little shitty location wise, one click up to 6.  If it was a really nice FOB, then one click back to #4.

but i've run all over that s42 dial, and then some.

[Brian Skalinder]

i always thought the top was the left channel.

I always interpreted the markings on the front of the S42E as ch1 = fixed (bottom) cap, and ch2 = rotating (top) cap.  Just tested and this is correct.  And I've always mentally assigned (and seen most gear reference) ch1 = left, and ch2 = right.  That said, one may map the caps anyway one likes, and it definitely makes sense to switch 1/2 (L/R) with respect to Mid-Side - the top/mid/(now left) cap then faces forward, with the bottom/side/(now right) cap faces sideways with the positive (+) lobe to the left.

[Nick's Picks]

backwardsass

the top is right.  its the top that rotates while the bottom is fixed (and aligned w/the AKG logo).
however...
the c34, when you twist it to its 90deg fixed angle...the top points left.
you can turn in the other way and make it the other channel..., but its backwards from the other AKG stereo mics of this nature.

most mics are labeled A and B or just TOP and BOTTOM so that the user can determine.
Its just sort of mental standard for me that the rotating part of a stereo mic is always the right channel.  purely for MS reasons, or if the mic goes that way by default (c4xx,lsd,peluso..etc).

[Evil Taper]

Actual MS recording calls for a Figure 8 pattern mic picking up left and right sound and a cardiod mic picking up the center sound, then you use a M/S decoder to split the figure 8 to L+R channels (you can do it manually on a mixer but it's kind of complicated).  Pretty cool config since you can control the stereo image width manually.

[Nick's Picks]

right.  got that.
its the part about which channel (raw) is right and which is let.
all MS decoding software wants the side info on the right channel.