Topic: Stereo Mic ROUNDUP

[Nick's Picks]

so...
whats available to us these days?
available, within the realm of taper reality, that is.  So you wont find the boutique stereo mics here, (manley, for example).  also, stereo ribbon mics are not listed as they are typically not suitable for field use (in our circles any way).  also, the single point sonys (though there are some decent ones) and the ATs are not included.
nor are "Skanken" offerings.


for old:
AKG series
c24 : tube, SD.  not suitable for field use due to AC requirements
c33 : SS, SD.  fixed cardioid caps (ck1).  adjustable angles
c34 : SS, SD.  s42 pattern controller box.  4 diaphragms (ck1s)
c422 : SS, LD  same as c34 only with 2x ck12 caps
c426 : SS, LD  most current offering, discontinued.

neumann
sm23 : tube, SD
sm69 : SS, LD pattern controls on mic.
usm69 : SS, LD remote pattern controls
rsm191 : SS, SD shotgun stereo mic.  Mid-Side / XY output only.

Studio Projects
lsd2 : SS, LD 3 pattern, available on mic body.

Avantone
ck40 : SS, LD  stereo coincident mic.  multi-pattern (probably 3).  due out now

Peluso
P Stereo : SS / LD.  Stereo Condenser Microphone  NicksPicks.com review pending....

Soundfield
ST-250 : SS, SD B format stereo mic (discontinued)
ST-350 : SS, SD B format stereo mic

am I missing anything?

[shaggy]

Schoeps CMXY 4V

[Nick's Picks]

Ahhh yes. 
thanks

[bgalizio]

You're getting a review unit for the Peluso stereo mic? Nice! Do you have any more info on it now (polar patterns, etc.)?

[Shawn]

SCHOEPS MSTC 64g "ORTF STEREO" MICROPHONE
Rode NT4
Shure VP88

and just for dirk's sake... beyer used to have a stereo mic ala the AKG 422/426 but I can't remember the model number. It has been discontinued.

[DSatz]

Since you seem to be listing a fair number of discontinued models, you might include the Neumann SM 2 as well; it used the same capsules as the SM 23 and KM 56, so it's small-diaphragm. Unfortunately those capsules were fragile and can't be replaced today; they can only be "reskinned" with somewhat variable results. The difference between the SM 2 and the SM 23 was that the latter could be powered and used as two entirely electrically separate single microphones if desired.

You've reversed the descriptions of the SM 69 and USM 69. The SM 69 had the remote pattern control (from the power supply) while the USM 69, which is still in the catalog, has built-in pattern switches. The two SM 69 models had a choice of nine patterns each, while the USM 69 has five. The SM 69 appeared as two different models, the original containing two miniature vacuum tubes (Telefunken AC 701k) while the later model "SM 69fet" was solid-state. The SM 69fet could be battery-operated via the CU 48 pattern controller, which worked from 48 Volt phantom powering. There was even a quad microphone in this series for a few years--the QM 69.

For Schoeps you could certainly list the CMTS 301 and CMTS 501--there's one of the latter up on eBay at the moment (Studer sold Schoeps microphones under their own name, and the one up for auction is one of those; Schoeps gladly maintains them now). They're both small-diaphragm, three-pattern microphones based on pairs of MK 6 capsules. The two models were available concurrently; the CMTS 301 was for 12-Volt phantom powering and had transformerless output circuitry, while the CMTS 501 was for 48-Volt phantom powering and had transformer-equipped outputs. The CMTS 501 was still being sold in the late 1980s.

I see that Shawn has mentioned the Schoeps MSTC 6--, which is not a coincident stereo microphone but a very nice ORTF stereo microphone which I used for many years in its previous incarnation (it used to be available as a 3--, 4-- or 5--). Schoeps also has a two-channel phantom-powered amplifier (body) called the VST 62, which accepts the output of an active cable with any two Colette capsules on it; you can use that for coincident or near-coincident stereo setups of almost any kind. There is also a Colette active extension tube called the RCY for M/S recording--you attach a figure-8 capsule to one socket and whatever other Colette capsule you like (that's forward-facing) to the other one, and hook up either two CMC microphone bodies or a VST 62 to the other end. It's kind of a "build your own stereo mike" type of situation.

You list Neumann's RSM 191 but not its predecessor, the RSM 190. The 191 is certainly more convenient for field recording on battery power, since its pattern selector box is also its battery power supply (instead of the two separate boxes which the 190 required), but it is the same very good microphone in either instance.

Sennheiser and Audio-Technica also make stereo shotgun microphones, and unless there's some secret I haven't been let in on, I would assume that Sanken's stereo microphones are of professional quality and I don't know why you wouldn't list them. Milab, as I recall, has a coincident stereo condenser microphone, too.

--best regards

[Nick's Picks]

I know...  i know.
I was just going by memory of mics i've seen or used.  I should dig out my catalogs and start listing the rest.
SASS
Sanken
AT
Senn
Beyer

there are lots of stereo mics tailored for video use. 

as for the Peluso...
it can be powered via a supply that comes with it (which I guess it performs its best when in use), or via phantom from a preamp.
I'll be testing both, micing various instruments in each circumstance.
Other than that, i have little info.  coincident stereo, 1" diaphragms.

[TNJazz]

Nevaton MC48

[Nick's Picks]

oh..., thats pretty!
coincident XY ? 
or is it more like the Sony mics w/3 elements in there and XY output that is selectable (simulated width) ?

[TNJazz]

Coincident.  More info:

http://www.microphones.ru/Nevaton/MC48.html

Love the review, especially this line:  "In virtually every test the Nevaton way outperformed the AKGs."

Those who know, know.

[Kindguy]

Coincident.  More info:

http://www.microphones.ru/Nevaton/MC48.html

Love the review, especially this line:  "In virtually every test the Nevaton way outperformed the AKGs."

Those who know, know.

What's the price on this?

[TNJazz]

Coincident.  More info:

http://www.microphones.ru/Nevaton/MC48.html

Love the review, especially this line:  "In virtually every test the Nevaton way outperformed the AKGs."

Those who know, know.

What's the price on this?

With shockmount, about $1100 plus shipping from the factory (these mics are handmade in Russia, and they only make a dozen or so every month)

[Nick's Picks]

Hmmm....
me likey.

I bet I can get one from Taylor at the soundroom.

I'm really looking forward to the Peluso stereo mic.  that silly thing....maybe it will be just the ticket.

[muj]

Hmmm....
me likey.

I bet I can get one from Taylor at the soundroom.

I'm really looking forward to the Peluso stereo mic.  that silly thing....maybe it will be just the ticket.

The Deutch brothers are handling the distribution of Nevatons
http://www.russian-mics.com/index.php/cPath/21_22

[bgalizio]

Gearslutz post says the street price for the Peluso P Stereo will be ~$1450.

[Nick's Picks]

oh?
we'll see about that.  the street price for the cemc6 was supposed to be a lot more than it is too.

[OOK]

I know...  i know.
I was just going by memory of mics i've seen or used.  I should dig out my catalogs and start listing the rest.
SASS
Sanken
AT
Senn
Beyer

there are lots of stereo mics tailored for video use. 

as for the Peluso...
it can be powered via a supply that comes with it (which I guess it performs its best when in use), or via phantom from a preamp.
I'll be testing both, micing various instruments in each circumstance.
Other than that, i have little info.  coincident stereo, 1" diaphragms.

Is there a picture of the peluso anywhere yet....This sounds yummy...

[OOK]

nevermind found one.....here yeah go...

[Nick's Picks]

for the vision impaired

[rokpunk]

Royer SF-24




 
List Price: $4,495.00
 

[Nick's Picks]

I intentionally did not list the royer stereo mics, or any other ribbon based stereo mic.  not really suitable for field work, imo.

[bluegrass_brad]

That Peluso looks almost identical to a Cascade L2.  I'll bet they come out of the same factory.

[TNJazz]

How about this one?

[Shawn]

How about this one?

sorry this is a round up for stereo mics not alien space crafts.

[Nick's Picks]

the "flamingo"...
i've looked at it many times, but not sure I would drag one in the field as its sort of ...well...., inflexible.

I'll get to a good list of mics when I have time to go through sweetwater and FC catalogs.  I'll list them all and maybe we can make this part of the archives for future reference for those who are stereo mic fans, such as myself.

[Nick's Picks]

the Peluso mic also shares the same looking body and construction as the LSD2.
I'm sure it comes from china, just like the CEMC6 chasis does.  But that is where the similarities will end...hopefully.
I"m sure John will kick some ass w/this mic.  I hope its not really going to cost $1400+ though.  It would have to be DAMN good to pay that much over an $536 LSD2 from full compass.
I intend to put them head to head.

[J.T.L]

I intend to put them head to head.

[stirinthesauce]

That Peluso looks almost identical to a Cascade L2.  I'll bet they come out of the same factory.

the Peluso mic also shares the same looking body and construction as the LSD2.
I'm sure it comes from china, just like the CEMC6 chasis does.  But that is where the similarities will end...hopefully.
I"m sure John will kick some ass w/this mic.  I hope its not really going to cost $1400+ though.  It would have to be DAMN good to pay that much over an $536 LSD2 from full compass.
I intend to put them head to head.

Yeah, the diaphragm is going to be all his along with the electronics.  Glad your going to play with this mic, Nick.  Look forward to hearing your results.   

[tcf]

How is the flamingo any less flexible than the c33 you listed.  Both have fixed cardoid and can adjust the angle.  I would think this would at least compare with the akg. 

[stirinthesauce]

talk about some section talk when one pulls out their flamingo 

[TNJazz]

talk about some section talk when one pulls out their flamingo 

Crotch this thing and all the girls will flock to you, I'm sure...

[tcf]

talk about some section talk when one pulls out their flamingo 


Crotch this thing and all the girls will flock to you, I'm sure...

....and I thought that's what the girls would say when I pull out the "Black Fingers"   

[macdaddy]

checking in to the discussion...

here is a pic of my c422 in the enhanced audio mount...



also, if this is to be a reference thread, here is a link to the gentleman who checked out my mic for me, and gave it a clean bill of health >> he is located in germany, but he is certainly an expert (thanks to teddy for the reference).

[J.T.L]

  Awesome!

[stirinthesauce]

talk about some section talk when one pulls out their flamingo 


Crotch this thing and all the girls will flock to you, I'm sure...

....and I thought that's what the girls would say when I pull out the "Black Fingers"   

Watcha need is to do a 3 mic mix with the blackfinger clamped so it comes out the middle of the flamingo   

You can name the pattern, the cock n balls method 


+t to Nick cause of my thread hijacking

[Nick's Picks]

and the T.H.E. binaural sphere ($2k wooden bowling ball).


crotching the flamingo to pick up chicks eh?
I tried that w/my gear once.   NOBODY TOLD ME IT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO IN THE FRONT !!!!

[OOK]

and the T.H.E. binaural sphere ($2k wooden bowling ball).


crotching the flamingo to pick up chicks eh?
I tried that w/my gear once.   NOBODY TOLD ME IT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO IN THE FRONT !!!!

where did you put the black finger.....ah never mind.....LOL

[DSatz]

> ... the cock n balls method

If that's where we're going, consider the Sanken CUW-180 dual cardioid stereo microphone (see attached JPG image).

[OOK]

> ... the cock n balls method

If that's where we're going, consider the Sanken CUW-180 dual cardioid stereo microphone (see attached JPG image).

That gives a whole new meaning to mic envy    ...This thread has degenerated...quicky...LOL

Back to the topic...I never thought about how many stereo mics there are.  There's a shit load.....

[stantheman1976]

lest we forget,......



and other similar variations

Crotch THAT thing and you'll scare the girls off.

[rePat]

checking in to the discussion...

here is a pic of my c422 in the enhanced audio mount...



also, if this is to be a reference thread, here is a link to the gentleman who checked out my mic for me, and gave it a clean bill of health >> he is located in germany, but he is certainly an expert (thanks to teddy for the reference).

Interesting mount, looks well built, is it a shock also?  Do you have a link for more info??

Thanks,

Pat

[macdaddy]

Interesting mount, looks well built, is it a shock also?  Do you have a link for more info??

Thanks,

Pat

sort of - it is an alternate design.

more info here >>

[RebelRebel]

thuresson mikrofones ...very, very nice. stereo model is particularly nice.



handmade mics , crafted in sweden.

distributor can be reached at

erik.brickwall@gmail.com

love my 426s...Tony Merrill is doing some magic on em now.

[wbrisette]

And because everybody needs a stereo shotgun... The Sanken CSS-5 http://www.sanken-mic.com/english/condenser/pdf/css-5.pdf




Wayne

[bgalizio]

Specs for the Peluso P Stereo are now on the Peluso website. It's a card, omni, fig 8 pattern mic.
http://www.pelusomicrophonelab.com/PStereoPhotos.html

[Shawn]

Specs for the Peluso P Stereo are now on the Peluso website. It's a card, omni, fig 8 pattern mic.
http://www.pelusomicrophonelab.com/PStereoPhotos.html

it's really gonna have to be a great mic at that price.

[bgalizio]

Specs for the Peluso P Stereo are now on the Peluso website. It's a card, omni, fig 8 pattern mic.
http://www.pelusomicrophonelab.com/PStereoPhotos.html

it's really gonna have to be a great mic at that price.

I was hoping this would be a 9 pattern (or variable pattern) mic for that price. We'll see, though.

[Nick's Picks]

I agree.  it'll have to smoke the LSD to be worth the extra grand.

[rokpunk]

I intentionally did not list the royer stereo mics, or any other ribbon based stereo mic.  not really suitable for field work, imo.

you'd be wrong. these ribbons are designed to be as "hot" as a condenser. perfectly acceptable and highly recommeneded for field recordings.

[Nick's Picks]

i'd be wrong...until a huge gust of wind blew the ribbons all to hell.
they are not built for outdoor use really.  they are fragile.  that is what I meant.  I know they'd work just fine as far as capturing music ...but they probably would do well in less than ideal conditions of a tapers gear bag.

but, i've never owned one.  thats just what Royer told me.

[rokpunk]

i'd be wrong...until a huge gust of wind blew the ribbons all to hell.
they are not built for outdoor use really.  they are fragile.  that is what I meant.  I know they'd work just fine as far as capturing music ...but they probably would do well in less than ideal conditions of a tapers gear bag.

but, i've never owned one.  thats just what Royer told me.

that's funny, because Royer recommends them for use for:

Recommended Applications
Drum Overheads
Percussion Instruments
Brass –and Woodwinds
Horn Sections
Acoustic Piano
Harp
Choirs,
Solo Strings
String Sections
Orchestra
Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Background Vocals
Ambiance
Stereo to Mono
 
 

these ribbons aren't like the ribbon mics of old. they can take percussive sounds and wind just as well as a typical condenser. to rule them out simply because they are ribbons is silly.

[Nick's Picks]

I' love to have the sf24..., but i'd be afraid of killing it.

[rokpunk]

I' love to have the sf24..., but i'd be afraid of killing it.

it's just a microphone....treat it like you would any other mic and it'll be fine!
the folks at royer were smart enough to build a ribbon mic that can handle the rigors of a live stage and/or the road.
and it sound a-freakin'-mazing.

[DSatz]

rokpunk, the Royer stereo microphones do sound very nice--I owned a matched pair of SF-1s for a while--but in one important respect they are definitely more fragile than comparable condenser microphones. Their ribbon elements can be damaged in an instant by wind that would disturb (but not damage) a condenser capsule.

Royer uses two types of ribbon element. One is a little asymmetrical--it has a definite front and back, with differing sound quality--and it's reasonably durable; it's the one they use in the R-121 and R-122 series, which is designed for normal studio and live use. This type of element is even user-replaceable ("the first one's free"). But the element which they use in the stereo mikes has a lighter ribbon material that is more easily damaged, costs more, and isn't field-replaceable by the end user. It's important not to mix up the two series.

Also, a fixed Blumlein microphone arrangement is suitable only for that minority of occasions in which the sound sources can fit within a 90-degree pickup angle while your miking distance is not too far away, considering that the microphones are every bit as sensitive to sound coming from behind them as in front of them. Please don't ask me to diagram that sentence, but realistically, Blumlein just isn't an all-purpose pickup arrangement. It is ever so delicious when it works well, but that's a big "when."

--best regards

P.S. (added October 2, 2007): Royer has just announced (in time for the big AES Convention this coming weekend in New York) a new series of ribbon microphones, made with a heavier-duty ribbon material so that they can be used reliably in live applications. They claim that the sound quality is nearly the same as that of the SF-1 and SF-12. If so, that should be interesting for tapers.

I happen to think that a good small-diaphragm condenser can offer everything that a ribbon can offer, but the folks who go for the better ribbon microphones (and who learn to use them well) are certainly not wrong in my opinion.

[muj]

just blowing hard into to the royers will break the ribbon element. see how the ribbon moves while gently blowing into it

http://www.gearwire.com/media/royer-ribbon-mics.wmv

[Nick's Picks]

....like I said.


and while copying and pasting marketing notes from their website does indeed support your stance, I got my "probably not a good idea" from a direct conversation with a Royer Tech.
this was when the SF12 first came out, and I had a lusting for one.

[rokpunk]

didn't realize the ribbon in the 121 and the SF's were so different.
stick a windscreen on the SF and let it fly....it'll be all good.     

[muj]

the crowley and tripp guys got a ribbon mic coming up based on nano tech ribbon element. should handle everything

http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/t/13971/0/

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

Don't forget the AKG C-522 ENG.  There are other versions as well of this mic.  But I owned the ENG.  Made some very nice recordings with it.

[DSatz]

As an interim summary, here are the stereo microphones that have been mentioned in this thread or that I've either remembered or found listed in various places since this thread began. Some models are not necessarily professional.

Additions or corrections? We love 'em.

Current:
   AudioTechnica ATR25, AT835ST, AT815ST, PRO 24, BP4027, BP4029, AT822, AT825, AT849
   Avantone CK 40
   Beyer MCE 72, MCE 82
   Cascade X-15[L]
   Josephson C700S
   Manley Gold Reference Stereo Microphone
   Neumann USM 69, RSM 191, KU 100
   Nevaton MC48
   Pearl DS 60, TL 4[4], MS 2, MS 8, MSH 10, MSH 20
   Peluso P Stereo (forthcoming)
   Røde NT4
   Royer SF-12, SF-24
   Sanken CUW-180, CSS-5, CMS-10[MS], CMS-7s, CMS-9, CMS-2
   Schoeps CMXY 4V, MSTC 64, KFM 6, PolarFlex system, Double M/S system
   Sennheiser MK 418 S
   Shure VP88
   Sony (?)
   Soundfield ST350, SPS422B
   Studio Projects LSD2
   THE BS-3D
   Thuresson (?)
   Violet Stereo Flamingo

Discontinued:
   AKG C 24, C 33, C 34, C 422, C 426, C 522 ENG
   Beyer MC 833 (?)
   Gefell ZUM 64
   Neumann SM 2, SM 23, SM 69, SM 69fet, RSM 190, KU 80
   Schoeps CMTS 301, CMTS 501
   Soundfield ST250

--best regards