Topic: 5 channel surround from 3 mics and a 744 (would this work?)

[baustin]

So, after reading a thread in the retail space ( http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=51451.0 ) talking about a new double m/s technique, I got to thinking. Couldn't this be attained by anybody owning 3 mics (lets say 2 cards and a figure 8 ), a 744, and some editing software.

Here's what I had in mind. On the 744, record:

Channel 1 - Source A: Cardioid facing Forward
Channel 2 - Source B: Figure 8
Channel 3 - Source C: Cardioid facing Backward
Channel 4 - Source D: Optional

Then, once the tracks have been dumped onto the computer, do a couple of m/s mixes. The surround config would look like this:

Center Channel: Source A
Left and Right Front Channels: M/S mix between sources A & B
Left and Right Surround Channels: M/S mix between sources B & C

A few options for Channel 4:

-a mono soundboard feed
-maybe an omni mic or a large diaphram mic that could be fed to the subwoofer

Maybe if there if video running, a second 744 or 722 with other sources could be synched so that there would be multiple audio sources for a DVD.

I don't know. I was just brainstorming and thought this could be a lot of fun with those of you already owning the right equipment. 

-BA

[Patrick]

That would be  pimp

[krebsy]

From my understanding of the double M/S theory, that would be entirely possible. The best part is it would only take three discrete master tracks. One front facing mic, one rear facing mic, and one fig 8 mic. A couple cards, a fig 8, and a 744, and you would be set!!  Just one more reason that M/S owns!!

[Kyle]

My friend and I have tried a few surround recordings using an x/ycardioid pair for the front and a DINa card pairfor the rears. It was mixed down in Vegas. Worked pretty well. I am intrigued by the m/s version as well.

[Brian]

Brian...since you have the U89's i'd go for the subcard's instead of the cardioids.  all the benefits of an omni with the rejection almost comparable to a cardioid.

another idea would be to have an ortf pair facing forward and backward if you are only using 4 mikes.  M/S might not be enough stereo if you are recording from a PA at a distance.

[Kyle]

another idea would be to have an ortf pair facing forward and backward if you are only using 4 mikes.  M/S might not be enough stereo if you are recording from a PA at a distance.

We tried this as well. Worked very well!

The combo was Neumann TLM103s in the front and KM184s in the rear. WE also tyried an experiment with Schoeps CMC6/MK4s in the front and B&K 4061s in the rear. Not bad at all.

[baustin]

Hmmm...

Anybody with a u89i and a 744 gonna be at these next few Panic shows (Clemson, Charleston, maybe Savannah)? I'd love to try the 3 mic setup. Wavelab 5.0 can handle M/S encoding and up to 8 channels, correct?

-BA