Topic: N00b Question on large diaphragm mic setup

[hemiolacadence]

I have two large diaphragm mics (AKG c414 XLS Stereo Pair).

All of my taping was without knowledge, I've done a little reading and I have a few questions.

1. is there any ideal mic setup for taping shows?

XY will give you a wide stereo image, ORTF captures the stacks, the lovely folks at AKG gave me a stereo bar that is useless for a vertical XY so here comes my second question

2. Can you use large diaphragm mics with a horizontal xy? - I watched a video and it seemed to be incongruent with the way the sound travels into the mic.
3. What about ORTF is that better horizontal or vertical?

Thanks I will start taping friends and local bands before I venture to a show with equipment and a mandate to stay relatively sober...

I heard some really good recordings with this acidjack did - he used wide cardiod and AB so I have one thing to work with I know works well.

[Ultfris101]

ORTF or DIN should be fine and are meant to be horizontal. Many people here use DIN (20cm, 90 degree angle separation with cardioid pattern) with great success. It's a good starting point and will work best when in a location where it sounds well balanced to your ears.

Read about stereo microphone configurations and what makes them work or not work. Above all experiment and see how the results change as adjustments are made. you're on the right track and those are excellent mics.

[carlbeck]

Just an FYI, technically it isn't ORTF with large diaphragms but using that spacing can work rather well depending on how close you are to the sound source. I'm more of a PAS kind of guy now after having stuck to standard mic configurations for years like DIN, DINa & ORTF. Take the time to read Gutbuckets excellent post I've linked below for you. It will go into great detail on running your microphones in various configurations besides ORTF, DIN & XY.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=167549.0

Running your 414's horizontal is fine, may not be technically correct but it definitely works. They are great mics, I usually run mine with a wide spread vertically when running sub/wide cards, cards, super or hyper. I run mine horizontally for Blumlein which looks like XY. Make sure you experiment with polar patterns, it's great to have easily selected polar patters, just one of the things that makes 414's so great. It's also an excellent learning tool, an easy way to see how different patterns affect the sound in various rooms. Good luck, have fun & welcome!

[hemiolacadence]

Just an FYI, technically it isn't ORTF with large diaphragms but using that spacing can work rather well depending on how close you are to the sound source. I'm more of a PAS kind of guy now after having stuck to standard mic configurations for years like DIN, DINa & ORTF. Take the time to read Gutbuckets excellent post I've linked below for you. It will go into great detail on running your microphones in various configurations besides ORTF, DIN & XY.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=167549.0

Running your 414's horizontal is fine, may not be technically correct but it definitely works. They are great mics, I usually run mine with a wide spread vertically when running sub/wide cards, cards, super or hyper. I run mine horizontally for Blumlein which looks like XY. Make sure you experiment with polar patterns, it's great to have easily selected polar patters, just one of the things that makes 414's so great. It's also an excellent learning tool, an easy way to see how different patterns affect the sound in various rooms. Good luck, have fun & welcome!

My man I was on wikipedia I was just about to ask if people use Blumelin taping, and when it is advantageous. If you have any comments let me know.

I used a Zoom H2 to tape Steely Dan (I'll get the mp3s up sometime) and two times the place was nuts when Becker mentioned the cheap seats, and when they sang Deacon Blues (it was Tuscaloosa) didn't sound loud on the tapes.

But I was thinking Blumelin would pick that up.

[hemiolacadence]

ORTF or DIN should be fine and are meant to be horizontal. Many people here use DIN (20cm, 90 degree angle separation with cardioid pattern) with great success. It's a good starting point and will work best when in a location where it sounds well balanced to your ears.

Read about stereo microphone configurations and what makes them work or not work. Above all experiment and see how the results change as adjustments are made. you're on the right track and those are excellent mics.

I wanted to thank you as well for the excellent starting point. Don't know how to add Rep on here.