Hi All,
I'm just about turning red (Blush)--a technique named after me?
--On my knees--I'm not worthy... : )
Anyway, here is the excerpt from our website,
http://www.sonicsense.com/micplace.htm that I guess folks are referring to:
"The compromise can take on the following form. By aiming each microphone to the outer edges of its own respective side of the P.A. system (left to left and right to right), and spacing the microphones 8-12 inches apart on the horizontal plane, the feeling of stereo can still be captured while reducing the ambient characteristics of the room and improving clarity of the recording. The included angle will naturally be a result of the distance from the source and will usually end up between 70 and 90 degrees. As this narrower angle deviates from the optimal angle of incidence addressed in the ORTF technique, the spacing from left-to-right must be wider to prevent overlap of the polar pattern of each microphone. Otherwise, the image will become too narrow."
I would seldom actually aim directly at the array but to the outside edges with hypers and somewhat wider with cardioids. As stated, the more I like the sound of the room, the wider I would go, up until hitting the 110 degree ORTF placement. Still, since many rooms are less than desirable, I'd rather aim closer to the P.A. than the walls (like 110 degrees would cause) when I am back in the taping section.
I hope this clarifies a bit.
Happy Recording Everybody,
Marc