M-S Mid-Side decoding

[modmike]

Not sure which forum this belongs in --

I am thinking about doing mid side recordings at concerts.  I want to actually record the Mid and Side channels -- and decode them in real time. preferably during the transfer to computer.

I am recording on a DAP1. and would prefer a device with S/PDIF ins and outs that would decode the M-S channels. and allow me to monitor and adjust the stereo width in a listening room environment.

Or . . . would it be better to transfer the M-S tracks without decoding, to the computer?  Is there audio editing software is out there that will let me do the M-S decoding that way?

1)   Is this an accepted technique?
2)   What is the BEST way to get L-R WAV files from directly recorded M-S tracks?

FYI -- I am using a Neumann RSM-191 A-S M-S stereo mic, with an MTX 191 A Matrix preamp.  I have been trying to do the stereo width adjustment at DMB shows live using Sennheiser headphones, but the ambient sound level is just too high to make critical adjustments.  It seems to me thait it would be better done in post. 

Also -- recording the Mid and Side channels (instead of decoded L-R) would open up a number of options re: mic selection for the source of the Mid channel.  I'd probably always use the Side channel from the RSM-191 -- but would have the option to use other mics for the Mid channel. 

[BobW]

If you record M-S in two track and decode in post, wouldn't you have more control ?

What software are you using to convert the M-S to stereo ?

[modmike]

If you record M-S in two track and decode in post, wouldn't you have more control ?

What software are you using to convert the M-S to stereo ?

I agree that I would have much more control doing it in post.   

I have been using the Neumann MTX 191 A Matrix preamp -- and doing it live on the fly, from right under the stacks.  It actually uses a special active cable up to the mic capsules -- and does not have any kind of line input.  It's basically a box with 2 KM-100 electronics -- and the M-S electronics.  I have good headphones, but it's too loud to monitor perfectly.

I am looking for either a hardware solution that I can use between the DAT deck and sound card during the transfer -- OR a software solution. 

I am just about to build a new computer with audio editing software, and I'm not sure what's the best program to do M-S to L-R decoding.  Looking for input please.  Should I go Mac or PC -- and what's a good editing program for this application?

[Craig T]

I use Wave Lab 5 with the Waves S1 Imager plugin tool.