Figure 8 null points - above ?

[jlsgear]

Hi,

I have a question regarding null zones around a figure 8 (f8) mic setup ...

I know that an f8 mic null sounds to the direct left and right the mic (where the mic is positioned upright straight ahead) ...

1) What I'd like to know is if the null zone also extends to directly overhead of the mic ? ie. if i was to look down from directly overhead of the mic and sing , would this be as well nulled as to the side of the f8 mic ?

2) Will all f8 mics null in approx the same zones ?

ps - the one f8 mic I do have "seems" to null from above .

Thanks ,
John.

[dave-G]

Yes.. the null should basically extend 360 degrees on the plane of the diaphragm(s)

To answer your second question, some fig-8 mics acheive their pattern by having back to back capsules, with one in inverted polarity. . I've done no scientific testing, but IME, it seems like a true velocity/pressure-gradient mic (like a ribbon) where sounds arrive at both sides of the same membrane has a more pure pattern and a deeper null than a back-to-back dual-capsule condenser in fig-8 (like a U87)

-dave

[jlsgear]

Thanks,

Yes ... in fact I am considering a purchase of the new AEA r84 ribbon . A lot of my apps are singer/guitarists (ac) who play and sing at the same time - so there's a lot of bleed into both mics.

So I am trying the 2 f8 technique where you angle two f8 mics to null out the opposing sound sources ... ex the ac mic is positioned so its null is pointed at the singers mouth ...

If ribbons have a better and deeper null zone, then thats what I'd like to know ... Currently I have 2 multi-pattern ld condensers and am looking to improve the isolation of each mic.

John.

[Marshall Simmons]

the r84 is a killer mic.... you will love if for your acoustic guitar and or voice application.


I don't need any eq with it on an acoustic, and i dip the midrange 4-6db for vox.....


ITs so silky and smooth, the first time i mixed, i was in tears (exagerating a bit, but damn it was good... and it looks sexy to boot)

Marsh


surprisingly, its killer on a bass cab about a foot away.

[jlsgear]

Hi,

Is postioning a bugger with the R84 (as the ac guitar mic) ?

My other concern about the R84 is that I have a tube mic pre with 46db gain ...

Will my mic pre suffice for this ribbon ?

Thanks in advance,
John

[Marshall Simmons]

it may be at its max to get a usable level, but i dont think you'll haave a problem. i put it about 2-3 feet away and i dont use much of t he gain from my ward beck pre.


i think you'll be ok.

marsh

[Tim Farrant]

Originally posted by jlsgear
Hi,

Is postioning a bugger with the R84 (as the ac guitar mic) ?

My other concern about the R84 is that I have a tube mic pre with 46db gain ...

Will my mic pre suffice for this ribbon ?

Thanks in advance,
John

May pay to check out how noisy the pre is at full gain. If you use the ribbon to record other things at a distance, then you will, more than likely, need more gain. We recently shipped a modded pre to Australia with 75dB gain in order to satisfy a customer using Royer ribbons.

Cheers
Tim.

[stenerlov]

I´m about to try two fig8 mics on a solo acoustic guitar / singer setup.
I will use a R84 on the acoustic with null pointing up towards the vocal. My question is - if the vocal mics null is pointed at the guitar (as it should) then the null will also be at the singers mouth? Should I position the R84 for the vocal like the R84 for the acoustic? vertical (coming in from the side)?

Best,
Carl-Johan