RCA 77-DX - best pattern?

[6777]

As per my avatar, when my band recorded vocals a couple of weeks ago we tried to follow The Association's vocal chain as closely as possible. We used Bones Howe's favored settings for the 1176. We tried to rig up an echo chamber but it didn't work so well (hence my "studios w/echo chambers today" thread). We sang through 3 RCA 77-DXs (except for bass parts, which were sung through a 44-BX). They were set at V2 in figure-8. We used figure-8 for two reasons: 1) we were using monitors instead of headphones, and it helped prevent leakage 2) I was told that the 77-DX sounds best in figure-8, and that it was "meant to be used that way." Is this true? I read that Bones Howe used the cardioid setting, so . . .

[Bob Olhsson]

I always liked L3

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by 6777

As per my avatar, when my band recorded vocals a couple of weeks ago we tried to follow The Association's vocal chain as closely as possible. We used Bones Howe's favored settings for the 1176. We tried to rig up an echo chamber but it didn't work so well (hence my "studios w/echo chambers today" thread). We sang through 3 RCA 77-DXs (except for bass parts, which were sung through a 44-BX). They were set at V2 in figure-8. We used figure-8 for two reasons: 1) we were using monitors instead of headphones, and it helped prevent leakage 2) I was told that the 77-DX sounds best in figure-8, and that it was "meant to be used that way." Is this true? I read that Bones Howe used the cardioid setting, so . . .

I like the figure 8 sound in a good room but I am not so sure about the no headphone, monitor spill stuff.
Regards Mark