How important is it to use a matched pair of mics for stereo 2tk recording?

[leon]

When recording a stereo solo track of say piano, acoustic guitar or anything for that matter, is it overly important to use a matched pair of mics?

Would it matter as much when something is going to sit in the track?

[joeq]

When you say "matched" - do you mean:

a- the same make and model?
b- the same make and model carefully chosen for similar sound?
c- the same make and model and consecutive serial numbers?

I often use mismatched mics (i.e. completely different models) on something like acoustic guitar- but I don't necessarily think of it as "stereo" really - I'm just multi-micing the acoustic. Hey, maybe they get panned full left and right in the end- and maybe not.

[22busy]

I suppose it depends on how important it is to you to have a balanced stereo image.

[Nathanael]

It also depends on the quality of the microphones. Two DPA's will make a matched pair - any two. The QC is phenomenal.

I have a matched pair of Schoeps, but their mics are close enough to use together anyway. I think that they "match" mics for the US market and sell them in pairs, but in Europe, you just buy any two.

I have a pair of Guitar Center Oktava's that I matched by ear in the store. They are nowhere near as good as my Schoeps (what do you expect for 1/10 the price) but they are within about 3db. It's close enough to be able to make up the difference in the preamp gain, or a minor balance adjustment in a two track editor.

First recommendation: buy top quality mics so that matching is not a relevant concern.

Second recommendation: buy matched mics if you can, and if it is something more meaningful than "consecutive serial numbers" which means nothing. Check out the "Soundroom" matched Oktava's if you need something good and cheap.

[dhughes]

Has anyone tried the Studio Projects LSD-2 stereo mic? I can't seem to find any reviews of it.

It runs for about $800. It looks interesting because it has variable patterns and you can rotate the upper capsule to do all different kinds of stereo imaging.

Anyone?

[leon]

I never really bought into the consecutive serial # thing. I just used my ears and went with the flow. I adjusted the gain if needed.

I'm more interested in the technical aspects of a matched pair. Seems like it's a bunch of hype I guess.

[nlc201]

If you've got an unmatched pair or two completely unrelated mics, there's always the option to do the MS pair. Assuming you like the sonics of your environment, an MS pair can work pretty well. All you need is a cardioid and a figure 8. The differences in the microphones will not matter in terms of an image shift. Granted most figure 8 mics are not totally identical on the front and the rear due to body and capsule design. Just an alternative to a matched pair.

[tfriedrich]

I have a related question. Supposing you were to use two different types of mics. For instance, a large diaphrgam condenser mic and a small diaphragm one. Say, for instance a Neuman TLM 103, and a 184? I am thinking of doing this using an apogee duet home recording. I've been told a larger diaphragm can get too boomy for nylon strings, while a small diaphragm can get to bright. So I'm thing, why not one of each? Would this present a technical problem? Right now I'm shopping for mics.

[cdog]

Originally Posted by tfriedrich

So I'm thing, why not one of each? Would this present a technical problem? Right now I'm shopping for mics.

Well, I dont think you got good information. Either a LDC or a SDC can work on acoustic guitar (or vocals, or whatever), there are bright LDCs and dark SDCs, and "boominess" has a lot more to do with mic placement than anything else. For example, if I place an omni LDC 5' away from the guitar or vocalist, its pretty much impossible for it to sound boomy, although its going to pick up a lot more room noise. Now if I mix this sound with a cardioid SDC placed 8" away from the 12th fret aimed at the soundhole, it may or may not sound good, its impossible to tell without listening. It might be out of phase and washy sounding or it might be perfect. It might sound good with some panning or it might sound weird. There is no formula and you have to trust your ears, as well as know what sound you are looking for.

[9sbean]

Originally Posted by Nathanael

It also depends on the quality of the microphones. Two DPA's will make a matched pair - any two. The QC is phenomenal.

I have a matched pair of Schoeps, but their mics are close enough to use together anyway. I think that they "match" mics for the US market and sell them in pairs, but in Europe, you just buy any two.

I have a pair of Guitar Center Oktava's that I matched by ear in the store. They are nowhere near as good as my Schoeps (what do you expect for 1/10 the price) but they are within about 3db. It's close enough to be able to make up the difference in the preamp gain, or a minor balance adjustment in a two track editor.

First recommendation: buy top quality mics so that matching is not a relevant concern.

Second recommendation: buy matched mics if you can, and if it is something more meaningful than "consecutive serial numbers" which means nothing. Check out the "Soundroom" matched Oktava's if you need something good and cheap.

Yes, go for the best if you can. Or save your money go for the best value one (matched stereo such as Superlux S502). And you can go for the best later.