Soundfield microphone

[mwagener]

Just got a Soundfield MK V microphone system plus the 5.1 converter to check out today. Anybody here ever worked with it? Any experiences to share?

[Jules]

Wow! I bet it's cool! Never tried one, always wanted to hear one.

[mwagener]

pretty cool, from what I heard so far. I was alone at the studio today, so my little boombox had to serve as a music source, not very exciting. Didn't get around to check out the 5.1 box yet yell BECAUSE I'M STILL WAITING FOR 3 MORE S3As.yell hope somebody in California heard this

New project starts tomorrow, so I might not have time to check more into it for a while.

[Dave Martin]

Originally posted by mwagener
Just got a Soundfield MK V microphone system plus the 5.1 converter to check out today. Anybody here ever worked with it? Any experiences to share?

I had one here for a few weeks to play with - I'd strongly recommend (assuming that you have the tracks to spare) that you record all four outputs from the Soundfield box, (and if you really have tracks to spare, take the stereo send as well to use for monitoring and overdubs). Once you start mixing, you'll find that the ability to effectively change the patterns of the mic to be a realy neat option.

Another thing - if the room sounds bad, the recording is likely to sound bad as well - I used it for a live recording at the Station Inn, and unfortunately, the recording sounds too much like the Station Inn for my taste. One of the instrumental tracks from that performance is going to be on a DVD that Surround Pro is putting out, I think.

They're big fun, though...

[nandoanalog]

322 pages Bump

[Plush]

We are using the 422 and recording the B format and stereo outs.
Really an excellent sound and must be considered as an excellent stereo mic for
string ensembles, choirs, quartets, vocal backgrounds, brass and piano etc.

I agree that it's excellence depends on a good sounding room.

The software is also quite good and replaces the MKV box---that is IF you've recorded the B format.

Capsules and system are now (unlike in the past) equalized to give big bass down to the bottom octave. Accurate treble is non euphonic.

[Bob Ross]

Does anyone have any experience using the Soundfield mics for more meat&potatoes studio condenser applications? IOW, not necessarily exploiting the stereo or surround capabilities of the Soundfield, but just using it in place of where you might otherwise grab a pair of SDC's or LDC's? Like, how does it fare on drum overheads, acoustic piano, backing vox, etc? Ever use it as a mono mic? Ever use a Soundfield on lead vox?

Been lusting for a Soundfield for years, but the only way I can justify owning one is if I can get a lot of in-studio use out of it as well as location recording.

(Of course, I've also been telling myself "shut up and just rent one, find out for yourself!" for years...)

[DrDeltaM]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

Been lusting for a Soundfield for years, but the only way I can justify owning one is if I can get a lot of in-studio use out of it as well as location recording.

(Of course, I've also been telling myself "shut up and just rent one, find out for yourself!" for years...)

Soundfield presented the SPS200 at Musikmesse2007. It's a small and affordable Soundfield, without compromises in the mic and signal quality. Decoding the A-format is done by the included SurroundZone plugin.

[paterno]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

Does anyone have any experience using the Soundfield mics for more meat&potatoes studio condenser applications? IOW, not necessarily exploiting the stereo or surround capabilities of the Soundfield, but just using it in place of where you might otherwise grab a pair of SDC's or LDC's? Like, how does it fare on drum overheads, acoustic piano, backing vox, etc? Ever use it as a mono mic? Ever use a Soundfield on lead vox?

Been lusting for a Soundfield for years, but the only way I can justify owning one is if I can get a lot of in-studio use out of it as well as location recording.

(Of course, I've also been telling myself "shut up and just rent one, find out for yourself!" for years...)

I picked one up toward the end of last year, and it has become my drum overhead mic of choice. It is a very even-sounding mic [I don't want to say 'flat', because most mics that fall under that description tend to be boring]. 'Accurate' might be a better term. Placement yields a wide variety of results, and I'm still learning every time I use the thing. There's a photo below of it in use

In addition, I've used it on string dates, BGV's, solo acoustic guitar and vocal performances, and B3. I got the MK V system because i wanted the extra control [steering capabilities] and for my applications it has been totally worth it. Being able to control the amount of ambience vs direct signal has been particularly valuable.

I highly suggest trying to arrange a demo if you are serious about one...

Cheers,
John