Ribbon mics for Side mics in a M/S configuration, different patterns?

[bradb]

I'm considering using an R84 or R92 as the side mic, but I'm curious about the different patterns from front to back on both of these mics?

Is this a no-go?

Does it affect the decoded sound?

[seaneldon]

The R84 has a very symmetrical pattern. The mic sounds the same on the front and back (remember to invert polarity when listening to the back of the mic). Use this as your side mic.

The R92 does NOT have a symmetrical pattern, and has a different frequency response from front to back. Use this as your mid mic.

[bradb]

good to know... thanks

I found this:

“This Side” and “That Side” The sound of your new AEA R84 is slightly different between the front
and the back — subtle, but sufficient to offer two “flavors.” In addition to polarity, this is caused by
using two wraps of grill cloth on the back and only one on the front. So, don’t think in terms of front
and rear, think “This Side” and “That Side.” If your pre-amp or console has the option, try using the
phase (polarity) switch when on the back side of the R84. Voices and horns put more energy into the
positive than the negative half of each wave, so it is useful to be able to switch polarity.

[soundbarnfool]

Beyer M130=side

[Karloff70]

You could also be 'wrong' and use any cardioid for side, as it still decodes into something nice.......done it plenty.

[Corran]

It seems like the new thing is to have different tones on both sides of the ribbon, either with differences in grill design or the offset ribbon motor. I'm not sure if any modern ribbon mics actually have the symmetrical ribbon design like older ribbons.

[Corran]

Originally Posted by Karloff70

You could also be 'wrong' and use any cardioid for side, as it still decodes into something nice.......done it plenty.

How? Unless you want something balanced completely to one side or the other on your recording.

[Karloff70]

Try sticking a cardioid mic pointing to the side (like your usual fig8, but only one side) and see what happens. As far as I can tell the only difference is that obviously your side mic now only has info from one side as opposed to both. Doesn't mean it sounds bad though......

[Corran]

Sure, that makes sense, but wouldn't it completely balance to one side? Example: You put that M-S rig in front of an orchestra, with the cardioid mic to the right, and your image would only include the front and right side of the orchestra, so you wouldn't hear 1st violins, right?

That actually might be a good trick for some orchestras

[Karloff70]

Only tried it on acoustic guitar, where the choice becomes 'which side of the room do I want as my width'. Works well, especially if the room has a more likeable side. Fair enough, with an orchestra it might not be what you want though.....