Bob Ohlsson's suggestion on microphone placement & some questions

[chessparov]

In my research studies over at RAP found a simple yet profound idea
suggested by Bob. It's to use two identical (model) microphones to fine tune
microphone placement. Was curious how many of you already do this,
and of course if Bob has anything to add, that would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some questions of mine;

1) Not to sound silly, but is it really THAT much better than just using one
microphone, recording each placement one by one?

2) Is it a reasonable assumption that there would be more of a difference
detected when using a wider pattern cardiod versus a tighter supercardiod
type of response pattern? For example, a SM57 compared to a M88.
Thought that on a microphone like the M88, you typically want to have
the sound go "straight down the barrel", rather than being off-axis.

3 In the case of an omni microphone, like an EV 635a, is mike placement a
much more minor affair than with a unidirectional mike?
BTW, aware that off-axis sounds going to an omni may not contain as much
high frequency information.

Thanks,
Chris

P.S. Perhaps the main benefit is to have another excuse to buy more mikes!

[Fletcher]

Originally posted by chessparov
In my research studies over at RAP found a simple yet profound idea suggested by Bob. It's to use two identical (model) microphones to fine tune microphone placement. Was curious how many of you already do this

Some of us... many of us... few of us... some of us

1) Not to sound silly, but is it really THAT much better than just using one microphone, recording each placement one by one?

Many of us do this, interchangably with using one mic. They're all valid techniques. The key is to determine which of these techniques is best for the work you're doing, the net result you edeavor to achieve. Any technique that works in a given application is the best technique... the more you know, the more you have from which to choose... the more interesting you can make the presentation of the music.

2) Is it a reasonable assumption that there would be more of a difference detected when using a wider pattern cardiod versus a tighter supercardiod type of response pattern? For example, a SM57 compared to a M88.

Absolutely... but those differences would stem from the actual sound of the equipment... the 'pickup patterns' being one element of the fundamental differences between tools.

3 In the case of an omni microphone, like an EV 635a, is mike placement a much more minor affair than with a unidirectional mike?

No, not in the slightest. Microphone selection and placement are never to be taken lightly... the right tool for the job, and the right application of that tool are what it's about.

Learn your tools, learn the best application of those tools as it applies to the sounds you're trying to achieve/your working methods... then, and only then will you be solidly on the path to being able to best translate the variations in air pressure to wonderfully stored bits of information that will hopefully comprise a cohesive presentation of the artists' intention.

Best of luck.

[chessparov]

Terrific expository!
Thanks Fletcher.

Chris

[Bob Olhsson]

The reason to use two identical mikes is simply that it eliminates a variable and is faster. You set up two likely locations, listen and pick the best, have your assistant move the other mike, and repeat the shoot-out until you can't find a better spot.

[chessparov]

Makes perfect sense-will do.

Thanks again,
Chris