Stereo Microphone

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1 Stereo Microphone

Stereo Microphone

A stereo microphone enables on-location stereophonic recording with just one input device. This stereophonic (two-channel) input device is useful for live recording of events that do not require studio-quality infrastructure or output, such as a song writing session, music lesson, rehersal or practice session, even a live performance.

Audio-Technica AT825 X/Y stereo field recording microphone

Coupling a stereo microphone with a two-track recording device, such as a portable CD or digital recorder can produce a very good reference recording -- without the hassle of buying, configuring, managing, mixing and mastering the usual gear and processes associated with studio recording. You may process the resulting sound file with software by adding compression, amplification, or other effects. But if your live sound is good, a recording made with a stereo microphone will capture its essence.

How It Works

X-Y configuration of two microphones for stereo recording

To provide two input channels for stereophonic sound, a stereo microphone integrates two small condenser microphones that are angled toward the sound source. This could be done manually with two standalone condenser microphones (see X-Y illustration), but it's much easier to use one stereo mic because it eliminates the need for precise angle placement and a special dual-mic stand to lock in positioning.

Since there are two channels, a stereo microphone cable is also dual channel. At the other end, it splits into two XLR connectors, which are plugged into a two-channel preamp or recording device. Some stereo microphone cables terminate in a single stereo connector, such as for insertion into a digital camcorder. The signal chain must service both channels to maintain stereophonic sound.

For technical background, see wikipedia:Soundfield_microphone and wikipedia:Stereophonic_sound.

What It Sounds Like

Sound Demo - Acoustic guitar recorded with one AGK Perception 400 large diaphram condenser microphone. Musician: Andrew Robertson.

Sound Demo - Acoustic guitar recorded with one Audio-Technica AT825 stereo microphone. Musician: Andrew Robertson.

How To Use It

Polar pattern for Audio-Technica AT825 stereo microphone

Point the stereo microphone directly toward the sound souce. The head housing the condenser microphones is wide on one side and narrow on the other. If you're using a microphone like the AT825, be sure to keep the wide side of the head horizontal with the ground (see picture above, and polar pattern on the right). Other stereo microphones may have different positioning requirements.

If you are close-micing a loud sound souce, such as a drum kit, try raising the microphone above the kit and angling it down slightly.

To record everything in a room, such as ambient noise or remarks by speakers at a public meeting and audience comments, point the stereo microphone straight up. If you are using the AT825, face the wide side of the head toward the front of the room.

The video shows how to use a stereo microphone for these and other recording situations.