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TECHNICAL
I want to use the omni microphones for stereo recording, how do I set ’em up best?
Omni microphones, while not the most typical choice for stereo recording, can capture a beautifully natural and spacious stereo image. To set them up for optimal results, there are some things to consider:
The AB technique is the most common and versatile. Here, you simply position two omni mics spaced apart, facing outwards towards the sound source. The ideal spacing depends on what you’re recording and the desired stereo effect. Wider mic spacing (think 3-6 feet / 1-2 meters or more) creates a broader and more spacious stereo image, perfect for capturing environments like forests or concert halls. Conversely, a narrower spacing of just inches to a foot – 25 cm offers a more intimate stereo field, ideal for close-up recordings like solo musicians or foley effects. The key is to experiment – start with a narrow spacing and gradually widen the mics until you achieve the desired stereo effect, trusting your ears to guide you.
Here are some additional tips to remember: for the best results, use a matched pair of omni microphones, which will ensure a natural and consistent stereo image. If recording outdoors in windy conditions, windjammers are your friend to minimize wind noise. Lastly, be aware of potential phase issues. Since omni mics pick up sound from all directions, slight variations in timing between the mics can lead to phase cancellation. Listen closely while recording for phasing issues – a lack of low-end or a thin sound might be your cue. If you notice this, try adjusting the mic spacing slightly. Additionally, some audio editing software offers phase correction tools that can help address minor phasing issues.
By following these tips and experimenting with microphone placement, you can unlock the potential of your omni microphones and capture stunning, natural stereo recordings that bring your audio projects to life. Remember, trust your ears and customize the setup based on the specific sound source and desired stereo effect.
I like to make stereo recordings, what kind of stereobar do you recommend?
Achieving the perfect stereo recording with microphone placement depends on a few key factors: the sound source itself, your distance from it, and the desired stereo image you’re aiming for. There’s no magic formula, but here’s a helpful approach to guide you. I use the K&M 23550 Microphone bar for ‘on the road’ situations as it is nice and compact, but for wider stereo field recordings, you might want to look at the K&M 23560 Microphone bar, which is much wider. There are also plenty of DIY options out there, google is your friend.
As a general rule, the farther you are from your sound source, the wider you can space your microphones apart. This creates a broader stereo image, ideal for capturing distant environments like a forest or waves crashing on a beach. Conversely, close-up recordings like raindrops benefit from a narrower mic spacing, resulting in a more intimate stereo field.
Ultimately, trust your ears! While recording, monitor the sound and adjust the mic spacing accordingly. If the stereo image feels too narrow, spread the mics further apart. Does it sound too diffuse or washed out? Bring them closer together. Experimentation is key – start with a close spacing and gradually widen it until you achieve the desired effect. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference, so take it slow.
Here are some examples to get you started:
- Forest birds (close-up): Begin with a spacing of just a few inches between the mics and adjust outwards until you capture a natural stereo image of the birdsong.
- Beach waves (distant): Start with the mics positioned around 6 feet apart for a wide stereo soundscape of the crashing waves. Fine-tune the placement based on your distance from the water.
- Raindrops (very close-up): A few inches of separation between mics is a good starting point for capturing the intimate details of the raindrops.
Don’t be afraid to break free from the standard stereo bar! Experiment with different techniques. For instance, when recording in a forest, try tying your mics to opposite sides of a roughly 6-inch diameter tree. The tree acts as a natural acoustic baffle, similar to your head when you listen with two ears, and can create a surprisingly pleasing stereo image.
I want to record outside in a windy environment. What do you recommend to filter out the wind?
We offer a very basic windfilter on our website. We have had really good results with this very simple foam filter, recording a lot of different scenarios, but it certainly is not enough to stop the wind of creeping into your recordings 100% of the time.
We are currently in the process to test different options and will publish our results here shortly. Our aim is to offer a dead cat solution for the Cortiça somewhere in the next few months.
Why do you use cork for your products?
We care about the environment and have been looking into sustainable materials to make our instruments. This, together with spending quite some time in Portugal and seeing first hand how it is processed made us decide to use Portuguese Cork, which is a fully natural and eco-friendly material. It’s a special material with many interesting properties: elasticity, lightness, insulation, impermeability, durability, and it is easy to work with.
The key to cork’s many interesting properties is its honeycomb cell structure. Each cell is a 14-sided polyhedron filled with air with an extremely strong and flexible membrane that is waterproof and airtight. These millions of tiny, air-filled cells that act as an acoustic barrier. The cells trap sound waves, so they don’t pass through the material, and excess vibrations are broken down and diffused.
ORDERS
I have a European VAT number and would like to order your products without VAT.
Please order the products of your choice and place your order with VAT included. Please add your EU VAT number in the corresponding field when checking out. We will validate this number and refund your VAT back to your PayPal account or creditcard.
Something is broken, what now!?
Stay calm and shoot us an email via the contact form above describing your problem and we will do our best to solve it as soon as possible. We stand behind the quality of our products and are proud to offer a comprehensive warranty on all products (excluding DIY Projects). Here’s a breakdown of our warranty coverage:
All our products (excluding DIY Projects) come with a standard warranty of two years from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This includes repairs or replacements (at our discretion) of malfunctioning parts.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by: Misuse, neglect, or improper handling, Unauthorized modifications or repairs, Normal wear and tear, Acts of God (e.g., power surges, floods), Use with incompatible equipment
To initiate a warranty claim, please contact our customer support team at an email via the contact form above within the warranty period. You will be required to provide proof of purchase (receipt or invoice) and a brief description of the issue you’re experiencing. Our team will then guide you through the next steps, which may involve sending your product in for repair or replacement.
We recommend keeping your receipt or invoice as proof of purchase for warranty purposes. You can find the full warranty terms and conditions on a separate document accessible here. We strive to provide excellent customer service and ensure your satisfaction with our products. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the warranty, please don’t hesitate to contact us.