Music & Audio Advice Microphone Placement Techniques 3

Question 1

In an XY coincident stereo setup, the two cardioid capsules are positioned how?

Accepted Answer

At the same point, angled roughly 90 degrees apart

Answer

XY places capsules as close together as possible at an angle, giving strong mono compatibility.

Question 2

An ORTF stereo configuration uses two cardioid mics spaced 17 cm apart at what angle?

Accepted Answer

110 degrees

Answer

ORTF spaces capsules 17 cm apart at 110 degrees to mimic human ear spacing for a natural image.

Question 3

When miking a brass section, why is some distance from the bell often preferred?

Accepted Answer

To let the sound develop and avoid harshness

Answer

Brass instruments project a focused, harsh beam at the bell, so backing off yields a fuller blend.

Question 4

For a Decca Tree orchestral setup, the three mics are arranged in what shape?

Accepted Answer

A triangle with a center mic forward of two outer mics

Answer

The Decca Tree uses a center mic ahead of two spaced outer mics for a wide, stable orchestral image.

Question 5

Placing a microphone near a wall or floor (boundary placement) primarily helps with what?

Accepted Answer

Reducing phase cancellation from reflections

Answer

Boundary mics sit at the reflective surface, so the reflected and direct sounds arrive together without cancellation.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test