Music & Audio Advice Microphone Types and Techniques 3

Question 1

In the XY stereo technique, the two microphones are positioned how?

Accepted Answer

Capsules coincident at roughly 90 degrees

Answer

XY pairs two cardioid mics with their capsules nearly touching, angled about 90 degrees, giving good mono compatibility.

Question 2

Which technique uses two omnidirectional mics spaced apart to capture a wide, spacious stereo image?

Accepted Answer

Spaced pair (A/B)

Answer

A spaced pair (A/B) places two omni mics apart to capture timing differences, creating a wide ambient sound.

Question 3

Mid-Side (M/S) recording uses which combination of polar patterns?

Accepted Answer

A cardioid and a figure-8

Answer

M/S pairs a forward-facing mid mic (often cardioid) with a sideways figure-8, allowing adjustable stereo width.

Question 4

What is a key benefit of the Mid-Side technique?

Accepted Answer

Adjustable stereo width after recording

Answer

Because the side signal is separate, you can change the stereo width during mixdown without re-recording.

Question 5

The ORTF technique uses two cardioid mics spaced 17 cm apart at what angle?

Accepted Answer

110 degrees

Answer

ORTF places two cardioids 17 cm apart and angled 110 degrees, mimicking human ear spacing for a natural stereo image.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test