What is the definition of Mid-side stereo as compared with X-Y stereo?
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Perhaps someone can explain the difference between Mid-Side stereo miking technique and X-Y stereo miking technique and explain which technique is actually a more accurate reproduction of the original listening experience of a live musical performance.
technique recording miking
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Perhaps someone can explain the difference between Mid-Side stereo miking technique and X-Y stereo miking technique and explain which technique is actually a more accurate reproduction of the original listening experience of a live musical performance.
technique recording miking
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
Purely a guess: one places the mics - essentially two - rather like they are p.a. speakers, parallel but facing the same way, some distance between them. The other puts the mics as if they are our ears, pointing in opposite directions. They then capture sound exactly as our ears do, so when listening (at least on cans) it reproduces what we'd have listened to had we been there.
– Tim
21 hours ago
5
@Tim this is not correct.
– Peter
20 hours ago
@Tim Why guess when you can simply google or just wait for anyone who knows to answer?
– Todd Wilcox
19 hours ago
@ToddWilcox - fair enough. If I can Google, so can anyone else, so the better comment might be to the OP. Google it yourself. It was simply an idea. If it's that desperately wrong, it'll be deleted, thus was only a comment rather than an answer.I'm trying to add ideas to the site - is that such a bad thing? I was half right!
– Tim
19 hours ago
@Tim How will it "be deleted"? Maybe you are saying you'll delete it? BTW, the first mic technique you described in your comment is called "spaced pair". The second is called "binaural", and requires an actual dummy head with fake pinnae and microphones put into the dummy head where a real head's ears would be. The problem with having the wrong information here is that it could confuse future readers.
– Todd Wilcox
16 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Perhaps someone can explain the difference between Mid-Side stereo miking technique and X-Y stereo miking technique and explain which technique is actually a more accurate reproduction of the original listening experience of a live musical performance.
technique recording miking
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
Perhaps someone can explain the difference between Mid-Side stereo miking technique and X-Y stereo miking technique and explain which technique is actually a more accurate reproduction of the original listening experience of a live musical performance.
technique recording miking
technique recording miking
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
asked 22 hours ago
skinny peacock
1,8802321
1,8802321
Purely a guess: one places the mics - essentially two - rather like they are p.a. speakers, parallel but facing the same way, some distance between them. The other puts the mics as if they are our ears, pointing in opposite directions. They then capture sound exactly as our ears do, so when listening (at least on cans) it reproduces what we'd have listened to had we been there.
– Tim
21 hours ago
5
@Tim this is not correct.
– Peter
20 hours ago
@Tim Why guess when you can simply google or just wait for anyone who knows to answer?
– Todd Wilcox
19 hours ago
@ToddWilcox - fair enough. If I can Google, so can anyone else, so the better comment might be to the OP. Google it yourself. It was simply an idea. If it's that desperately wrong, it'll be deleted, thus was only a comment rather than an answer.I'm trying to add ideas to the site - is that such a bad thing? I was half right!
– Tim
19 hours ago
@Tim How will it "be deleted"? Maybe you are saying you'll delete it? BTW, the first mic technique you described in your comment is called "spaced pair". The second is called "binaural", and requires an actual dummy head with fake pinnae and microphones put into the dummy head where a real head's ears would be. The problem with having the wrong information here is that it could confuse future readers.
– Todd Wilcox
16 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Purely a guess: one places the mics - essentially two - rather like they are p.a. speakers, parallel but facing the same way, some distance between them. The other puts the mics as if they are our ears, pointing in opposite directions. They then capture sound exactly as our ears do, so when listening (at least on cans) it reproduces what we'd have listened to had we been there.
– Tim
21 hours ago
5
@Tim this is not correct.
– Peter
20 hours ago
@Tim Why guess when you can simply google or just wait for anyone who knows to answer?
– Todd Wilcox
19 hours ago
@ToddWilcox - fair enough. If I can Google, so can anyone else, so the better comment might be to the OP. Google it yourself. It was simply an idea. If it's that desperately wrong, it'll be deleted, thus was only a comment rather than an answer.I'm trying to add ideas to the site - is that such a bad thing? I was half right!
– Tim
19 hours ago
@Tim How will it "be deleted"? Maybe you are saying you'll delete it? BTW, the first mic technique you described in your comment is called "spaced pair". The second is called "binaural", and requires an actual dummy head with fake pinnae and microphones put into the dummy head where a real head's ears would be. The problem with having the wrong information here is that it could confuse future readers.
– Todd Wilcox
16 hours ago
Purely a guess: one places the mics - essentially two - rather like they are p.a. speakers, parallel but facing the same way, some distance between them. The other puts the mics as if they are our ears, pointing in opposite directions. They then capture sound exactly as our ears do, so when listening (at least on cans) it reproduces what we'd have listened to had we been there.
– Tim
21 hours ago
Purely a guess: one places the mics - essentially two - rather like they are p.a. speakers, parallel but facing the same way, some distance between them. The other puts the mics as if they are our ears, pointing in opposite directions. They then capture sound exactly as our ears do, so when listening (at least on cans) it reproduces what we'd have listened to had we been there.
– Tim
21 hours ago
5
5
@Tim this is not correct.
– Peter
20 hours ago
@Tim this is not correct.
– Peter
20 hours ago
@Tim Why guess when you can simply google or just wait for anyone who knows to answer?
– Todd Wilcox
19 hours ago
@Tim Why guess when you can simply google or just wait for anyone who knows to answer?
– Todd Wilcox
19 hours ago
@ToddWilcox - fair enough. If I can Google, so can anyone else, so the better comment might be to the OP. Google it yourself. It was simply an idea. If it's that desperately wrong, it'll be deleted, thus was only a comment rather than an answer.I'm trying to add ideas to the site - is that such a bad thing? I was half right!
– Tim
19 hours ago
@ToddWilcox - fair enough. If I can Google, so can anyone else, so the better comment might be to the OP. Google it yourself. It was simply an idea. If it's that desperately wrong, it'll be deleted, thus was only a comment rather than an answer.I'm trying to add ideas to the site - is that such a bad thing? I was half right!
– Tim
19 hours ago
@Tim How will it "be deleted"? Maybe you are saying you'll delete it? BTW, the first mic technique you described in your comment is called "spaced pair". The second is called "binaural", and requires an actual dummy head with fake pinnae and microphones put into the dummy head where a real head's ears would be. The problem with having the wrong information here is that it could confuse future readers.
– Todd Wilcox
16 hours ago
@Tim How will it "be deleted"? Maybe you are saying you'll delete it? BTW, the first mic technique you described in your comment is called "spaced pair". The second is called "binaural", and requires an actual dummy head with fake pinnae and microphones put into the dummy head where a real head's ears would be. The problem with having the wrong information here is that it could confuse future readers.
– Todd Wilcox
16 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
up vote
14
down vote
accepted
Both XY and Mid-Side recording use two mono signals to create a stereo image, but they do this is totally different ways.
XY is probably the more common method. It requires two matching microphones. They are set up somewhat like our ears; that is side-by-side, pointing in towards each other. In mixing, the two channels are usually panned left and right respectively to create the stereo image.
Mid-Sides recording requires some more specialized equipment. The Mid (middle) signal is created with a single mic pointed directly at the sound source. The Sides signal REQUIRES a figure-8 microphone. This mic is pointed at a 90-degree angle to the Mid mic. Because the figure-8 mic picks up sound from both sides, it captures sound from left and right of the sound source, but combines them into a mono signal.
In order to get the correct stereo image, the two mono signals need to be processed (called decoding or matrixing). Basically, in a DAW, you make a copy of the Sides signal, pan the copies left and right, and reverse the phase on ONE of the channels. Then, when you add the Mid signal (in mono), the stereo image will be revealed.
Here is some detailed instructions on Mid-Side recording:
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/mid-side-mic-recording/!!
Source for both images: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/7-stereo-miking-techniques-you-should-try/
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
Succinct. I intrinsically understand the two, but always have difficulty explaining it to other people.
– Tetsujin
19 hours ago
@ Peter- This is a very good answer to this question and I, like Tetsujin have always had trouble explaining it to others. You communicate well. The link was also very good. I personally feel that M/S also adds a third dimension, depth, to the stereo field, which seems rather flat when I listen to X-Y stereo, but that may just be my own opinion.
– skinny peacock
18 hours ago
+1 for including the post processing
– DrSvanHay
18 hours ago
Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to make my answers as short as possible, while still containing all the relevant info. I really enjoy being a part of this community!
– Peter
17 hours ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
14
down vote
accepted
Both XY and Mid-Side recording use two mono signals to create a stereo image, but they do this is totally different ways.
XY is probably the more common method. It requires two matching microphones. They are set up somewhat like our ears; that is side-by-side, pointing in towards each other. In mixing, the two channels are usually panned left and right respectively to create the stereo image.
Mid-Sides recording requires some more specialized equipment. The Mid (middle) signal is created with a single mic pointed directly at the sound source. The Sides signal REQUIRES a figure-8 microphone. This mic is pointed at a 90-degree angle to the Mid mic. Because the figure-8 mic picks up sound from both sides, it captures sound from left and right of the sound source, but combines them into a mono signal.
In order to get the correct stereo image, the two mono signals need to be processed (called decoding or matrixing). Basically, in a DAW, you make a copy of the Sides signal, pan the copies left and right, and reverse the phase on ONE of the channels. Then, when you add the Mid signal (in mono), the stereo image will be revealed.
Here is some detailed instructions on Mid-Side recording:
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/mid-side-mic-recording/!!
Source for both images: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/7-stereo-miking-techniques-you-should-try/
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
Succinct. I intrinsically understand the two, but always have difficulty explaining it to other people.
– Tetsujin
19 hours ago
@ Peter- This is a very good answer to this question and I, like Tetsujin have always had trouble explaining it to others. You communicate well. The link was also very good. I personally feel that M/S also adds a third dimension, depth, to the stereo field, which seems rather flat when I listen to X-Y stereo, but that may just be my own opinion.
– skinny peacock
18 hours ago
+1 for including the post processing
– DrSvanHay
18 hours ago
Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to make my answers as short as possible, while still containing all the relevant info. I really enjoy being a part of this community!
– Peter
17 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
14
down vote
accepted
Both XY and Mid-Side recording use two mono signals to create a stereo image, but they do this is totally different ways.
XY is probably the more common method. It requires two matching microphones. They are set up somewhat like our ears; that is side-by-side, pointing in towards each other. In mixing, the two channels are usually panned left and right respectively to create the stereo image.
Mid-Sides recording requires some more specialized equipment. The Mid (middle) signal is created with a single mic pointed directly at the sound source. The Sides signal REQUIRES a figure-8 microphone. This mic is pointed at a 90-degree angle to the Mid mic. Because the figure-8 mic picks up sound from both sides, it captures sound from left and right of the sound source, but combines them into a mono signal.
In order to get the correct stereo image, the two mono signals need to be processed (called decoding or matrixing). Basically, in a DAW, you make a copy of the Sides signal, pan the copies left and right, and reverse the phase on ONE of the channels. Then, when you add the Mid signal (in mono), the stereo image will be revealed.
Here is some detailed instructions on Mid-Side recording:
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/mid-side-mic-recording/!!
Source for both images: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/7-stereo-miking-techniques-you-should-try/
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
Succinct. I intrinsically understand the two, but always have difficulty explaining it to other people.
– Tetsujin
19 hours ago
@ Peter- This is a very good answer to this question and I, like Tetsujin have always had trouble explaining it to others. You communicate well. The link was also very good. I personally feel that M/S also adds a third dimension, depth, to the stereo field, which seems rather flat when I listen to X-Y stereo, but that may just be my own opinion.
– skinny peacock
18 hours ago
+1 for including the post processing
– DrSvanHay
18 hours ago
Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to make my answers as short as possible, while still containing all the relevant info. I really enjoy being a part of this community!
– Peter
17 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
14
down vote
accepted
up vote
14
down vote
accepted
Both XY and Mid-Side recording use two mono signals to create a stereo image, but they do this is totally different ways.
XY is probably the more common method. It requires two matching microphones. They are set up somewhat like our ears; that is side-by-side, pointing in towards each other. In mixing, the two channels are usually panned left and right respectively to create the stereo image.
Mid-Sides recording requires some more specialized equipment. The Mid (middle) signal is created with a single mic pointed directly at the sound source. The Sides signal REQUIRES a figure-8 microphone. This mic is pointed at a 90-degree angle to the Mid mic. Because the figure-8 mic picks up sound from both sides, it captures sound from left and right of the sound source, but combines them into a mono signal.
In order to get the correct stereo image, the two mono signals need to be processed (called decoding or matrixing). Basically, in a DAW, you make a copy of the Sides signal, pan the copies left and right, and reverse the phase on ONE of the channels. Then, when you add the Mid signal (in mono), the stereo image will be revealed.
Here is some detailed instructions on Mid-Side recording:
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/mid-side-mic-recording/!!
Source for both images: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/7-stereo-miking-techniques-you-should-try/
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
Both XY and Mid-Side recording use two mono signals to create a stereo image, but they do this is totally different ways.
XY is probably the more common method. It requires two matching microphones. They are set up somewhat like our ears; that is side-by-side, pointing in towards each other. In mixing, the two channels are usually panned left and right respectively to create the stereo image.
Mid-Sides recording requires some more specialized equipment. The Mid (middle) signal is created with a single mic pointed directly at the sound source. The Sides signal REQUIRES a figure-8 microphone. This mic is pointed at a 90-degree angle to the Mid mic. Because the figure-8 mic picks up sound from both sides, it captures sound from left and right of the sound source, but combines them into a mono signal.
In order to get the correct stereo image, the two mono signals need to be processed (called decoding or matrixing). Basically, in a DAW, you make a copy of the Sides signal, pan the copies left and right, and reverse the phase on ONE of the channels. Then, when you add the Mid signal (in mono), the stereo image will be revealed.
Here is some detailed instructions on Mid-Side recording:
https://www.uaudio.com/blog/mid-side-mic-recording/!!
Source for both images: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/7-stereo-miking-techniques-you-should-try/
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
edited 15 hours ago
Todd Wilcox
33.3k256111
33.3k256111
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
answered 20 hours ago
Peter
991112
991112
Succinct. I intrinsically understand the two, but always have difficulty explaining it to other people.
– Tetsujin
19 hours ago
@ Peter- This is a very good answer to this question and I, like Tetsujin have always had trouble explaining it to others. You communicate well. The link was also very good. I personally feel that M/S also adds a third dimension, depth, to the stereo field, which seems rather flat when I listen to X-Y stereo, but that may just be my own opinion.
– skinny peacock
18 hours ago
+1 for including the post processing
– DrSvanHay
18 hours ago
Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to make my answers as short as possible, while still containing all the relevant info. I really enjoy being a part of this community!
– Peter
17 hours ago
add a comment |
Succinct. I intrinsically understand the two, but always have difficulty explaining it to other people.
– Tetsujin
19 hours ago
@ Peter- This is a very good answer to this question and I, like Tetsujin have always had trouble explaining it to others. You communicate well. The link was also very good. I personally feel that M/S also adds a third dimension, depth, to the stereo field, which seems rather flat when I listen to X-Y stereo, but that may just be my own opinion.
– skinny peacock
18 hours ago
+1 for including the post processing
– DrSvanHay
18 hours ago
Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to make my answers as short as possible, while still containing all the relevant info. I really enjoy being a part of this community!
– Peter
17 hours ago
Succinct. I intrinsically understand the two, but always have difficulty explaining it to other people.
– Tetsujin
19 hours ago
Succinct. I intrinsically understand the two, but always have difficulty explaining it to other people.
– Tetsujin
19 hours ago
@ Peter- This is a very good answer to this question and I, like Tetsujin have always had trouble explaining it to others. You communicate well. The link was also very good. I personally feel that M/S also adds a third dimension, depth, to the stereo field, which seems rather flat when I listen to X-Y stereo, but that may just be my own opinion.
– skinny peacock
18 hours ago
@ Peter- This is a very good answer to this question and I, like Tetsujin have always had trouble explaining it to others. You communicate well. The link was also very good. I personally feel that M/S also adds a third dimension, depth, to the stereo field, which seems rather flat when I listen to X-Y stereo, but that may just be my own opinion.
– skinny peacock
18 hours ago
+1 for including the post processing
– DrSvanHay
18 hours ago
+1 for including the post processing
– DrSvanHay
18 hours ago
Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to make my answers as short as possible, while still containing all the relevant info. I really enjoy being a part of this community!
– Peter
17 hours ago
Thanks for the compliments. I try hard to make my answers as short as possible, while still containing all the relevant info. I really enjoy being a part of this community!
– Peter
17 hours ago
add a comment |
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Purely a guess: one places the mics - essentially two - rather like they are p.a. speakers, parallel but facing the same way, some distance between them. The other puts the mics as if they are our ears, pointing in opposite directions. They then capture sound exactly as our ears do, so when listening (at least on cans) it reproduces what we'd have listened to had we been there.
– Tim
21 hours ago
5
@Tim this is not correct.
– Peter
20 hours ago
@Tim Why guess when you can simply google or just wait for anyone who knows to answer?
– Todd Wilcox
19 hours ago
@ToddWilcox - fair enough. If I can Google, so can anyone else, so the better comment might be to the OP. Google it yourself. It was simply an idea. If it's that desperately wrong, it'll be deleted, thus was only a comment rather than an answer.I'm trying to add ideas to the site - is that such a bad thing? I was half right!
– Tim
19 hours ago
@Tim How will it "be deleted"? Maybe you are saying you'll delete it? BTW, the first mic technique you described in your comment is called "spaced pair". The second is called "binaural", and requires an actual dummy head with fake pinnae and microphones put into the dummy head where a real head's ears would be. The problem with having the wrong information here is that it could confuse future readers.
– Todd Wilcox
16 hours ago