Ambient mics?

LOL

This is a mic. really designed for the concert hall and not used on location.

True but we had a demo from a guy who was running around with the 5.1 version recording ambiences all over the place. And I know a few folks who are big advocates of recording ambiences with these head shaped things with mics in the ears.
 
^ Yeah, before I was actually looking at those 5.1 mics from holophone, etc (which look quite similar) Considering you would need a recorder with many inputs (= lots more money), not to mention there seems to be a lot of complexity with getting it all "decoded" and using it with editing software, etc I've shied away from them and looked at less expensive and complex options.

It actually looks like that Mitra 3d mic can decode (with included software) and give you 5 discrete channels for surround sound, but it doesn't look like I could use this feature if I edit with Sony Vegas (which is the editing software I use). I sent an email to Mitra to make sure I read their compatibility table correctly, but no answer yet (probably because of the holidays)
 
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What about the Audio-Technica BP4029? LINK I really liked the idea that its about the same size as a Senn 416 and therefore will fit in my Rycote Windshield Kit 4.
 
A stereo shotgun? It sounds like (from the reviews) it's best for outdoor use, but I have no idea if that means ambient or if it means something else
 
I use the sony prosumer M/S mic's for all my ambient/buzz track and stereo effects recording with a mini disc or marantz PCM recorder.

The ECM-MS907 is the smallest and handy to carry around for any quick grab sound effects and the larger ECM-MS957 is what I use for more planned recording.

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/pam-music/ecm-ms907
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/pam-music/ecm-ms957

I have used both these mic's for over 15 years on major film and TV projects and they have always given good stereo sound with the ability to adjust the width of the image if required, I have added extra wind shields and pistol grips to make them more location friendly.
 
I'm guessing that for the zoom h2n, the best quality audio would come from recording straight to the device, correct?

Recording with the 5 internal mics works great, it has a line in - but not XLR. I never used this, so I can´t say anything about the quality.
The great thing on the H2N is the 4 different patterns: Stereo, Mid-Side, 2 track surround and 4 track surround.
That´s what I bought it for, recording ambiance in different modes and high quality at the size of a pack of cigarettes.

Frank
 
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