Stereo Mics

[Claire Schoen]

I am a documentary producer and I'm in the market for a high-end stereo mic (max around $2,000) that I can use for everyday, on-location recording. I would like to be able to use it for interviews and ambiences. It needs to be mono/stereo switchable. Hopefully cardiod or hyper-cardiod. M/S preferable to X/Y.

1.) Does anyone have a great recommendation???

2.) Does anyone have experience with any of the following mics?
-- Sure VP88
-- AT835ST
-- Sanken CSS-55
-- Sanken CMS-10MS

Thanks. Claire Schoen

 

[vidled]

I would like to be able to use it for interviews and ambiences.

hey,

That part that I quoted might be a little tough.

I have the AT835ST and am very pleased with it; BUT for ambient stuff I use two Studio Projects C1 (could also use Oktava Mk012) in an ORTF set up.
I believe Schoeps makes a nice stereo mic too.
EDIT:
here it is:
http://www.schoeps.de/E-2004/ortf-stereo.html#mstc64
Yummy!

The problem with integrated ST mics such as the 835St is that the capsules are so close together. In order to get a TRUE stereo effect you'd want the mics in a similar distance than human ears, hence my preference for ORTF.

I remember when I did my first recording in ORTF of a car going past on a nearby road. I immediately played back the clip, probably 1 minute recording. When I listened back to the recording I looked up thinking there was another car going by again, it was THAT real!


Oh, by the way, many here will tell you that stereo isn't necessary, especially for dialogue; but I say go for it.
Just beware that it will get more involved in post.

 

[Petrus]

I have Shure VP88. Nice microphone, heavy, but can take a beating. Using both battery and phantom is a plus. Only downside is the highesh noise levels.

M/S is also good mono, just sum L & R and you get clean mono signal with no phase cancelation.

There are several stereo recording mic systems, each have their plus and minus sides. VP88 gives an amazingly good M/S stereo and a single mic is easier to use in field situations than AB, ORTF, Jeclin disk, whatever. You can wary the spread at the mic or record reparete M & S signals and decide about the stereo in the post. Or use the mid cardioid as your mono. Very flexible mic.

As long as the stuff you record is faily high level VP88 works fine. I have used it in radio doc and in location jazz recording.