Stereo recording techniques

[@LEWITT-audio]

Let us know what you want us to cover in the future. Just leave a comment below 👍

[@LangAaronM]

It would be great to see you all do a mid-side stereo demo with a few of your mics. Perhaps a 441 Flex in figure-8 with a 440.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thanks for the input!

[@cjs_alter_ego]

Crystal singing bowls. They are loud and the sounds go in every direction. Low and high tones.

[@bobbykanemusictube]

Y'all blew my mind with the ORTF. I never knew why it worked so well. I had no idea about why the math was what it was. Now I know. Thank you, Aviva.

[@johnbuxton2529]

Another excellent video, Simple, concise, informative ..... and very nicely recorded.

[@ABDLLHSDDQI]

AB had more existence on the left and right, with some overlap of soundstage in the center. XY had more center imaging with some air and room presence on the sides, so quite the opposite of AB. ORTF felt like it had the most continuous soundstage and imaging and it felt like the microphones were not discrete components, but rather the wall of sound coming from the instruments was coming directly towards me, not through microphone. So it felt more acoustically transparent way to bring me into the room. Awesome video, was really interesting to experience this.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thanks for the kind words! 😊

[@GreveStudioVideo]

Hello Lewitt Team, great Video. It will help a lot of beginners to get their first stereo recordings done properly. One little Detail I want to mention, though. The original ORTF specifications you are showing are absolutly correct, but it doesn´t come from the average ear distance. The average eardrum distance is 14 cm. The average distance the sound has to travel from the outer ears to the eardrums is 2x 10,5 cm which adds up to 21 cm. Our ears are located in an angle of 90 °. Even considering, that the final effective recording angle with 110 ° ORTF ist 96°, still this is not 90° But this is not important for beginners to know. I also understand the idea, to mention the ear distance, because it´s easy to remember this recording concept just thinking about that. All the best!

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi there, thanks for the feedback and the additional knowledge regarding this stereo technique. All the best from the LEWITT team!😊

[@MaxKernmayer]

I liked the ORTF setup on the drums the most as well. Now I want a 040 matched pair to record in stereo! :D

[@benoittissier58]

This video led me to experiment with ORTF. It brings incredible life, even for solo instrument (saxophone) with unmatched mics (NT1 and B5, hmm...). By the way, the tracks have to be panned full right and left.

[@LEWITT-audio]

It's great to hear that our video awakened such creative ideas in you! Keep it up 😊

[@Gongtopia]

Well done and I like the touches of humor. I do a lot of live recording of acoustic instruments and prefer using ORTF. I really like the 'natural' sound. Often I will also record an XY pair to give me choices depending on how the room and instruments sound..

[@Seitan-enjoyer]

Now I wanna try to record something in stereo. Cool video, as always

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thx for the feedback! If you're new to stereo recording, try the XY on acoustic guitar - it's easy and fun.

[@fiddlerspal]

Great job! Nice descriptions and demo.

[@ivannio8519]

Great review and infos. Thanks a lot :)

[@albtas9990]

Another great video! Thank you for explaining everything in such a clear way!

[@Whiteseastudio]

Ambisonic is next? 😂

[@LEWITT-audio]

An ambisonic mic made from cat food tins

[@Whiteseastudio]

@@LEWITT-audio nehhh... I'm more a dog type of guy 😅

[@LovestateRecords]

@@LEWITT-audio :O

[@cromlech1538]

Very good. Thanks for making these!

[@Joey-rp5vg]

Could we get a video on the Blumlein set up. I remember someone saying the Blumlein setup is also possible for live use. If you could do also an A/B of using tube mics V's Transformer mics from lewitt used as overheads and or room-mic setup. Would be nice. Thanks folks, keep up the good videos

[@LEWITT-audio]

Pretty cool idea! We try our best to make that happen.

[@Joey-rp5vg]

You guys and gals rock. You all sound down to earth, straight talking and humble. No wonder your mics sound fantastic. Thanks again

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Very informative tutorial. Thank you.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@argy-ji2zf]

Lewitt the good value for money in the mic market . The provide much better quality sound than the AKG did in the past .

[@apshinn]

Great video guys!!! I learned a lot!

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thx, Adam! What would you like to learn next?

[@apshinn]

@@LEWITT-audio Would love to see a video on different mic colors, from say tubes and what not. Maybe a mic placement video with some audio samples would be awesome! You guys rock! Im Team Lewitt for life!

[@mistercohaagen]

"Aggressive pleats"... is a phrase I've only now just thought to myself.

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

Good vid, don't get me wrong. Just one thing; you played the stereo recording of the drums in drummer's perspective. Something I do in my mixes, too, but then the shot was basically audience perspective, and my little brain was baffled. Had to close my eyes and just listen. Anyway good to hear the LCT 040 Match pair sounding sweet, as I have a pair of them

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thx for the feedback!

[@BeachClubRecords]

I prefer XY or ORTF on many sources that I want stereo... But mono on many instruments that I want panned up the middle or to stand out more or just on one side (left or right). I also tend to use M/S mic'ing instead of stereo when I really want a very big, wide sound.

[@KalichiNow]

I'd find it helpful if you could demonstrate how to use a stereo bar with the matched stereo pair LCT 140 Air. As well, suggestions for the kind of microphone stands you recommend to use with the above stereo mikes. Ones that suit recording acoustic guitars while sitting. A simple set up for those of us working in small spaces. Also recommendations for what stereo bar to use. Thanks for your help!

[@MrHamit64]

That's right. Especially ORTF stereo. But to be verry real we hear in 35 channel Dolby Atmos. Mind blown. Just with 2 ears you can hear full Dolby Atmos. Like just think about that. So many mics and speakers to do what 2 ears do.

[@weedeeeter]

Taylor and Lewitt, it's also my combo at home

[@LEWITT-audio]

That is great to hear!😊

[@overdaedgebroadcasting2220]

ORTF was amazing, I hope you guys do some videos on making sounds for streaming like stream alerts.

[@djonotv]

This is my fav vid in YT

[@LEWITT-audio]

💚

[@rtmca1]

I just purchased a stereo matched pair of Lewitt LCT 140 mics to record solo acoustic and classical guitar. Do you always, Lewitt pros,, recommend the XY Pattern for acoustic guitar (since this was the sole pattern demonstrated in the acoustic guitar segment).

[@LEWITT-audio]

We recommend it since it is the easiest stereo technique to get right. It also gives you a somewhat good stereo image, even though the distance to the source can be short. Hope that helps.

[@AvivaKillian]

I waaaaaaant! Lewitt! Please tell me what phase is! I have no idea how to handle it on my drum tracks 😫

[@BrodaSoya]

Thank you Ma'am! Just Subscribed! Nice info on the stereo and mono differences; a question if you please. I use a Boya BY-M1DM Dual Omini Directional Lavalier Mic with my smartphone (android)...wanted to know if a dual mic could be used to record in Mono or the fact that it's dual means it can only record in stereo?

[@TheOnlineBusker]

Very cool! I hadn't even heard of ORTF!! I'm very surprised at myself! Although, I know we are supposed to love the stereo sound, but I really like just using my LCT140 Air for acoustic, I don't know, it just sounds great and I never feel the need to record in stereo. I guess it's worth a try though! Cheers for the info! #MakeYourselfHeard

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thanks for the great feedback.

[@kebmo3108]

Thx for the video ! 👍 : One question: Gypsy Jazz with one Rythm Guitar , one Solo Guitar - both in stereo ? How to pan ? Thanks

[@barbaraaichinger9491]

Hi LEWITT, I would love to have a video about setting up a podcast environment - tips for acoustical elements in the room and where to position my mic. What mic would you recommend for podcast? Currently I am using an LCT 440 PURE.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Great input! Btw, the LCT 440 PURE sounds great on vocals and instruments. But you should get great results for podcasts as well. If you have any further questions, we're always happy to help!

[@stephkirwin1898]

when you record in xy or in any of these do you set each mic recording as a mono track or do you set in stereo for each mic . so further do you set each mic as far right and left then mix them later. to mono or stereo for the mix.. these are the variables I am confused with.

[@guerrerosdecarton]

Hi guys, I finally got the LCT 040 match pair and the LCT 40 M2 stereo bar. How did you get one of the microphones to be slightly higher than the other in XY setup?

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi there, thanks for your question! You need to angle one slightly up and the other slightly down. Or alternatively, there are some adapters that give you a little bit of space from the stereo bar, like we used in the video. I hope this helps!😉

[@PerEng2405]

Thank you both. Are the recording of the microphones in ORTF setup (or any other stereo configuration) recorded as individual ISO tracks and then combined in the DAW afterwards (?) .. or are the two channels linked in the recorder into one poly track ?

[@LEWITT-audio]

You can record to a stereo track for easier handling. Some prefer to use separate mono tracks.. It really depends on what's easier for you

[@PerEng2405]

@@LEWITT-audio Thank you [again]. Last question: are you panning the microphones L and R when recording stereo or will the selected polar pattern and selected stereo setup define the final sound image ?

[@LEWITT-audio]

@@PerEng2405 You need to pan them! But it is not always 100 % where it sounds best

[@PerEng2405]

@@LEWITT-audio Thank you very! much. For some odd-ball reason stereo recording is a big thing for me. Not in a 'Die Berliner Philharmoniker' kind of way (even though that could be amazing!!! one day) but more in a I-need-to-be-able-to-include-ambient-sounds to compliment eg the [mono] recorded dialogs or simply as an effect for later use. I am a nerd and audio is creeping up on me. Thank you for your support. /Per (Denmark)

[@GadesChannel]

The pair of 040 is a very interesting alternative to AudioTechnica BP4025 - but the main question is how to protect these small microphones from the wind in the field? Are there any small windshields/windjammers for 040? It's an important thing if you want to record outside the studio :)

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi there, thanks for your question. There are windscreens included with the microphones.😉

[@GadesChannel]

@@LEWITT-audio Oh, how convenient! :)

[@Herfinnur]

Mid/Side is my favorite

[@NetvoTV]

I wonder wouldn't it be better to record each source as its own mono track as source audio and then digitally place them in 3D space in post and then record the final recording digitally as stereo or even 3D audio that way you get all the sources clearly while still able to have spatial audio? Or that's what is how people make 3D nowadays and just previously there isn't much processing power to do and listen to such thing? Or such way will harder to produce environment influenced sound hence less natural, how about add base quiet place sound then?

[@LEWITT-audio]

Not sure what you mean by "digitally placing them in 3D space"... are you referring to adding a stereo ambience/reverb to a mono source? That would sound very different than a stereo recording which is capturing two unique perspectives of the instrument.

[@miltonex]

Ortf is my fav for drums and I also stero for guitar

[@LEWITT-audio]

Fantastic!

[@jian2517]

Thank you so much for the video! Learned a lot from it. I'm considering purchasing a pair of LCT 140 to record my piano. But my mixer is Roland Go:Mixer Pro (for the ease of recording videos with an iPhone). It only has one MIC XLR input. If I use a splitter to connect both mics to that one XLR input, would the sound still be mono? If so, should I just purchase one mic instead of the pair? Or, I supposed I could get another mixer that has two XLR inputs, but then I need to figure out how to record videos with my iphone using that sound source without post production.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi there, it's great to hear that you enjoyed the video. It really depends on your needs. If you want to record your only, then it makes more sense to stick with mono. If you record two microphones to one input, it still is a mono signal. Piano recordings really benefit from being stereo, but that would require a different setup with more inputs. I hope this answers your questions! Cheers from Vienna!😊

[@jian2517]

@@LEWITT-audio Thank you so much!

[@nemecjurij]

Is there a reason to use a stereo mic for voiceover and podcasting in an amateur home studio? I ask because other people's voices in stereo sound better to me, more immersive. However, a lot of people recommend cardioid microphones for this kind of things.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi there, usually it is easier to handle a vocal recording in mono as there can't be any phasing issues. If you enjoy stereo recordings of vocals more, please use it as your preferred technique, but always check for mono compatibility while recording. I hope this helps. 😉

[@epserser9396]

How about recording a classical guitar? Thanks.

[@sicknano]

i bought the lct 040 and wanted to mount them in ortf but had the issue that the xlr cabels cross too close on the back of the mics. then i rewatched the video and saw that you use a riser on one side for one mic. which mounting rail and riser did you use?

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi Paul ;) We used the "Triad-Orbit 3/8ADA" riser to increase the height of one the mics, and we used the "Gravity STB 01 PRO" stereo bar in that video. Hope that helps! Happy stereo recording ✌️

[@sicknano]

@@LEWITT-audio thx it helps alot

[@bertHarbinson]

Are there any super weird, rarely used stereo techniques that are actually pretty cool?

[@Gongtopia]

There is NOS (spaced 30 cm (11.8 in) apart and angled at 90°), which is a wider ORTF. This was developed by the Dutch radio & television. Also the Blumlein array (developed by Alan Blumlein), which is XY with 2 figure 8 pattern mics above/below each other angled at 90 degrees. Because of the figure 8 pattern you also pick up the sound of the room behind the mics. This can work out well in a reverberant concert hall where you want the ambience of the room in your recording.

[@jamesbayless1145]

I'm going to ask a dumb question...please be nice...if I'm recording an acoustic guitar, for example, do I pan the right mic to the right on the board, and the left mic to the left...or leave both mics centered?

[@LEWITT-audio]

You only have a stereo image if you pan the mics to opposite sides. By panning them not all the way, you can decide how wide you want your stereo image to be. As always, trust your ears! The best thing is to give it a listen and then decide how wide it has to be to feel right. I hope this helps!😉

[@KievitRob]

As for the drums, I'd go for ORTF as the most natural sounding, without the hey, this is binaural! effect. For the acoustic guitar, sorry, but mono is fine. Recording it in stereo would suggest width and depth, while the acoustic guitar is an intimate instrument: close and near, not all over the place. By the way, is ORTF called that because the positioning was invented by the Organisation de Radiodiffusion et Télévision française? Oh, and I love the presentation style.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thank you for your input Rob! What you're talking about is a proof that recording music is a creative process and there are no clear rights or wrongs. It all boils down to the effect you want to achieve. ORTF was in fact devised at the Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française, at Radio France to be more precise. And of course - we're glad to hear that you like the presentation style in our videos :)

[@syntheshwara]

Hello, I am looking for a microphone that can perform well in my small studio ( walls are with GypBoard and glass wool) and also field recording duties like quiet places and cityscapes. I would want to record acoustic instruments like guitars, kalimba, ocean drum, rain stick, and female vocals. In the studio, I have an option to use the SoundCraft MTK 12 mixer with Ghost preamps and Zoom H6 for field recording. What kind of microphone would you recommend?

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi, thx for your comment. Depending on your budget, we would recommend the LCT 440 PURE (large-diaphragm condenser microphone )or the LCT 640 TS, if you want a studio microphone that can do virtually anything. Below are the links to the product pages. If you have any further questions, we're always happy to help. www.lewitt-audio.com/microphones/lct-recording/lct-440-pure www.lewitt-audio.com/microphones/lct-recording/lct-640-ts

[@ramyhassan4393]

I have a question plz .. 1- to record stereo acoustic guitar, Do we need the same exact sort or brand of 2 mics or they may be different condensers? 2- any condenser mic would be fine and do the job or there are specified features? 3- why some audio engineers think that stereo recording not comfortable to the ears and makes buzz and differenced on time? Thanks for your valuable video

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi there! 1. Yes, it is necessary that they are the same mic model and brand. It is then furthermore encouraged that they are matched pairs. 2. For acoustic instruments and stereo recordings, small-diaphragm condensers are usually the best option. 3. The thing you are probably referring to is phasing, which is something to be aware of whenever you are recording with more than one mic. However, stereo recordings are supposed to provide you with a much fuller, more immersive sound. There are various stereo recording techniques that sound different to one another & the best idea would be to try them out and see which one sounds the best on your sound source. Hope that helps! 😁

[@ramyhassan4393]

@@LEWITT-audio Thank you so much

[@LEWITT-audio]

We're always happy to help 👍

[@felixtappeiner1730]

I also find ORTF the most interesting, how precisely is the matching of the LCT040MATCH pair?

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi Felix, thanks for the question. It works like this. We measure the frequency response and sensitivity of every single microphone we produce. Our measurement system controls the polarization voltage of the capsule to adjust the sensitivity, so it is the same for all LCT 040 MATCH. Then, an algorithm compares all measured frequency responses and puts together the perfect pairs.

[@kalealee3675]

Does lct 040 pair suitable for Handpan recording?

[@LEWITT-audio]

Yes, definitely.

[@Rishabh-Shukla]

Why do we overlap the mic's in xy technique, rather than keeping them at the same height at the required angle for xy?

[@LEWITT-audio]

In this setup, this usually helps with phasing issues. But it's good to try a few positions during the soundcheck. As always, trust your ears!

[@Rishabh-Shukla]

@@LEWITT-audio definitely, thankyou for an honest feedback. Appreciated.

[@robinglass7625]

What is the best way to create the hight difference between the mics ?

[@LEWITT-audio]

We use an adapter, you can find one online or just ask your local dealer. Greetings from Vienna

[@TLAudioMixingMastering]

The ORTF on the drums sounded great. It's definitely one of the stereo techniques I use least. My go-to is always AB with XY happening from time to time. Great vid!

[@mikeharwoodmusic]

ORTF works for me

[@MrHamit64]

Wait the 110 degree 6.69 intches thing for ORTF. Is that really how your ear drums are mounted in your head? I would have thought that they were 180 degrees end to end. Oh and the 6.69 intches thing. Isn't that a pretty smallish head? Hay ORTF is my fave of the stereo techniques. Just saying hmmmm did whom ever came up with ORTF actually look at an MRI or how ever you could actually see how a person's ear drums are mounted. Again I ask this too because it's said ORTF is kinda based on ears.

[@jaybertulus]

how is (was) stereo recorded on vinyl? one wave in one axis (left right along the spiral) and one perpendicular (into the record) ??? just wandering

[@LEWITT-audio]

We're not experts on that matter, but the needle appears to make diagonal movements from bottom left to top right to play one channel and bottom right to top left is the other channel. If you want to get all the details, this guy kinda sounds like he knows his stuff, I mean come on, he's using an electron microscope: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faamlaaveLygqpo

[@milindsarwate1919]

It's good for Tabla player

[@valerie98]

Is it possible to record in stereo with one mic, or do I always need two?

[@mpoleman]

You would always need two, unless you had a "stereo mic", which is really two microphones in one housing. You could also double track two mono takes and pan them, but that's a whole different ballgame.

[@jaybertulus]

what is my olypus ls-100 suitable for?

[@LEWITT-audio]

This one is actually pretty cool for recording in stereo - either for field or instrument recording. The built-in microphones look a bit like an ORTF without the spacing. You could connect a stereo pair and try all the other techniques as well. If you need help with the setup, just let us know!

[@HennesysHernandez]

ORTF

[@mattcero1]

With good headphones on, I could not tell a difference with the drums but it was profound with the guitar. I have some inexpensive matched pencil mics that aren't matched perfectly. So I use the slider of my mixer to bring one up a tad. Demonstrating this with voice or singing would have been great as well. And with sound traveling at about 1,100 feet per second, there is almost a millisecond of latency for every foot your mic is away from the sound source. Thank you.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Thanks for the feedback.😊

[@SAZIZMUSIC]

Can we use many more mics to record an acoustic guitar to make it sound like big open wide ? .. . dolby type 😊😹🤣

[@МихаилКоваленко-ж9ш]

M/S is the best but thanx! 😊

[@jimfbailey]

I was born with hearing in just one ear. I listened very closely and I think they all sounded the same (mono). I despise headphones that are made as stereo only. I always buy headphones that are mono or have a mono option or I will miss half of the sound.

[@blindfish7812]

Spricht man Lewitt eigentlich deutsch oder englisch aus? Also „Leeeewitt“ oder „louitt“

[@LEWITT-audio]

Gute Frage! Die richtige Antwort ist 2) Louitt

[@blindfish7812]

@@LEWITT-audio danke, war mir aufgrund eurer Herkunft nie ganz sicher

[@LEWITT-audio]

@@blindfish7812 Jederzeit! Wo bist du zuhause?

[@blindfish7812]

@@LEWITT-audio ich bin in Stuttgart zu Hause. Kann man euch denn eigentlich ohne Corona in österreich einfach besuchen? Fand die Tour von Warren Huart unglaublich interessant

[@LEWITT-audio]

Im Grunde kann man bei uns vorbeischauen, Voranmeldung ist aber immer gern gesehen. Und ja, wenn bitte ohne Corona kommen ;)

[@inreachent.4981]

Ortf

[@edjefferson9175]

OK. The stereo image is reversed. It is opposed to the video we see. The stereo image should be from the listener/viewer's perspective. "That's pretty much it for X/Y". Not quite. Next time consider mentioning mono compatibility. And where is mid/side? Did you miss that day at Audio Engineer School? 😀

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi Ed, thanks for your comment. Of course we didn't skip school, and studied up on stereo techniques. In the format of this video, this would take a bit too much time to explain. Maybe a followup would be a good idea.😉

[@onpointrecordz6231]

The rtf sounds sketchy I felt snare at the ends on each headphone when it comes to drums. At setup best for acoustic

[@overdaedgebroadcasting2220]

What you heard was everything on the one side and, Only the symbol was on the other side watch again.

[@johnjamyt]

Hello do you guys want to calab

[@jaybertulus]

SIMULTANEITY??? thats not a thing. do mics perform lorentz transformations? its impossible to say that two events occur at the same time. if one reference frame assigns precisely the same time to two events that are at different points in space, a reference frame that is moving relative to the first will generally assign different times to the two events en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File%3ARelativity_of_Simultaneity_Animation.gif wuaaAAAA!!!!

[@LEWITT-audio]

That's an interesting point. First of all, I would say that it depends on the frame of reference. I can set You and me as two different but also as one single frame of reference. So if I set the recording situation as the reference system, I don't have to translate it by means of Lorentz transformation into another. But maybe I have also understood something wrong...

[@jaybertulus]

just make sure the source aint moving

[@TheCatGoesRawrMusik]

Please.. just no puns

[@donraccoon6316]

oh I thoughht it's a guy with the strange voice😮

[@thorstenmichels5662]

Again! Someone is still telling the myth, that there is a relation between the distance between human ears and the basis of ORTF. The ORTF microphone arrangement consists of two cardioid microphones with a microphone base of exactly 17 cm and an axis angle (angle between the two microphone axes) of 110°. This value was found empirically by the sound engineers at Radio France - formerly the O_ffice de R_adiodiffusion T_élévision F_rançaise. The developers never pointed out a similarity with the ear distance, because the microphones have a cardioid characteristic - while the eardrums of our hearing are special frequency-dependent pressure receivers. An ORTF reference to head-related stereophony, or more clearly to headphone stereophony, is inappropriate. When recording loudspeaker stereophony, the "ear distance" has no significance (Eberhard Sengpiel at sengpiel dot audio) But nevertheless ... the recordings sound great +1

[@kebmo3108]

Thx for the video ! 👍 : One question: Gypsy Jazz with one Rythm Guitar , one Solo Guitar - both in stereo ? How to pan ? Thanks

[@LEWITT-audio]

Hi there, thanks for the kind words. That depends on a few things. If both guitars are stereo, the kind of stereo technique is important. In general, you try to make a balanced mix, so if you pan one guitar to one side you need to make sure that it is balanced with something else, on the other side. I hope this helps!😊

[@weedeeeter]

ORTF