[MacDV] Re: Using MA-300 mic adapter

[Danny Grizzle]

On 12/9/02 8:27 AM, "Jerry Axley" <omnipresent at mpinet.net> wrote:

> buy another me-66 and connect it to the input that you're not using so that
> you'll have 2 mics ... true stereo sound ;-) (just watch for cross phasing)

Actually, if adding a second mic is the solution, I'd get a figure 8 pattern
and run mid-side, the best stereo mic technique for production audio.
Benefits: true stereo, with image spread adjustable in post, single point
mic placement, plus added benefit of mixing down to mono with no phase
cancellation.

Unfortunately, Sennheiser does not make a figure-8 element in the ME series.
Their MKH 30 will get the job done.

In reality, almost nobody records true stereo except highly controlled
events, like symphony orchestra. Nearly all production audio is recorded
mono.

I got a little gung ho on this, bought full Rycote stereo blimp (2 mics)
plus assortment of Sennheiser MKH mics. Cool but cumbersome. Mic fish pole
heavier with two mics, non-standard 5-pin cabling, and also orientation of
mic becomes critical (can't be held "sideways"). Bottom line: I like my rig,
but it is not useful for stereo 100% of the time.

I'd use ME-66, record identical mono to both tracks at different levels, as
previously advised. If stereo is occasionally important, I'd look seriously
at the Rode NT4 stereo mic. There are also several mid-side mics on the
market, like Shure, or Sanken, maybe others. I'd look at the Location Sound
catalog for details on mid-side and various mics. Download the .pdf catalog
pages on their website - they contain excellent capsule articles on various
production audio subjects.

  <http://www.locationsound.com/>

Danny Grizzle