Subject:Microphones for stereo field recording?

Posted by: Zack S

Date:12/25/2006 8:07:00 PM

I am a user of Sound Forge Audio Studio and would like to use it for recording environmental sounds (crowds, waves, wind, insects, etc) on location with a laptop. The sound card I am using is a Presonus Firebox.
Can anyone suggest a microphone that would be good for a beginner to start with?
Would the EV RE-15 be very suitable for this? I frequently see them sold in matched pairs on ebay for around $175.
How effective are windscreens if used in a windy environment?

Any info on this will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Subject:RE: Microphones for stereo field recording?

Reply by: drbam

Date:12/26/2006 7:05:04 AM

What's your budget? Good stereo mics (which I'd recommend instead of a matched pair for field recording) range from about $200 to $2000 (and higher). A popular model is the Audio Technica AT825 which runs about $350 new.

There are special windscreens for field recording which typically work fairly well but they can get pricy. Your mic selection would determine the type and model of windscreen.

Subject:RE: Microphones for stereo field recording?

Reply by: Zaax

Date:12/26/2006 8:07:53 AM

Thanks for the reply.

I would like to keep my budget below $250.

Does the AT825 have very good seperation?

Thanks
Zack

Subject:RE: Microphones for stereo field recording?

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:12/27/2006 2:03:35 PM

RODE have the NT4 and the cheaper Stereo VideoMic.

You will need a mic with high sensitivity and good HF response.

geoff

Subject:RE: Microphones for stereo field recording?

Reply by: drbam

Date:12/27/2006 2:52:06 PM

Both the 825 and NT4 are fixed XY configuration. A good stereo mic that's adjustable will put you around $800 and more. I personally like the 825 better than the Rode because its lighter (the Rode could be used as street fight weapon if needed) and the top end has more openness and air. They sound very different IMO. If you think you'll need more than an XY configuration, then you should go with 2 small condensors and forego the convenience of the single stereo mic. The MXL 604 is a lot of mic for the money ($99 each) which fits your budget with some change for other accessories.

Subject:RE: Microphones for stereo field recording?

Reply by: Zack S

Date:1/2/2007 4:31:50 PM

Thanks to all who replied.
A pair of MXL 604's would be right in my budget. I do have a question though. How does one mount 2 mic's in an XY configuration? Is there a mount that I can buy to do this? I looked around on the B&H web site but could not find anything like that.

Thanks
Zack

Subject:RE: Microphones for stereo field recording?

Reply by: drbam

Date:1/3/2007 6:04:47 AM

Zack: There are dual mic mounts (stereo mic bars) of all kinds and prices. B&H certainly does not have the best prices but they create some snazzy ads. I would suggest that you contact Full Compass (I've been purchasing from them for many years). Its rare that they won't meet or beat any other advertised price. David Cradler is the sales rep that I work with - very knowledgable guy. 800-356-5844 - ext 1156. Call and tell him what you're looking for. FYI: I'm not connected with Full Compass in any way other than being a good customer.