There are a multitude of stereo miking techniques that can be used when recording small musical ensembles. Capturing an authentic sound is paramount. As part of our basic recording techniques video series, we are going to demonstrate three of the most common approaches to properly capture the small ensemble. 1. Stereo Condenser The AT4050ST stereo condenser microphone features a single cardioid and one figure eight element situated in a mid-side arrangement under one housing. This provides you with maximum flexibility and ease of setup when recording in stereo. The AT4050ST offers three output modes: one standard mid-side output and two internally matrixed stereo modes of 90 and 127 degrees. In the example from our video, the mic is set to mid-side mode and positioned 45 inches up and 5 feet out from the center of a string quartet. 2. XY Pair Position two AT4051b cardioid condenser microphones in an XY pair, each placed 45 degrees off-axis from center. Set the elements as close together as possible, as this will ensure that sound hits both elements at the same time, allowing for maximum phase coherence. The cardioid pickup pattern of each microphone provides a realistic stereo image that isn’t overly wide. In the example from our video, the two AT4051b small diaphragm condenser mics are placed approximately 48 inches up and 6 feet away from the center of the ensemble. 3. Blumlein Array Utilizing the Blumlein Array technique allows you to produce a spatially accurate recording with more ambience than you will get from an XY pair. Arrange two AT4080 bidirectional ribbon microphones as close together as possible, 90 degrees off-axis from one another. The AT4080 pair should be placed 42 inches up and 7 feet back from the center of the group. With these stereo microphone techniques you’ll be able to produce professional quality recordings of any small musical ensemble.