Stereo sound in minutes with the x/Y microphone technique!

The X/Y microphone technique is a popular stereo recording technique. It involves two cardioid microphones, normally condensers that are pointed in such a way as to capture the whole instrument. 

You want the full tonal spectrum of an instrument in a proper stereo recording. The X/Y technique is one of the fastest, most simple and easy to setup in your bag of tricks, so you should definitely get familiar with using it if you haven't before.

Some technicalities.

This microphone technique involves two mono microphones used to capture a stereo image of one instrument. So we must position the microphones correctly, or specifically as close as possible to each other so that they are facing each other in an angle of 90° to 120°.

I recommend having the microphones as close to 90° as possible, but if you are close miking a large instrument, you might need to open the angle a little more.

Any more than 120° and you risk losing the stereo image of the instrument by neither microphone picking up the center of the instrument. 

A few advantages of the X/Y technique:

• As it is a stereo recording technique, panning both microphones to each side will result in a wide stereo image.

• Converting the recorded tracks to mono result in a fuller sound that you wouldn't get with one microphone.

• Since the microphones are so close to each other, there is almost no chance of having phase issues.

Many instruments are in need of more than one microphone during recording. It's just not possible for one microphone to capture the fullness, body, attack and brilliance in one position. So by using various microphone you mix the different characteristics of an instrument.

Here are some tips for using a X/Y pair.

• In today's recording age we record every single drum with at least one microphone if not more. When the time comes to mix your drum-kit, many mixing engineers tell you they always start from the overheads.
  
  The overhead microphones are the ones that pick up every single thing the drummer does. The most valuable microphones in the mix. So an X/Y pair is a good choice for drum overheads. It automatically has the advantages of being a great stereo technique and doesn't have problems with phase.

• If you can't position an X/Y pair as overheads try using the technique for capturing the room sound. Not only if you are recording drums, but also for whatever you have that sounds good in the room.

• X/Y can work well on acoustic guitar. Positioning them a foot(30cm) or so from the 12th fret will pick up the whole instrument perfectly. For more microphone techniques regarding acoustic guitar, check out my M/S recording technique for acoustic guitar.

• If you have a percussion player playing assorted percussion instruments such as congas, bongos and such you can position a X/Y pair a few feet above the instruments, capturing the whole group of instruments as a whole.

Stereo sound - impressive sound

Knowledge of a few stereo microphone techniques is a good thing to have in your utility belt. Being able to whip out two condensers and get a wide stereo sound in minutes is impressive to your clients and artists.

Just follow the above guidelines for setting it up, and use some of the advice I've given and you're up and running in minutes spreading stereo all over the place.

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If you liked this article be sure to check out the related articles.

An introduction to microphones. A good read before using any microphone techniques.

Awesome drum recording tips.

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