i tend to use ORTF for my main stereo pair for live venues. i
understand that i typically must place the mics a bit closer than
where i might actually want to stand to listen the the group. in the
studio, i face a similar problem. i do lots of overdubs and recording
of solo tracks for classical instruments, and i like to choose mic
placement by ear. since in a live venue, i place mics closer than my
ears migt suggest, should i also use this rule inthe studio, placing
the mics a bit closer than my ear tells me to? i generally track all
solo lines in stereo, and i am about at the point where i am going to
just start throwing up a pair of schoeps cmc64s in ORTF about 4 feet
out for everything from violins and flutes to horns and classical
guitars. any thoughts on why this might not be a good idea? danke.



You are trying to mic according to a formula and this doesn't work.

You need to experiment with mic placement and where it sounds good is only the
starting point.


ORTF might be just dandy for ensembles at distance, but in the studio, I tend
to use an XY pair because I find the ORTF to be phase incoherant when miking
closely.

I have had some decent results using a Jecklin disc and omnis. See "First
Snow" on the RAP 5 CD and judge for yourself.

You will have to experiment to find what works best for your situation by
listening through monitors. Headphones aren't going to cut it.

There is no one technique that will fit every situation.
Richard H. Kuschel
"I canna change the law of physics."-----Scotty