There are two more interesting coincident techniques we would like to cover.
One developed by Ron Streicher as a soloist pickup, uses Omnidirectional
microphones, which exhibit some directional characteristics at higher
frequencies. This technique used with an included angle between 60 and 90
degrees yields a very stable center image with a good sense of space. The
use of a pressure transducer (Omnidirectional microphone) eliminates the
pops and breath blasting problems associated with pressure gradient
(directional microphones).
A variation of this technique, developed by Mr.
Dan Healy, the living GOD of live sound, and a convenient segue into our
next topic, is the near coincident 180 degree Omnidirectional microphone
method. Here a pair of Omnidirectional microphones are placed approximately
ear distance apart and oriented at 90 to the sound source, facing outward.
While the Streicher technique is suited only to close sound sources
or binaural playback (headphone listening) the Healy method produces a
recording suitable for playback on stereo speakers as well as headphones.
We did some of these at the Greek Theater, they are labeled as "critically
spaced omnis", enjoy !
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