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Stereo recording techniques

Jan 21, 2021 10 min read

LEWITT Content Team
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Stereo recording techniques

Stereo recording is easy and fun. It makes recordings sound more immersive and realistic. You can do it too! In this blog, we’ll take a look at the basics of stereo recording, so you can start doing it on your own.

We even made a stereo recording cheat sheet for you.

Also, check out the video about stereo recording.

What does stereo mean?

The term stereo comes from the Greek word stereòs which means something like “being of full value”, solid, cubic, and spatial.

Still1

If both your ears are functional, you already listen in stereo. This gives you the

1) ability to perceive what direction a sound comes from

2) what type of room you are in (a bedroom a bathroom) and so forth.

Stereo recording - using time and level difference

You can locate a sound source because you have two ears. Let’s say someone is talking to you from the left. There’s a difference in level between the left and the right ear. This difference in level helps you to realize that the person next to you is standing to your left.

But there’s a second factor that helps you to locate the source more precisely – the difference in time. The sound coming from the left will hit your left ear first and then the right. 

By combining factors time and level, you’re able to locate sound sources. 

Let’s take a look at three stereo recording techniques that use time and level differences to create a stereo effect.

XY - uses the level difference to create the stereo effect

AB - uses the time difference to create the stereo effect

ORTF - uses time and level difference to create the stereo effect

Stereo match pair LCT 040 MATCH
audio interface for stereo recording
XLR cable
Mic stand
Stereo bar

What do I need to start with stereo recording?

Ok, so what do we need to start? 

  • 1x audio interface with 2 XLR mic inputs
  • 2x cardioid microphones, ideally the same make and model
  • 2x XLR cables
  • 1x mic stand with a stereo bar
  • or 2x mic stands

Important: Before you hit the record button, always make sure you’ve got the same gain on both channels!!!

If you can set the gain digitally, set both channels to the same exact values.

Some interfaces even allow you to create a stereo link between your two channels.

You'll find a more detailed article on how to start recording here

Stereo recording using the XY setup

Using the XY stereo technique is easy and safe since there is really nothing you can do wrong. Just don't forget to set both microphone input channels to the exact same gain.

If you have a matched stereo pair, use it. The XY stereo technique is the one that profits most from the matched frequency responses.

Since both capsules need to be right on top of each other, XY is a purely level-based stereo technique. 

Position both mics at a 90° angle and pay attention that the capsules are right on top of each other. 

 

90 degrees

 

Stereo recording using the AB setup

The AB position is a time-based stereo technique. Start with a 35 cm distance between the microphones and extend that distance to your liking. AB gives a good room impression, but make sure to experiment to find the right balance between direct sound and diffuse sound field. 

You can use cardioid and omnidirectional microphones for the AB setup. Omnidirectional mics give you are more natural bass response. 

AB stereo recording setup

Stereo recording with ORTF

ORTF is the most natural-sounding stereo recording technique.

That's probably because the setup resembles your head. Both mics are positioned using a distance of about 17 cm and a 110° angle - kinda like where your ears would sit. 

ORTF uses time and level difference to create the stereo effect. 

110 degrees

Acoustic guitar in stereo

So you might ask, when does it make sense to record the acoustic guitar in stereo.

Well, basically when the guitar is very important for the song or you want more depth.  

Stereo feels like you are surrounded by the sound, a bit like if you would play it yourself and hear it in real life.

It’s also great if you want the vocals in the center and to have them surrounded by the guitar.

You can find all kinds of different stereo techniques being used on acoustic guitar, very often you'll see XY. Here's a picture that shows the XY setup with an additional mono mic. 

The mics are positioned with a distance of about 30 cm and aim to where the neck joins the body of the guitar (12th fret area).

Guitar recording

 

Drums in stereo

Drums are predestined to demonstrate different stereo techniques. The instrument lives very much on spatiality, and the different parts of the set can be distributed in the mix according to taste. Typically you try to keep the kick and snare in the center because that's where they have the most punch.

Some people like to record their soundstage from the audience’s perspective, others like to record it from the view of the drummer. Pay attention to that the next time you'll listen to your favorite album.

Everything from AB, XY, ORTF, and even more exotic setups can be used. 

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