Chapters 4 and 5 describe, respectively, the principles and practicalities of eq, and stereo imaging, while chapter 6 provides a comparative account of a range of stereo microphone arrays, including xy, blumlein, nearcoincident, and spaced pair configurations as well as middleside, decca tree, and binaural methods. Decca tree mic technique in action in abbey roads studio two. Recording techniques assessment 2 recording techniques blog. Decca tree the decca tree is another common mic technique used in orchestras to get a good natural reverb sound in concert halls and such. Dpa microphones help the fukada tree to bloom tv technology. Thesis summary department media programme area of specialisation sound design author kirsi ihalainen title methods of choir recording for an audo engineer sort of final thesis written project.
Decca records, who had a long tradition of developing experimental recording techniques including surround sound and proprietary recording equipment, developed the decca tree in 1950s as compromise between the purist stereo pair and multimic arrays for orchestral recording. One of these techniques employscoincident microphones to create a stereophonic. Buy neumann m150 omnidirectional tube condenser microphone. Surroundsound decca tree page 3 of 16 back to the basics in the early 1930s, at the same time that early experiments in spaced microphone leftcenterright stereo were being conducted in the united states by the. Spaced omni and decca tree none of which are possible with these mics. Our students had the unique opportunity on monday to head into the famous studio two at abbey road studios. Moving the tree closer to the source can also cut down on omni boominess. In 1937, anticipating nazi aggression leading to world war ii, lewis sold american decca and the link between the uk and u. In 1984, mike gray helped assemble a discography of deccas classical releases, giving him access to their engineers and recording logs, and a valuable insight into how their records were made. The technique traditionally uses three omnidirectional microphones, traditionally neumann m50. The three omnidirectional microphones are arranged in a triangular pattern with the center microphone being in front of the other two. The decca tree technique was developed by decca records in the 1950s, and its one of the most popular methods of recording stereo and spacial ambience in orchestral and symphonic productions. It uses three omnidirectional microphones in a triangle.
I dont have the luxury of mounting the mics behind the conductor, but the conductor can move back a little. Im astonished by the claim that the decca tree is the most commonly used spacedpair technique. Implemented techniques, criticism, advice and insults i was offered here and am hoping that i might get an opinion from anyone. It was originally developed as a sort of stereo ab recording method adding a center fill. By the way, according to this particular ex decca engineer the decca tree technique as used by decca always had at least six microphones the tree, plus two omni outriggers one each side of the stage, plus there was always a spot microphone for the tympani. The ultimate guide to recording techniques, even if you. This expanded, uptodate edition of modern recording techniques can help guide you through the process of creating, understanding and mastering the professional and project studio. Two of the microphones are positioned about two meters apart. In the last issue, bruce bartlett examined many of the ways to position two mics for great stereo. Microphone techniques for studio recording practical. Decca records is a british record label established in 1929 by edward lewis.
Ever since the 1930s, when early experiments in stereo transmission techniques were conducted on both sides of the atlantic, two basic but radically different approaches to stereophonic recording coincident microphones vs. Schoeps decca tree 2h microphone set, includes 3x ccm 2h l omni directional compact microphone, 3x ka 40 sphere attachments, wooden storage box mfr. Places the two mics anywhere from only a few feet to more than 30 feet apart and uses time and amplitude cues in order to create a stereo image. Microphones, microphone techniques, and their impact on the final mix.
The technique utilises three, omnidirectional microphones. Vienna home by plantlady rec services free listening on soundcloud. Published on mar 7, 2016 the decca tree is a microphone technique most commonly used for orchestral and symphonic recording. The sabrasom decca tree microphone support allows you to simultaneously position 3 omnidirectional microphones in a 180. But most of the results will depend on your recording space, and the time spent getting the initial setup. The decca tree microphone technique uses are most commonly used for orchestral recording. Decca tree technique is more accurate because of the centre microphone. The tree can be stand mounted or slung with optional hanging brackets and has fully adjustable mounting positions. If you are stressing yourself out because you dont know which method to use, just keep it simple. This technique captures the position of a particular instrumentalist by means of timedifferences between the signals arriving at the microphones. Information can be found in most books on general audio. It was only a matter of time before someone came along and broke decca s threemic theory. The most important thing to remember about using them is that they need phantom power to work.
First of all, no arrangement of three microphones is a spaced pair. Ela m 260 microphone trimono set telefunken elektroakustik. Microphone systems as the usual technique of music balancing is to obtain an overall stereo phonic sound image from the main microphones, and to reinforce this as necessary with spot microphones, it would be as well to examine the two. Even if you never intend to record an ensemble larger than a standard rock, pop, or jazz rhythm section, a good grasp on the many techniques for stereo recording is essential and will come in handy sooner or later. The decca tree is a stereo mic formation made up of three omnidirectional microphones laid out in a triangular formation to capture strings immaculately. Talking about classic recording techniques, the decca tree is a testament to the ingenuity of the sound engineers of yesteryear. Grace design sbdt decca tree microphone mounting kit. Internationally renowned recording engineer and lecturer akira fukada made an enormous impact at the new york aes convention in 1997 when he unveiled the fukada tree seven microphone arrangement a totally new technique for recording orchestral music in surround sound for subsequent broadcast or cd release. Some people were not happy with the results using the cardioidpatterned m49. The third microphone is positioned between the first two, but about 1. Eventually the neumann m50 became the standard, and has been the predominant decca tree mic for decades. Originally it used three cardioid microphones, but later switched to omnis neumann m50s.
Secrets of the engeneers in 1984, mike gray helped assemble a discography of deccas classical releases, giving him access to their engineers and recording logs, and a valuable insight into how their records were made. The comparison of different microphone positions for orchestra instruments. Each technique has an advantage for particular applications. Optimized cardioid triangle oct is a modified decca tree that uses three cardioid microphones in a triangle with the center mic about three inches or so from the center, and the side mics which face out towards the sides 15 to 36 inches away from each other. Here are six stereo miking techniques you can try out today. Schoeps decca tree 2h microphone set decca tree set 2h adorama. Professional audios bestselling author bobby owsinski the mixing engineers handbook, the mastering engineers. From using microphones to deciding on eq settings, choosing outboard gear to understanding how, when and why to process your signal, the seemingly neverending choices can be very confusing. The signal from each microphone should be panned hard left or right as appropriate, or recorded directly to the left and right channels of the stereo master. Over the years, various microphones were auditioned in decca trees. Other spot microphones would then be added as necessary, and all mixed down to. Made by hand, the decca tree consists of 3 hexagonal 3. The tips, tricks, and tools in this bestselling book will enable you to record music in new and innovative ways thatll help you express your talents to their.
Very little sound from the rooms environment will be picked up by the mic most of the sound will be direct from the voice or instrument. The decca tree the decca tree is a microphone technique pioneered by the uk based decca company. Jan 12, 2005 by the way, according to this particular ex decca engineer the decca tree technique as used by decca always had at least six microphones the tree, plus two omni outriggers one each side of the stage, plus there was always a spot microphone for the tympani. The oct2 variation suggests that the center microphone should be placed 40 cm 15. Weathervane decca tree overhead method audio example. Secrets of the engineers in 1984, mike gray helped assemble a discography of decca s classical releases, giving him access to their engineers and recording logs, and a valuable insight into how their records were made. The ka 40 accessory mounting spheres cause increased directivity between 1 and 4 khz, which in turn increases the differences among the signals picked up by each microphone.
You can read more from the recording engineers handbook and my other books on the excerpt section of. The technique was developed in the early 1950s and first commercially used in 1954 by arthur haddy, roy wallace, and later refined by engineer kenneth ernest wilkinson and his team at decca records, to provide a strong stereo image. Mic it microphones, microphone techniques, and their impact. By adding two additional rear cardioids 15 inches back from the l and r and eight. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. One of the problems often associated with the decca tree technique is a loss of high frequency content due to the physics of how sound travels. During the mid1950s, the engineers at decca studios developed a single microphone array to eliminate the placement issues with traditional stands and multimicrophone setups.
That is why mercury became the messenger of the gods. In addition to capturing a solid stereo picture, a decca tree also provides opportunity to alter the perceived depth and scope during mixdown. A microphone is placed within three feet of the sound source, which will achieve a close, tight recording. Mar 07, 2016 the decca tree is a microphone technique most commonly used for orchestral and symphonic recording. You should also note that this ruthlessly exposes lessthangreat string sections.
This thesis is compiled from interviews, articles and books of the people who work. Decca tree bracker, three smp bars with sliders as with all standmounted microphones, it is good practice to use shockmount suspensions to attach the microphones to the decca tree assembly. Secrets of the engineers home handcraft the decca sound. Aug 27, 2016 weathervane decca tree overhead method audio example. Working as a recording engineer presents challenges from every direction of your project. Using akg 414s in a variation of the decca tree for. The spacing between the left and right microphones was. We were fortunate to have plenty of neumann m50s on hand to pick from abbey roads one of. The technique traditionally uses three omnidirectional microphones. Dont try complicated techniques like the glyn johns method or a decca tree when you can use simple tricks like the xy technique. A look at the decca tree stereo recording technique bobby. Three neumann u47 microphones are mounted and it looks as if they are arranged somewhat in the configuration of the early stokowski experiment or even the later decca microphone tree. A variation of the spaced pair is the decca tree, the standard for orchestral recording, comprised of a spaced pair with a center mic connected to a custom stand and suspended over the conductor. We also recommend that the entire array be additionally isolated from the.
Jun 06, 2018 a look at the decca tree stereo recording technique. Mercury is the god of commerce, travel and thieves. Jul 27, 2016 optimized cardioid triangle oct is a modified decca tree that uses three cardioid microphones in a triangle with the center mic about three inches or so from the center, and the side mics which face out towards the sides 15 to 36 inches away from each other. From xy and ortf to midside, decca trees and spaced pairs, see and hear some of the most effective tactics for placing stereo microphones. Dec 11, 2008 each technique has an advantage for particular applications. It was originally developed as a sort of stereo ab recording ab technique method adding a center fill. Well start with the basics and then move to some more exciting options.
The evolution of the surroundsound decca tree building on the authors variations on the decca tree an expanded surround sound configuration has been realized. Ian corbett capture great sound in the first place, and spend less time fixing it in the mix with ian corbetts mic it. With his expert guidance, youll quickly understand essential audio concepts as they relate to. This is why the decca tree set uses our compact ccm series microphones. The decca tree technique was developed by the engineers at decca records to be able to accurately record orchestral recordings. The decca tree was created as a stereo ab recording method adding a center fill microphone. Choosing the right microphone by understanding design tradeoffs.
Apart from individual engineers choice of mic, it remains largely unchanged to this day. The technique was developed in the early 1950s and first commercially used in 1954 by arthur haddy, roy wallace, and later refined by engineer kenneth ernest wilkinson and his team at decca records, to provide a strong. All these other techniques are almost identical to the ortf array with slight variations in microphone angles and spacing. But after so many years wilma cozart fine gave new life to the living presence recordings. The decca tree is a spaced microphone array most commonly used for orchestral recording. Perhaps the most famous decca recording technique is the one. Microphone stand mount decca tree assembly procedure. If you are required to record as a team especially with trainees then each technique should be memorised with its correct name. Positioning a condenser microphone is much different from placing a dynamic microphone.
He reveals the truth about the famous decca tree and the creation of the labels unique sound. Dpa coyly suggests that 40034006 with 40mm balls will emulate the m50. The m 50 microphones used in the original decca tree 1950s were built on this same principle. Decca tree this technique was developed by roy wallace and arthur haddy at decca studios in london in the early 1950s. In the 1950s this sound was further improved by the advent of stereo and in particular the development of the decca tree spaced microphone technique which helped capture not only a strong stereo image, but also the ambiance of the venue. The decca tree itself consists of an arrangement of three omnidirectional microphones the neumann m 50 tube condenser is a perennial favorite suspended around 10. Decca tree the decca tree is a stereo microphone technique developed by roy wallace and arthur haddy at decca studios in london in the 1950s, and has been used for years for stereo recording of orchestras. It utilized three omnidirectional microphones situated at the ends of a large tshaped fixture. Ab, blumlein, decca tree, ms, mic technique, midside technique, miking techniques, ortf, spaced pair, stereo. To read more from bobby, and to acquire copies of his outstanding books such as the recording engineers handbook, be sure to check out his. The decca tree setup evolved from the idea of a minimal recording technique using a pair of microphones. Multipurpose free delivery possible on eligible purchases. Secrets of the engeneers in 1984, mike gray helped assemble a discography of decca s classical releases, giving him access to their engineers and recording logs, and a valuable insight into how their records were made.
Pdf methods of choir recording for an audio engineer. This is the most common of the various microphone techniques that people will know about. Stereo miking is a great way to increase the sense of depth in your recording of an instrument. The decca tree is a spaced microphone array most commonly used for orchestral recordings. Mercury records living presence wilma cozart fine and 50. Mic techniques 101 audio recording, drums, featured article, guitar, keyboards, strings july 14, 2014 march 12, 2019 todd hobin sooner or later just about every musician ends up in front of a microphone. The greater the spacing between mics, the greater the stereo spread. But even among setups of spaced main microphones, is it really used more often than ordinary spaced omnis ab, or three microphone setups in which the center microphone is not. A decca tree configuration is characterized by having three omnidirectional microphones in a t shaped setup.
There are a lot of different microphone techniques and recording methods out there. Mic it microphones, microphone techniques, and their. The technique was developed in the early 1950s and first commercially used in 1954 by arthur haddy, roy wallace, and later refined by engineer kenneth ernest wilkinson and his team at decca records, 1 to provide a strong stereo image. In simplistic terms, a decca tree is a tshaped bar that is suspended above a sound source. Neumann m150 omnidirectional tube condenser microphone. Modern recording techniques chapter 4 flashcards quizlet. Spaced microphone technique most often used in classical recordings. One thing to be careful of in stereo recording is phase cancellation. The comparison of different microphone positions for orchestra instruments duration. A look at the decca tree stereo recording technique. Trygg tryggvason decca tree classical music sound recording. I am in a situation where decca tree is kind of the implied only solution its a small chamber orchestra 35 pieces give or take playing in a church. They tried omnidirectional mics, which it turns out were wellsuited for the decca configuration.
The ultimate guide to recording techniques, even if you dont. The gefell decca tree set 1 is supplied complete with a matched set of three m 221 microphones in a suitcase. Immersive sound and objectbased audio with dpa microphones. In contrast to the ortf stereo technique, the decca tree size is not fixed and may vary. The technique was developed in the early 1950s and first commercially used in 1954 by arthur haddy, roy wallace, and later refined by engineer kenneth ernest. Stick to things you know you can handle and make the most of it. This employs a soundfield mkv microphone or a midside mic as the frontcenter pickup and two pairs of flanking microphones. Imo this technique is often misapplied for small sources like choir, piano trio, etc, where other techniques work better.
987 547 167 610 218 575 201 120 1179 1446 1515 702 1383 816 973 265 1318 170 232 389 132 1331 935 850 265 856 170 1326 789 1093 332 624