Coincident pair

Definition

A coincident pair is a stereo miking technique that involves placing two microphones very close together, typically at the same point in space, to capture sound from a single source while preserving the stereo image. This technique is often used to achieve a tight stereo image and a balanced sound field. The coincident pair method is effective for various applications, including recording instruments, vocals, and ambient sounds, allowing for a natural representation of the audio source.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coincident pairs are often used in recording environments where space is limited, allowing for effective stereo capture without needing extensive mic placement.
2. The technique minimizes phase issues since both microphones are capturing sound from the same location at the same time, leading to clearer recordings.
3. Using coincident pairs can enhance the depth and clarity of recordings, making it particularly popular in orchestral and acoustic music settings.
4. This method is versatile and can be applied to various instruments, such as drums, guitars, and pianos, to achieve different sound textures.
5. Coincident pair techniques are commonly preferred in live sound applications because they reduce feedback risks and enhance overall sound quality.

Review Questions

• How does the coincident pair technique contribute to achieving phase coherence in stereo recordings?
  • The coincident pair technique helps achieve phase coherence by placing two microphones as close together as possible at the same point in space. This positioning ensures that both microphones capture sound waves from the source simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of phase cancellation or reinforcement. As a result, this method provides a more accurate and balanced representation of the audio source, which is crucial for maintaining clarity in stereo recordings.
• Discuss the advantages of using a coincident pair over other stereo miking techniques when recording live performances.
  • Using a coincident pair for live performances offers several advantages, including improved feedback rejection and minimized phase issues. Since the microphones are positioned closely together, they capture sound from the same location, which reduces the risk of feedback that can occur with spaced pairs. Additionally, this method enhances the overall clarity and definition of instruments and vocals within a crowded sound field, allowing for a more natural stereo image that is essential in live settings.
• Evaluate how different microphone configurations within the coincident pair technique can impact the overall sonic character of a recording.
  • Different microphone configurations within the coincident pair technique, such as the XY arrangement or other angles, significantly affect the sonic character of a recording. For instance, an XY configuration captures a wide stereo image while preserving phase coherence and depth. However, varying angles or types of microphones can alter frequency response and spatial perception. Evaluating these choices allows producers to tailor recordings specifically to desired artistic outcomes, influencing how listeners experience the audio.

Related terms

XY configuration: A common arrangement for coincident pairs where two microphones are positioned at a 90-degree angle to each other, with their capsules as close as possible to minimize phase issues.

Phase coherence: The alignment of sound waves captured by multiple microphones, ensuring that the audio signals combine smoothly without cancellation or reinforcement at certain frequencies.

Stereo image: The spatial representation of sound that allows listeners to perceive the direction and depth of audio sources in a stereo recording.