12 November 2025
One of the most difficult parts of audio production is capturing a stereo recording of an ensemble in an unusual configuration and a noisy environment.
One such situation would be recording a bluegrass jam session inside a brewery. Often in such a situation, the musicians arrange themselves in a circle, facing inward. This allows them eye contact with everyone else in the group, no matter how large.
Miking a group in 360 degrees, however, is fairly difficult, and it can pose challenges for stereo imaging, phase, and minimizing room noise.
One stereo microphone configuration that people often consider (and recommend) is a Blumlein pair. In this video, I demonstrate why Blumlein isn't a good choice.
Harrison Mixbus v10