5 

Recording Methods 

 
This section covers two of the most common stereo recording techniques and will help you get 
started recording quickly. Keep in mind that there are many different ways of recording in stereo 
and this section is not an exhaustive study of all of the possible methods. 
 

X-Y 

 
This method of stereo recording is very popular 
due to its relative simplicity in setup and 
excellent mono mixdown compatibility. To use 
this method, attach both Pulsar II microphones 
to the stereo bar while using the Microphone 
Riser adapter on one of the microphones. The 
microphone riser positions one Pulsar II higher 
than the other, allowing the capsules to cross 
while remaining on parallel planes. The result 
of this positioning allows for recording the 
truest possible stereo image. 

Align the microphones so that the capsules are 
stacked directly on top of each other at a 90° 
angle. If you would like a wider stereo image, 
this angle can be increased up to about 110° while a narrower stereo field can be created by 
reducing this angle down to 60°. Experiment with various angles until you find one that works 
best for your application. 

As stated earlier, an additional advantage of this miking method is excellent mono mixdown 
compatibility. This means that your left and right channels can be summed together into mono 
with little or no phase-related issues such as cancellation or comb filtering. 
 

ORTF 

 
This recording method was originally 
developed by the French national broadcasting 
agency, the Office de Radio Télévision 
Française (ORTF) and emulates the pickup 
pattern of the human ears. To use this method, 
place the microphones on the Stereo Bar so 
that the capsules are 6-7 inches apart and that 
the microphones form a 110° angle. The 
Microphone Riser is not required in this 
configuration. 

This method results in a wide, natural sounding stereo image with good separation. However, 
recording engineers should be careful if mixing down ORTF signals to mono since phase 
issues (cancellation, comb filtering, etc.) may result depending on the placement of the 
microphones. 
 

Additional Methods 

 
As stated in the previous section, there are a variety of stereo recording methods not 
mentioned in this guide (Blumlein, Mid-Side, Spaced Omni, Decca Tree, etc.) and each method 
has its advantages and drawbacks. Your matched Pulsar II microphones and stereo bar are 
compatible with many of these methods. 

A great deal has already been written about stereo recording and we suggest searching the 
Internet or visiting your local music retailer or bookstore to learn more about these additional 
methods.