10
RECORDING IN STEREO WITH SPARK SL
Another great use for your Spark SL microphone is recording in stereo. For this use, you’ll need two Spark SL
microphones. Stereo recording is often the preferred method for many different recording situations, from
acoustic guitars to orchestras, because stereo recording provides the listener with an even more realistic
listening experience.
Stereo recording works much like the way we hear. Our ears are pointed approximately 110 degrees in different
directions, which allows us to comprehend where a sound comes from. Stereo recording involves using two
microphones pointed in different directions ranging from 90 to 180 degrees, or two microphones pointed at the
same instrument from different directions. Because the microphones are pointed in different directions, you
are able to capture realistic spacing and depth in your recordings, similar to the way we hear. In essence, two
microphones positioned in this way will better capture the reflections and formation of the sound in the room.
There are several different ways to record in stereo with your Spark SL microphones. Start by placing two
Spark SL microphones about 4-10 feet apart, and point both of them toward an instrument (or instruments). As
a starting point, it is ideal to form an equilateral triangle between the two microphones and the instrument (one
point of the triangle being the instrument, the other two being the Spark SL microphones) but just listen to what
is being recorded, and decide for yourself what the ideal positioning of your Spark SLs might be. This technique
is great for recording drums, an orchestral ensemble, or a full band recording.
