The left and right quadrants are the “out-of-polarity” zones of the
microphone. This is because the positive lobe of one transducer
is in one channel and the negative lobe of the second transducer
is in the other channel. Sources recorded in this area make the
listener want to turn their head, because the polarity in one ear
is off. Additionally, it decreases the mono-compatibility of the
microphone, as switching to mono results in electrical destructive
interference. Prominent early reflections from these regions can
cause an ill-defined and inaccurate stereo image. Take care not to
place sound sources in these out-of-polarity zones.
Note that this out-of-polarity low frequency material from the
left and right quadrants is also responsible for the sense of
spaciousness. Nevertheless, it is best to keep the sound sources in
the front and/or rear quadrants to ensure consistency of polarity in
your signal and an accurate stereo image.
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