Miking Techniques: Spaced Omni

The spaced omni technique is often used for recording orchestras. It employs a matched pair of omni mics typically positioned four to eight feet in front of the sound source. The mics are normally at the same height as the performers, although raising them to 10 feet or more in the air can increase perceived ambience. The distance between the mics should be approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the sound stage. While spaced omni provides excellent depth and stereo image, the center of the field may be less distinct. In situations where there is too much unwanted background noise or the mics must be placed further away due to logistics, experiment with using carefully placed cardioids or supercardioids with this spaced mic technique.

The spaced omni technique places omnis at a distance of 1/3 to 1/2 of the sound stage width from each other

As pointed out earlier, spaced miking techniques are not as technically accurate as some correlated miking techniques. They can be susceptible to phase anomalies owing to reflections entering the mics from various surfaces in the recording environment—although some people actually find this pleasing. Many engineers consider spaced mic techniques best for recording relatively uncorrelated sounds such as a pipe organ or outdoor ambience. Spaced techniques are also useful in creating the surround channels for surround sound.

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