Topic by Neil

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  • Neil
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  • Registered: 19-02-2016
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Topic: Bluthner Phasing issue?

Hi all - I have a bit of a technical issue directed more to the professional users for live and broadcast situations....
I am particularly fond of the Bluthner model and I enjoy it most in stereophonic mode. Unfortunately I am getting some phasing issues (which have been commented on by various sound engineers for both TV broadcast (mono compatible) and also in my studio I am seeing the phase wander around alarmingly.
This month we are recording some live concerts in arenas and I'd really like to solve this issue beforehand.
I'd appreciate any input and advice from those who know how. Thanks in advance!

Reply by EvilDragon

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  • EvilDragon
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Re: Bluthner Phasing issue?

If you need mono compatibility, you should use Monophonic output mode, not Stereophonic.

Hard work and guts!

Reply by Chopin87

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  • Chopin87
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Re: Bluthner Phasing issue?

Neil wrote:

Hi all - I have a bit of a technical issue directed more to the professional users for live and broadcast situations....
I am particularly fond of the Bluthner model and I enjoy it most in stereophonic mode. Unfortunately I am getting some phasing issues (which have been commented on by various sound engineers for both TV broadcast (mono compatible) and also in my studio I am seeing the phase wander around alarmingly.
This month we are recording some live concerts in arenas and I'd really like to solve this issue beforehand.
I'd appreciate any input and advice from those who know how. Thanks in advance!

It is farily normal considering the mics used and the placement for an instrument like the piano which has a wide stereo image. However the fact that you see the meter bouncing so much does not mean you will automatically have a phase cancellation. It's better to check your track in mono and see if that is the case. To solve the problem you can choose monophonic or a preset which is mono compatible and uses mid-side recording techniques. Another way would be combining a mono mic to the stereo pair.

"And live to be the show and gaze o' the time."  (William Shakespeare)

Reply by Neil

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Re: Bluthner Phasing issue?

Thanks very much gentleman for your feedback.
I'm very familiar with recording and phase issues, I'm blessed to have a beautiful analog console and naturally I have auditioned the piano in both stereo and mono.
I do have a substantial volume drop in mono which is what my RTW phase meter is telling me.
When I mic up my Bechstein I use an M/S configuration which gives all the stereo width I love yet with 100% mono compatibility.
Does anyone have an M/S mic preset they can share?

Thanks again!