Topic: Difference between AB and BA microphone perspectives

I notice that some presets are said to have a BA microphone perspective, and other ones have an AB perspective, but they can be the same presets otherwise. For example, there is a Blüthner Studio Recording BA preset, and Blüthner Studio Recording AB, which is said to be identical to the former, but with an AB micing perspective.

What does that mean? I hear difference between those two, but I see no change in the positioning of the microphones, according to the picture of the microphones. If some preset only has two U87 microphones, how does it change anything to switch them?

By putting microphone number 1 where microphone 2 was, and vice versa, aren't we exactly back to where we started, if the two microphones are the same brand, and model? Sorry, I'm very confused, but would appreciate if someone explained this to me in layman terms.

Re: Difference between AB and BA microphone perspectives

some discussion here

https://forum.modartt.com/viewtopic.php?id=2832

Re: Difference between AB and BA microphone perspectives

TheodorN wrote:

I notice that some presets are said to have a BA microphone perspective, and other ones have an AB perspective, but they can be the same presets otherwise. For example, there is a Blüthner Studio Recording BA preset, and Blüthner Studio Recording AB, which is said to be identical to the former, but with an AB micing perspective.

What does that mean? I hear difference between those two, but I see no change in the positioning of the microphones, according to the picture of the microphones. If some preset only has two U87 microphones, how does it change anything to switch them?

By putting microphone number 1 where microphone 2 was, and vice versa, aren't we exactly back to where we started, if the two microphones are the same brand, and model? Sorry, I'm very confused, but would appreciate if someone explained this to me in layman terms.

I assume this would basically mean switching from player perspective (bass left, treble right) to audience perspective (bass right, treble left). Or maybe something less extreme, depending on microphone distance.

Re: Difference between AB and BA microphone perspectives

Thanks guys, understand this a bit better now. When one is listening or playing with headphones on, it's better to have the bass in the left ear, and the treble in the right. I can also see that for microphones positioned elsewhere (not in a player perspective), there is still a difference between the channels (microphones). For example in the case of two microphones under the lid or in front of it, if microphone #1 is immediately by the keybed, but microphone #2 further away from it, closer to the end of the strings.

Re: Difference between AB and BA microphone perspectives

The AB and BA microphone perspectives might not change the physical position of the microphones, but they do affect how the sound is captured. AB stands for "A-B" and means that the two microphones are set up in a spaced configuration, capturing sound from different angles. BA, on the other hand, is the reverse, with the microphones capturing sound from the same angle but still in a spaced configuration.

Re: Difference between AB and BA microphone perspectives

patsy3523 wrote:

The AB and BA microphone perspectives might not change the physical position of the microphones, but they do affect how the sound is captured. AB stands for "A-B" and means that the two microphones are set up in a spaced configuration, capturing sound from different angles. BA, on the other hand, is the reverse, with the microphones capturing sound from the same angle but still in a spaced configuration.

Speaking of microphones, I've recently decided to dive into the world of creating videos for YouTube.  And I’m looking for the Best ASMR Microphones for all budgets on the market to create videos with an amazing sound transmission. It's incredible how these microphones are designed to capture those delicate, soothing sounds in such detail.