Robust figure 8 for mid/side setups

[Erin Bliss]

I've been using my Schoeps mk8 for mid/side recording, but I'd like to find a reasonable figure 8 mic that's a little more suitable for harsh environments.  I'm currently looking at the ate308 or the MKH30, are there other figure 8's I should include in the search?

[The Documentary Sound Guy]

I ended up with an MKH30 so I could match it with my other MKHs.  I'm happy with it.  My only complaint is the weight; it's pretty heavy on the end of a boom.  I found precious few options for figure 8 when I did my research originally, but that isn't to say there aren't others out there.

I also had several recommendations from other mixers for integrated MS mics, (e.g. MKH418), which surprised me, because I'd assumed two independent mics would work better.  I also used an Audio Technica AT835ST back in the day, which didn't impress me (it sounded thin).  I believe it has been superceded by the BP4029 now.

[yizhye20]

ate 308 is great. maybe the kk120 will work

[tourtelot]

What are you recording?  If you are recording M/S ambience for film, I think the 308 would be a great choice.  Much lighter weight than the MKH30 on the end of a pole.

 

If you are recording/also recording music, go for the MKH pair.

 

Save for two Schoeps Mk8, I don't have any other figure-of-eight mics but a pair of MKH80s which don't "M/S" very well being side address.  If I need a matched pair for M/S, Schoeps works fine.  Remember though that I am only recording music these days and M/S is not my preferred method for doing that.  So it's rare I pull out a figure-of eight; maybe occasionally a Tony Faulkner array with two Schoeps Mk8 about 8" apart on a bar pointing straight forward if I need some "reach" to an ensemble.  Sorta sorry I sold the MKH30 though.  Lovely mics.

 

D.

[Alien]

If in rough terrain where I'm running around with a boom a lot and need to record stereo I use the Sanken CSS 5 . This gives me a good stereo pickup for ambience that can also be used for dialogue, if needed, as its switchable but I will also swap out my CMIT for regular interviews and dialogue. This gives me the ability to deal with only 1 mic set up for stereo and an easy quick change to a mono mic when desired.

[r.paterson]

The Pearl MSH 10 is a great short gun/hyper M/S mic for documentary very resistant to humidity etc..(The newer version has RFI resistance )

The M sounds good indoors as well and has good reach.

[Erin Bliss]

On 1/10/2022 at 2:49 PM, tourtelot said:

What are you recording? 

Stereo recording is typically either music (for which I'll use the Schoeps pair) or ambience.  I hadn't really considered an all-in-one, but the MKH-418S sounds pretty appealing.  I'll pick one up and see how that works for me.

[r.paterson]

Should mention The S on 418 is very noisy..

[Erin Bliss]

Thanks for the heads up.  I'll evaluate it and if it's too noisy for me I can return it and get the 30.

[kavenzmann]

Why not try the ATE308?

Much better than the 418s combo. I had both and it's a real difference. Especially when there's a lot of calm ambient stuff.

It's also much more flexible as a card/hyper card + figure8 gives a much better stereo ambience than shotgun + figure8.

[osborne456]

https://reverb.com/item/42432355-neumann-rsm-191-stereo-shotgun-microphone

[ivanovich]

I’ve found the Schoeps very good for harsh environments. From jungles in high humidity to really cold environments, it has never let me down. If you have something good, why not stick with it?