Spaced Pair

A ‘Spaced Pair’ or ‘AB Pair’ stereo system is a non-coincident system that uses a matched pair of microphones. They can be spaced at any distance and placed in different positions.

For example, spaced pairs can be used at the sound hole and 12th fret of a guitar, or at the top strings and bottom strings of a piano. They can also be used for recording classical concerts, spaced evenly in front of the stage.

The down-side to recording using spaced pairs is their inability to down-mix to mono without causing phase issues.

diagram of a Spaced Pair microphone setup recording technique

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