Blumlein Pair

Developed in the 1930s by Alan Blumlein Blumlein stereo system describes a stereo recording technique using two microphones. The Blumlein stereo microphone system belongs according to some researchers and developers of the best-sounding recording process.

The Blumlein method provides two crossed by 90 ° aft microphones. The stereo image is created by level differences ( differences in intensity ) and not by time differences of the channels. Thus, the process belongs to the intensity stereophony.

Ideally, the microphones are located as close as possible above one another. The Blumlein technique is suitable for all real pressure-gradient with the directional characteristic of a figure eight. Thus, most condenser microphones or ribbon mics offer. Compared to other methods of intensity stereophony the Blumlein method is distinguished by particularly good space rendering and wide stereo base. However, it will also open two drawbacks: first, the rear sound events are laterally reversed only in the stereo image mirrored. The inclusion of the two lateral quadrants happens polarity ( phase reversed ), which can lead to dips in the sound. Furthermore, taking the reproduction of low frequencies with distance proportionately more than in other microphones with directional characteristics. In return, therefore recordings in MS or XY stereo methods offer a much better potential for bass reproduction because here also possible to work with pressure microphones as M signal in XY with wide kidney in MS.

A popular microphone for the Blumlein stereo system is the ribbon microphone. A classic coincidence microphone (Stereo Microphone with 2 capsules in one housing) was the Blumlein stereo microphone. Experienced sound engineers recommend the microphones in stereophonic Blumlein set up a short distance to the sound sources.