XY Pair
Two matched microphones crossed at one point, capturing level differences only
Related
An XY pair places two matched microphones as close as possible, capsules stacked, each angled to one side, commonly between 90 and 120 degrees. Both channels receive the sound almost simultaneously, leaving level difference as the main cue.
With near-zero time difference, XY folds to mono well: the image stays stable and comb filtering from arrival time is minimal. The trade-off is a narrower image and less depth than spaced methods, and a wider angle can hollow out the centre. It suits reflective rooms or sources that need a solid centre.
The usual mistake is assuming XY must be 90 degrees. Angle and pattern should match the source width; capsules cannot occupy exactly the same point, so slight high-frequency differences remain.
Sources
- 同点立体声对，参 Huber & Runstein, Modern Recording Techniques 与 Bartlett, Practical Recording Techniques；本文为原创表述
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.