Where can I use a SoundField?

SoundField is designed for any traditional studio condenser microphone application, but it really shines on image critical or ambient critical recording. We'll give you a few examples to get you thinking about how you might use your SoundField.

SoundField and Imaging

Recording with precise stereo imaging is one of the key values within the SoundField System. When imaging is critical to the success of the recording project, look no further. While other methods for recording stereo exist, none are as easy or effective or realistic. Unlike binaural, a SoundField recording is mono compatible for applications such as broadcast or video production. SoundField provides precise localisation across the soundstage.

Image Example #1: In the studio, a large realistic image may be needed from compact sources, such as acoustic guitars, harp, unusual percussion instruments, grand pianos, drum overheads and small vocal groups. A SoundField alone is more than capable of this task. Positioning a SoundField as you would a mono omni or cardioid in such situations will deliver spectacular results. A SoundField can yield extraordinary left to right placement and wonderful image size. With use of the width control, you can control the size of image without affecting the "tone".

Image Example #2: SoundField is perhaps most clearly superior when used on larger sources, such as a choir, nature recordings, orchestra, parades, and live theatre. In these applications, the room or environment may be critical part of the total sound. Assembling a recording by "placing" the direct source within an background environment recorded separately can be done, but not with the degree of realism achieved with a SoundField in just one complete recording.

In scoring, it is an ideal replacement for rear stereo microphone pairs. It has been used successfully in movies to provide surround score information, such as in the movie Twister.

SoundField and Ambience

Realistic ambient recovery is a particular skill of the SoundField System. When the ambient environment is a desired element of the recording, a SoundField is your best answer. Here are some examples of potential applications.

Ambience Example #1: Imagine a situation where ambience is an inseparable part of the performance. The total "sound" may include a special reverberant atmosphere. A church, performing arts centre or opera hall are good examples of such situations. Intimate nightclub recording can also be equally dependent on room acoustics. A SoundField can document the ambient sound in stereo or surround better than any other method and will sound like you are really there. Because its all "built-in", you only need put it on a stand and move the microphone until you find the right ambient sound.

Ambience Example #2: Another example where a SoundField is appropriate is "room miking". This is a unique application where natural room ambience is preferable to reverb or is used to enhance the perceived "size" of the instrument(s) recorded. Drums are an example, a guitar amplifier in a tiled room, or a piano in a good sounding studio. We know of one engineer whose SoundField enables him to use room ambience more often than digital reverb because of the natural controllability the SoundField offers, and its ease of use. An interesting application of the SoundField is to use it as feeds for your reverb, using natural ambience as a reverb source. Extraordinary!

Ambience Example #3: Audience miking in live concert shows is another application. The resulting ambient sound offers "real image" as a backdrop when mixed with the "dry" direct feeds from the mixer. Many touring bands listen to "board tapes", derived from stage miked instruments and voices fed to the house main PA console and then out to a recorder. This sounds nothing like it did in the auditorium or arena. Mixing in a live audience feed in either stereo or surround from a SoundField mic with the "dry" console feed is another unique application.

Ambience Example #4: SoundField has tremendous application in ENG. In field "on the scene" news gathering broadcasts can be greatly enhanced with a natural stereo ambient background, adding realism. SoundField was recently used with Sony Digital Betacams in the first High Definition TV broadcast in Dallas of the annual Christmas Parade. Imaging was important here as the parade audio must contain a sense of movement across the soundstage. SoundField has served as ambient mikes for several Olympics by HD Vision, a Texas company specialising in HDTV broadcasts.

Ambience Example #5: Nature recordings are another extraordinary example where SoundField works wonders. When filming a nature documentary or research film, accurate ambience is the recording. A single SoundField ST250 is fully manageable by a single person, where stereo mics may present a set-up and transport problem. The decode potential of B-Format to 5.1 with the SoundField SP451 processor or Surround Zone plug-in will provide a 5.1 nature recording of unprecedented image.

Let your imagination go and experiment!