Stereo Techniques

In order to hear width, depth and spaciousness we need to hear in two-channel stereo. Our brain uses different cues to detect localization, mainly time, level and spectral differences between the channels.

This section of the Microphone University examines the most frequently used stereo techniques and allows you to hear most of them on the spot and compare.

Articles

Read more about the exact configurations below and learn the appropriate background information in the article How to Determine Microphone Spacing and Angling. 

Spaced Techniques (based on time differences)		Near Coincident Techniques (based on time and level differences)		Coincident Techniques (based on level differences)
A-B Stereo		ORTF Stereo		XY Stereo
Decca Tree
Other spaced techniques:		Other near coincident techniques:		Other coincident techniques:
Baffled Stereo		DIN Stereo		Blumlein Stereo
		NOS Stereo		MS Stereo

Other configurations: Binaural Stereo

Sound samples

Listen to recordings of the various configurations: Stereo Recordings - Setting and Samples