Burmajster Array

Burmajster Array

Chris Burmajster is a retired ex-DECCA engineer. He developed the Burmajster array, which consists of a regular ORTF setup with a center microphone and two rear-facing SDC cardioids.

The original setup used three AKG C 414 microphones. Combining LDC and SDC microphones in one array may seem strange, but that's what he did.

Although this array never gained much recognition, it has a lot in common with modern setups.
The most obvious feature is its 1:1 compatibility with stereo because a regular ORTF setup is used. Nothing more, nothing less.
The center microphone is not at the same height as the ORTF; it is upside down between the ORTF microphones. On the right side you see the two SDC cardioid microphones used for Ls and Rs.

Although the setup shown uses LDC microphones, there is no reason you can't use SDC cardioids for the ORTF and/or center microphone.

The only drawback is the need for a recorder with at least five microphone inputs. That's one more channel than the DMS setup.
Let your ears be your judge in deciding if this is a better fit for your needs or if a DMS or FOA setup would be a better choice.

We plan to provide sound examples so you can compare them to the other arrays mentioned above. But this may take some time.