FOA in native B-format

When we started diving into the world of ambisonic, we came across the great book of Frank Zotter and Matthias Frank: "Ambisonics A Practical 3D Audio Theory for Recording, Studio Production, Sound Reinforcement, and Virtual Reality"

In this book we tried out all setups with the microphones we had at stock. It was not to difficult to set it up and record something. 
We followed some hints and found the plug-ins of the IEM suite and when we heard the first recording in binaural on our headphones, we could hardly believe what we were hearing. 

Since than this setup:

has become our "all time favourite". On the picture above you see our usual setup.

Some people call this setup a "Triple-MS" and actually, yes, it is true. We tried it several times to derive some M/S setups in post and also yes, it worked!

When we had the chance to record on the Golden Gate Bridge, we used this setup. Unfortunately the wind was to strong and the dead cats couldn't keep it away from the microphones. So all you hear is the wind over the Golden Gate Bridge. 

But all other recordings in San Francisco are great and we enjoy listening to them from time to time. 

Wait a minute! What is so special about this setup?

First of all, you see three AKG CK 94 capsules ("figure-of-eight") in one picture! (actually you won't see them really)
Unfortunately AKG resp. Harmann decided to stop the manufactoring of these great capsules. And the other great things is, that it is capable of recording in the so called "First Order Ambisonic B-format".
That means, there is no rendering, transforming or any other kind of processing required. Just put these four tracks in a DAW, get an "Ambisonic Decoder Plug-in" of your choice, hit "Play"  ... and enjoy!

This system is neither greater nor worse than a FOA in A-format. It just doesn't require a transformation.
We think, that any recording with this system can only made with higher quality, if we would use Schoeps CCM8s and a CCM1 or with three Sennheisers MKH 8030 and a MKH 8020. With regards to our budgets ... this is far beyond any sensible perspective. But if someone from Schoeps and/or Sennheiser want to lend us some gear for a time .. we are open. VERY open.

If you want to build such a system yourself, you may want to have a look at our "Shopping lists". They are provided for free, with no guarantee for anything and "as is". We truely recommend, that you set things up at home and have some test-recordings. Just to be sure. 

What should you do if you can't find enough SDC microphones with a figure-eight pattern? – Don't despair. There is an alternative:
In our article "Four SDC-cardioids are very versatile" there is an alternative and it isn't a bad choice.

 

If you find the provided information useful, please consider buying us a "Ko-Fi".

If there is a "B-format", it is sensible to ask for a "A-format". And this will be explained HERE.