Recording Choir with a Blumlein Pair

The Blumlein Pair miking method was developed by Alan Blumlein, a British engineer, in 1931 as part of his patent for stereo sound. This technique provides excellent stereo imagery for the recorded tracks. Note that the top microphone is inverted and close but not touching the bottom mic. The microphones are at a 90 degrees and in figure 8 pattern.

For this choir I used only the two mics to record 40 members and the separation and dispersion was amazing. The stands are Atlas MS25 heavy duty bases with PB21XCH booms that include 2 pound counterweight. This stand reduces stage vibration and movement which would affect the recording.

I hope that you get an opportunity to try this fabulous miking technique on a choir or orchestra, you can try cardioid patterns for a 200 degree pickup from the conductor’s podium position for an orchestra. Please let me know how this worked for you!