When it comes to capturing natural stereo sound, the arrangement of microphones plays a crucial role. One popular technique is the near-coincident pair, which balances stereo imaging with mono compatibility, making it a favorite for recording orchestras, ensembles, and live performances.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what a near-coincident pair of microphones is, how it works, and provide 7 practical examples of its use.
Table of Contents
What Is A Near-Coincident Pair?
A near-coincident pair (NCP) consists of two directional microphones placed very close together but not in exactly the same spot. Unlike a coincident pair, where the capsules occupy the same point in space, near-coincident microphones are slightly offset.
This setup combines:
Time differences (interaural time differences) – Because the microphones are slightly apart, sound arrives at each mic at slightly different times.
Level differences (interaural level differences) – The angle of the microphones can create subtle volume differences for each channel.
The result is a realistic stereo image with a good sense of space, without the phase issues sometimes caused by widely spaced microphones.
How Does It Work?
Microphone Angle: The microphones are angled outward, usually between 90° and 135°, depending on the pattern and desired stereo width.
Spacing: The physical distance between the capsules is typically a few centimeters, often just enough to capture timing differences without introducing strong phase problems.
Microphone Types: Most near-coincident setups use cardioid, supercardioid, or hypercardioid microphones.
The combination of angle and spacing allows near-coincident pairs to create a natural stereo field that translates well to both headphones and speakers.
7 Examples of Near-Coincident Microphone Techniques
Here are some common near-coincident setups used in professional recording:
1. ORTF Technique
Angle: 110°
Spacing: 17 cm
Mic Type: Cardioid
Use: Classical music, orchestras, acoustic instruments
Description: Developed by the French national broadcasting organization (ORTF), this technique provides a natural stereo image with moderate width.
2. NOS Technique
Angle: 90°
Spacing: 30 cm
Mic Type: Cardioid
Use: Chamber music, small ensembles
Description: Dutch National Broadcasting (NOS) style captures a slightly wider stereo image than ORTF while maintaining phase coherence.
3. Fukada Tree (Near-Coincident Variant)
Angle: Variable
Spacing: Slightly offset from a coincident tree
Mic Type: Cardioid or small-diaphragm condenser
Use: Orchestral recordings
Description: A variation of the Decca Tree using near-coincident spacing for improved clarity on individual sections.
4. Blumlein Diagonal Variant
Angle: 90°
Spacing: Minimal
Mic Type: Figure-8
Use: Ambience and room capture
Description: A slight offset from the classic Blumlein pair can provide a wider stereo image while keeping the characteristic figure-8 crosstalk.
5. Faulkner Technique
Angle: ~90°
Spacing: Small offset
Mic Type: Cardioid
Use: Acoustic guitar, string ensembles
Description: Focuses on preserving the natural timbre while giving a convincing stereo spread.
6. Near-Coincident XY
Angle: 90°
Spacing: 1–5 cm
Mic Type: Cardioid
Use: General stereo recording
Description: A hybrid of XY and spaced techniques, giving stereo width without strong phase issues.
7. ORTF-Small / Custom Near-Coincident
Angle & Spacing: Adjusted for room size or ensemble
Mic Type: Cardioid
Use: Flexible multi-purpose stereo capture
Description: Engineers sometimes customize angles and spacing based on acoustic conditions, essentially creating a “personalized” near-coincident pair.
Advantages of Near-Coincident Pairs
Natural stereo imaging
Good mono compatibility
Less phase cancellation than widely spaced pairs
Flexible for different acoustic environments
Tips for Using Near-Coincident Pairs
Test angles and spacing – Small changes can significantly impact stereo width.
Use high-quality cardioid mics – Directionality affects image accuracy.
Check mono mix – Ensure minimal phase issues when collapsing to mono.
Record room ambience separately – Enhances depth without interfering with primary stereo image.
Conclusion
Near-coincident pairs are a versatile solution for stereo recording, bridging the gap between coincident and spaced techniques. From ORTF to custom setups, these arrangements allow engineers and musicians to capture a true-to-life soundstage that translates well across listening environments.
Experimenting with different angles and spacings can help you find the perfect stereo image for any recording situation.
