When recording instruments, ensembles, or room ambience, engineers often turn to stereo microphone setups to capture a wide, natural-sounding image. One of the most popular methods is the spaced pair technique, also known as AB stereo miking. It’s simple to set up, yet it delivers a spacious, immersive soundstage that listeners love.

In this article, we’ll break down what a spaced pair is, how it works, and three common techniques you can use to achieve professional results.

What Is a Spaced Pair of Microphones?

A spaced pair involves placing two microphones apart from each other (horizontally spaced) to capture sound from different positions in a room or around a source. Unlike coincident or near-coincident techniques (like X/Y or ORTF), the microphones in a spaced pair are not aligned at the same point. Instead, they are separated by a distance that can range from a few inches to several feet.

This spacing creates time-of-arrival differences and subtle phase shifts between the two signals, which our ears interpret as stereo width and depth. The result is a recording with:

A wide stereo image

Strong sense of room ambience

Natural instrument separation

However, phase cancellation can occur if the spacing isn’t managed correctly, so careful setup is key.

Why Use a Spaced Pair?

Wider stereo image than coincident techniques

Ideal for capturing orchestras, choirs, drum overheads, or room sound

Preserves the acoustic character of the recording space

On the downside, spaced pairs may not translate perfectly to mono, as phase differences can cause comb filtering.

3 Spaced Pair Microphone Techniques

1. Standard AB Pair

Setup: Two matched microphones (usually omnidirectional) spaced anywhere from 40 cm to 3 m apart.

Use Case: Capturing orchestras, choirs, or ensembles in a natural acoustic environment.

Sound: Spacious and natural, with strong stereo separation.

Tip: Start with around 67 cm spacing for a balanced stereo image and adjust based on the ensemble size and room.

2. Wide AB (Large Spacing)

Setup: Mics are placed several meters apart, often left and right of a stage or ensemble.

Use Case: Concert hall recordings or ambient room capture.

Sound: Extremely wide and immersive, but with less mono compatibility.

Best for live performances where stereo spread is more important than mono playback.

3. Spaced Pair Drum Overheads

Setup: Two condensers spaced evenly above the left and right sides of a drum kit.

Use Case: Capturing the stereo image of a drum kit while keeping balance between cymbals and toms.

Sound: Wide, punchy, and lively drum recordings.

Follow the 3:1 Rule: The distance between microphones should be at least three times the distance from each mic to the source, reducing phase issues.

Final Thoughts

A spaced pair of microphones is one of the most versatile stereo techniques in recording. Whether you’re miking an orchestra, a choir, or a drum kit, this method can give you a big, natural sound that feels true to the performance space.

By experimenting with standard AB, wide AB, or drum overhead setups, you can find the sweet spot that matches your recording environment and style.