Just because I already have a matched pair of well known Oktava MK-012 mics I decided to try out M/S rig. There are two possible options: figure-of-eight capsule and figure-of-eight adaptor, and the last one was chosen: I have 2 cardioid capsules for it and can use hypercardioid as Mid mic.

What I didn’t know is how big and heavy is an adaptor…

Adaptor

without shielding caps

Red piece of tape is my indicator of “right channel” — it should correspond with unisolated capsule. And because of this you can’t use an adaptor without shielding caps dressed — they are electrical screens.

with shielding caps

There are some doubts across audio forums that the distance between cardioid capsules inside adaptor is too large, and it just will not work as expected. Well, it sounds good for my ears, and stereo image is not worse than corresponding XY setup for sure (but I have no other M/S rigs to make a comparison, so I’m not an expert here). If this really is a problem then figure-of-eight capsule should be a better choice — the distance between capsules is much less.

Anyway… I also have a Rode Blimp 2 with new Rycote Lyre Suspension System.

Rode Blimp 2

Rycote Lyre it even exceeded my expectations — so soft and at the same time strong system.

Adaptor does not hit the edges even while heavy shaking, but it can touch your Blimp if you put it to one side.

But wait, M/S Rig implies 2 microphones… :)

M/S Rig

Quick and dirty DIY “back-to-back clips” made with Ø 20mm “pipe plastic clips” from hardware store:

I had to cut them a little…

…and try it like this.

BLACK TAPE EVERYTHING.

Rycote Lyre is incredible:

I had to push shockmounts a little closer to evenly distribute the weight.

Actually there is still enough space for the 3rd microphone (below the Side mic), and I’m going to try Double M/S.

It’s absolutely possible to carry this rig in hands with pistol grip without appreciable handling noise. Yes, a little bit heavy, but not so much.

And here is my very first recording example with hypercardioid Mid:

Cheers.