Optimal polar pattern for OH's?

[JonWormwood]

I'd imagine alot of it deals with the style, room, how many cymbals etc. And so many other factors but what's the optimAl polar pattern?

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

For modern metal music, I prefer cardioid pattern SDC's as a spaced pair. I love KM184's, but every now and then (and if available) a pair of 414's work wonders, too!

 

[Trevoire520]

If you have a nice room and are doing pop/rock stuff then spaced omni's can be really nice. Generally for metal though you'd want something more dry so cardioid is your best bet.

 

[JonWormwood]

Thanks dudes

 

[tempe]

Am I the only one that likes a Figure 8 LDC or Ribbon to get the best of both worlds, a great dry sound with some ambiance?

 

[Trevoire520]

To be honest I've never tried figure 8's on overheads, always wondered what a blumlien pair would sound like though...

 

[zer0_c00l]

I only have the chance to use Omnis, and they sound pretty good for me when in a good room...

 

[egan.]

Figure 8's are too narrow on the front side for my taste as an overhead unless you go quite high. It's sort of like using a shotgun. I definitely prefer cardioids for overs but anything is fair game for room mics.

 

[TheSoulsRemain]

I'd imagine alot of it deals with the style, room, how many cymbals etc. And so many other factors but what's the optimAl polar pattern?

MS works fine.
But sometimes i use AB It depends where I'm recording drums and for wich music style.
If the room is cool, I try to have a larger drum.

At "wider" position you've got a larger stereo image than using A/B.

For A/B I usually use Cardio polar.