The Decca Tree is a legendary microphone technique used to capture the sound of orchestras and other large ensembles. Developed in the 1950s by Decca Records, this method has been employed by renowned recording engineers and orchestras worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the world of immersive audio recording and explore the intricacies of setting up a Decca Tree.
Understanding the Decca Tree
The Decca Tree is a three-microphone array consisting of a central microphone flanked by two outer microphones, typically spaced 3-4 feet apart. This configuration is designed to capture a wide stereo image while maintaining a strong center presence. The Decca Tree is often used in conjunction with other microphone techniques, such as spot miking and ambient miking, to create a comprehensive and immersive audio picture.
The History of the Decca Tree
The Decca Tree was first developed in the 1950s by Decca Records’ engineers, who were seeking to improve the sound quality of their classical music recordings. The technique was initially used to record the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and quickly gained popularity among other orchestras and recording engineers. Today, the Decca Tree is considered a staple of classical music recording and is widely used in film and television scoring.
Choosing the Right Microphones
Selecting the right microphones for your Decca Tree is crucial to achieving optimal sound quality. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your microphones:
Microphone Type
The Decca Tree typically employs omnidirectional or wide-cardioid microphones. These types of microphones are well-suited for capturing the sound of large ensembles, as they pick up a wide range of frequencies and have a gentle high-frequency roll-off.
Microphone Placement
The placement of your microphones is critical to the success of your Decca Tree. The central microphone should be positioned 6-8 feet above the conductor’s head, while the outer microphones should be placed 3-4 feet apart and 6-8 feet above the stage.
Microphone Height
The height of your microphones will also impact the sound quality of your Decca Tree. A good starting point is to position the microphones 6-8 feet above the stage, but this can be adjusted depending on the size and layout of the ensemble.
Setting Up the Decca Tree
Now that we have discussed the basics of the Decca Tree, let’s dive into the specifics of setting it up.
Step 1: Position the Central Microphone
The central microphone should be positioned 6-8 feet above the conductor’s head, directly above the center of the ensemble. This microphone will capture the overall sound of the orchestra and provide a strong center presence.
Step 2: Position the Outer Microphones
The outer microphones should be placed 3-4 feet apart and 6-8 feet above the stage. These microphones will capture the sound of the ensemble from a wider perspective, providing a sense of space and depth.
Step 3: Adjust the Microphone Height
The height of your microphones will impact the sound quality of your Decca Tree. Experiment with different heights to find the optimal position for your microphones.
Step 4: Check the Sound
Once you have set up your Decca Tree, check the sound to ensure that it is balanced and even. Make any necessary adjustments to the microphone placement or height to achieve the desired sound.
Tips and Variations
While the Decca Tree is a tried-and-true technique, there are many variations and tips to consider when setting it up.
Using a Fourth Microphone
Some engineers like to add a fourth microphone to the Decca Tree, positioned above the center microphone. This microphone can be used to capture a more focused sound or to add additional depth to the recording.
Experimenting with Microphone Placement
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different microphone placements to find the optimal sound for your Decca Tree. Some engineers like to position the outer microphones closer together or farther apart, depending on the size and layout of the ensemble.
Using the Decca Tree in Conjunction with Other Techniques
The Decca Tree is often used in conjunction with other microphone techniques, such as spot miking and ambient miking. This can help to create a more comprehensive and immersive audio picture.
Conclusion
The Decca Tree is a powerful tool for capturing the sound of large ensembles. By understanding the basics of the Decca Tree and following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up a Decca Tree that will help you achieve optimal sound quality. Remember to experiment with different microphone placements and techniques to find the optimal sound for your recording.
Additional Resources
For further reading on the Decca Tree and other microphone techniques, check out the following resources:
- “The Decca Tree: A Guide to Immersive Audio Recording” by John Eargle
- “Microphone Techniques for Recording Orchestras” by Bruce Bartlett
- “The Art of Recording Orchestras” by Richard King
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can set up a Decca Tree that will help you achieve optimal sound quality and create a truly immersive audio experience.
What is a Decca Tree and how is it used in immersive audio recording?
A Decca Tree is a microphone array used in immersive audio recording to capture a wide and detailed soundstage. It typically consists of three omnidirectional microphones arranged in a triangular formation, with the center microphone facing forward and the two outer microphones angled outward at 45-degree intervals. This configuration allows the Decca Tree to capture a wide stereo image and provide a sense of depth and space in the recorded audio.
The Decca Tree is commonly used in classical music recording, film scoring, and other applications where a detailed and immersive soundstage is desired. It is often used in conjunction with other microphone arrays and techniques to create a comprehensive and engaging audio experience. By capturing a wide range of frequencies and spatial information, the Decca Tree helps to create a sense of presence and immersion in the recorded audio, drawing the listener into the performance.
What are the key components of a Decca Tree setup?
A Decca Tree setup typically consists of three omnidirectional microphones, a microphone stand or boom, and a set of cables and connectors. The microphones are usually arranged in a triangular formation, with the center microphone facing forward and the two outer microphones angled outward at 45-degree intervals. The microphone stand or boom is used to position the microphones at the desired height and angle, and the cables and connectors are used to connect the microphones to the recording equipment.
In addition to the microphones and stand, a Decca Tree setup may also include additional components such as a windscreen or pop filter to reduce wind noise and plosive sounds, and a shock mount to isolate the microphones from vibrations and noise. The specific components used may vary depending on the application and the desired sound, but the basic configuration of three omnidirectional microphones arranged in a triangular formation is the core of a Decca Tree setup.
How do I position a Decca Tree in a recording space?
Positioning a Decca Tree in a recording space requires careful consideration of the room’s acoustics and the desired sound. The Decca Tree is typically placed in a central location, such as above the conductor’s podium or in front of the orchestra, to capture a wide and balanced soundstage. The height and angle of the microphones can be adjusted to optimize the sound and minimize reflections and reverberation.
The distance between the Decca Tree and the performers will also affect the sound, with closer placement resulting in a more intimate and detailed sound, and farther placement resulting in a more distant and ambient sound. It’s also important to consider the placement of other microphones and instruments in the room, as these can affect the sound captured by the Decca Tree. Experimenting with different placements and configurations can help to achieve the desired sound.
What are the advantages of using a Decca Tree in immersive audio recording?
Using a Decca Tree in immersive audio recording offers several advantages, including the ability to capture a wide and detailed soundstage, and to create a sense of depth and space in the recorded audio. The Decca Tree’s triangular configuration allows it to capture a wide stereo image, and its omnidirectional microphones provide a detailed and nuanced sound. Additionally, the Decca Tree is relatively simple to set up and use, making it a versatile and practical tool for a wide range of recording applications.
Another advantage of the Decca Tree is its ability to capture a sense of ambiance and atmosphere in the recording space. By placing the microphones in a central location, the Decca Tree can capture the natural reverberation and reflections of the room, adding depth and complexity to the recorded audio. This makes the Decca Tree particularly well-suited to applications such as classical music recording and film scoring, where a detailed and immersive soundstage is desired.
Can I use a Decca Tree with other microphone arrays and techniques?
Yes, a Decca Tree can be used in conjunction with other microphone arrays and techniques to create a comprehensive and engaging audio experience. In fact, the Decca Tree is often used as part of a larger microphone array, combining its wide and detailed soundstage with the focused and intimate sound of other microphones. For example, a Decca Tree might be used in combination with a pair of spot microphones to capture a detailed soundstage and a focused sound on specific instruments or performers.
Using a Decca Tree with other microphone arrays and techniques can help to create a more nuanced and detailed sound, and can provide a wider range of options for mixing and post-production. By combining the strengths of different microphone arrays and techniques, engineers and producers can create a rich and immersive audio experience that draws the listener into the performance.
How do I mix and process audio recorded with a Decca Tree?
Mixing and processing audio recorded with a Decca Tree requires careful consideration of the microphone array’s unique characteristics and the desired sound. The Decca Tree’s wide and detailed soundstage can be enhanced through the use of stereo widening and imaging techniques, while its omnidirectional microphones may require additional processing to control low-end response and ambiance.
In general, it’s best to approach mixing and processing audio recorded with a Decca Tree with a light hand, as the microphone array is designed to capture a natural and detailed sound. Avoid over-processing or over-compressing the audio, as this can result in a loss of detail and nuance. Instead, focus on subtle adjustments to levels, EQ, and compression to enhance the natural sound of the performance.
What are some common challenges and limitations of using a Decca Tree?
One common challenge of using a Decca Tree is its sensitivity to room acoustics and ambiance. The microphone array’s omnidirectional microphones can pick up a wide range of frequencies and reflections, which can result in a sound that is overly reverberant or ambient. To address this, engineers and producers may need to use additional processing techniques or acoustic treatment to control the room’s acoustics and minimize unwanted reflections.
Another limitation of the Decca Tree is its relatively large size and complexity, which can make it difficult to set up and use in certain recording spaces or applications. Additionally, the Decca Tree’s triangular configuration can make it difficult to position the microphones in tight or confined spaces, which can limit its use in certain situations. However, with careful planning and placement, the Decca Tree can be a powerful and versatile tool for capturing a wide and detailed soundstage.