On Friday, 11 August 2017 10:28:15 UTC+3, Brian Gaff wrote:
Well, I still find that recordings of orchestras with a pair of mikes sounds
more realistic. However in other situations, as some instruments are quiet
compared to others, I can see why they need close miking.

For orchestral realism, a pair, or tree is very good. The internal balance has to be right, but that's the responsibility of the conductor, A solo piano or harpsichord needs a spot mic to bring it into focus.

Multi microphone technique is particularly useful if you want a band recording with punch and presence. I can't imagine Thad Jones/Mel Lewis recorded with a pair of mics :-)))

Iain