Definition of ORTF stereo technique
The ORTF stereo technique, also known as side-other-side, is a microphone technique used to record stereo sound. It was devised around 1960 at the now-defunct Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française (ORTF).
This technique combines both the volume difference and the timing difference as sound arrives on- and off-axis at two cardioid microphones spread to a 110° angle, and spaced 17 cm apart.
The microphones should be as similar as possible, preferably a frequency-matched pair of an identical type and model.
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Frequently asked questions
What is ORTF stereo technique?
The ORTF stereo technique, also known as side-other-side, is a microphone technique used to record stereo sound. It was devised around 1960 at the now-defunct Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française (ORTF).