Stereo Microphone Techniques

The ORTF technique - named after the Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française, where it was invented in the 1960s.

ORTF uses two cardioid microphones with the capsules spaced 17 centimeters, with the angle between the microphone bodies at 110 degrees. ORTF is similar to XY in that it's used well in poor acoustical enviroments, however, ORTF is well-suited for use further back in a room than XY. Using ORTF up close to a sound source could result in too much off-axis pickup.

ORTF is well-suited for concert taping when dead-center in the venue, whereas XY is best suited for stack taping.