Principles of the baffled stereo technique

Baffled stereo is a generic term for a lot of different stereo techniques using an acoustic baffle to enhance the channel separation of the stereo signals.

When placed between the two microphones in a spaced stereo set-up like A-B stereo, ORTF stereo, DIN stereo or NOS stereo, the shadow effect from the baffle will have a positive influence on the attenuation of off-axis sound sources and thereby enhancing the channel separation.

Baffles should be made from an acoustic absorbent and non-reflective material to prevent any reflections on the surface of the baffle to cause coloring of the audio.

One of the more well known baffled stereo principles is the so called Jecklin Disc developed by the Swiss sound engineer Jürg Jecklin. This technique uses two 4003 Omnidirectional Microphones, 130 V or 4006A Omnidirectional Microphones spaced 17.5 cm and a special acoustic treated disc with a diameter of 35 cm placed between the microphones.

At present there is not an acoustic baffle available from DPA Microphones.