The AB or Spaced Pair technique involves placing two identical microphones several feet apart, typically 3 to 10 feet, and pointing them directly at the sound source. This setup captures a wide stereo image with a strong sense of space and depth. The microphones pick up sound at different times due to their spacing, creating time and level differences that contribute to the stereo effect. While this technique can produce a natural and immersive sound, it may introduce phase issues if not carefully managed, as it is a non-coincident technique.  ## 3 to 1 Rule The 3:1 rule is a guideline used in microphone placement to minimize phase issues when using multiple microphones. According to this rule, the distance between two microphones should be at least three times the distance from each microphone to its respective sound source. For example, if a microphone is 1 foot away from its sound source, the second microphone should be placed at least 3 feet away from the first microphone. This helps reduce phase cancellation and ensures a clearer, more coherent sound capture. ## Curated Resources Watch the first in this 2 part series to understand the basics of stereo recording techniques.