If you work in film scoring or classical recording then you should know
what a Decca Tree is. If you don't, here is a brief synopsis. A Decca
Tree is a stereo A/B configuration with a third channel acting as a
"center fill" microphone that helps create a strong but very even stereo
image. This microphone placement technique was pioneered in the early
1950s by engineers from Decca Records for orchestral recording
applications (hence the name Decca Tree). In addition to orchestral
recording applications, the Decca Tree configuration can be an
invaluable component to more contemporary recordings for drum
applications and to gain an overall "band in a room" kind of atmosphere
to your recording process.
The technique features three omni-directional microphones placed in a
reverse "T" configuration, roughly above the head of the conductor. The
"left" and "right" are positioned behind the conductor while the
"center" microphone hangs in front of the conductor. The most common
Decca Tree setup employs 3x 1-meter bars from which the microphones hang
in a triangle configuration, though larger and smaller bar sets can be
used.
While the most common configuration photographed of this technique
employs Neumann M-50 microphones, there were many documented instances
where Decca engineers employed Neumann KM-56's and Schoeps M-221b
microphones. Hence the Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 260 system,
utilizing its omni capsules, is absolutely appropriate for this
technique.
The Telefunken Elektroakustik Tri-Mono
package for the ELA M 260 system consists of 3 ELA M 260 microphones (finished in black), a dedicated power supply with three-channel capability, three
elastic shock mounts and a set of three 10-meter Gotham Audio GAC7 tube
mic cables with right angle XLR connectors. In order to foster an
element of creativity, all three capsule systems (TK60 cardioid, TK61
omni-directional, and TK62 hyper-cardioid) are included in the package.
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