Study of Preference of Stereo Recording Techniques on Kendang Instruments in Jazz Ensembles

Abstract

Kendang plays an important role in Simak Dialog, a jazz ensemble group that brings jazz and Sundanese music together This study aims to analyze the preferences of the stereo recording technique of kendang in a jazz ensemble. This research was done by conducting a subjective test of 16 audio samples of kendang which were recorded using the stereo technique XY 90o, XY 120o, ORTF, and AB with two variable distances and angles between microphones. 28 respondents consisting of expert and non-expert groups were asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine most prefered audio samples. Furthermore, interviews were conducted to identify aspects that determine the selection of audio samples. This study has identified that the expert group focused on stereo image, subjective frequency characteristics, and the balance between instruments in the ensemble, while the non-expert group more focused on clarity of kendang in terms of spectral characteristics and transients. The two groups focus on two different things. The expert group pays more attention to the the balance between the drums and other instruments. The non-expert group paid more attention to timbre and clarity. This indicates that spatial aspects, timbre, sound quality and defacts are critical aspects to form recording quality of kendang in a jazz ensemble.