XY is a stereo microphone technique commonly used in recording studios. Microphones placed in an XY configuration can give an accurate stereo image.
Microphone Technique
XY stereo technique uses two cardioid or hyper-cardioid microphones positioned with the capsules as close together as possible angled between 90 and 110 degrees. This technique is most effective when working with small diaphragms microphones. Each microphone picks up sound from opposite sides creating a (Left/Right) stereo field. XY technique positions the capsules so close to each other phase inconsistencies between the two microphones can be rendered negligible creating a clear and accurate stereo image for a highly defined recording. XY technique is used in top recording studios around the world for a number of recording applications including: guitars, drums, and ambient microphones giving recordings a high level of clarity.