Very welcome post, this thread started innocently enough as my curiosity... Some expressed more critique of "not sharing", but I understand and agree that everyone has the right to share or not share. I didn't know it was an issue... Simply asked what the array was, since I saw some thread and no explanation anywhere. I am a curious guy.
I already found a new way I wish to experiment with and actually don't need too many ideas to distract me at the moment, but I am always curious...
I am all for sharing, though, each and every banal detail - maybe could be helpful to someone... something I spent much trial and errors on - why not help if it is of help, of course...
And there were some good ideas spoken in the thread - like the Gordon Willis quote - "...the formula is me." or Plush's statement that there are no secret techniques once you understand microphone basics and the book recommendations - funny enough - I just have the Jürgen Meyer book on my table right now.
Anyway - cool to see you record handpans, I am sure replicating exactly your sound is difficult, but everyone has their own.
I am a percussionist and I also play handpans occasionally, sold my Hang years ago, now have RAV Vast - a different instrument of course, not "hang-like" and I borrow things from friends occasionally... like here - Manik sound sculpture - Low Pygmy with a very bassy ding - recorded with MKH40/30 in MS through AXR4 & Neve4081.
But the most important thing was finding the exact "euphonic" positon to capture less metal and more warmth, yet still have clarity... Handpans project in mysterious ways... or not once you understand them - usually a bit from the side and above works - it just gets clear, smooth, magic and nice in an exact spot...
I think I will try spaced omnis next time... or not, don't know...
Must try out.
Unfortunately this is not purely acoustic - some synths and fx mixed in, but the acoustic sound is very upfront - no EQ and compression on the handpan, just some spacey reverbs - Eventide stuff and Strymon Nightsky. I do such "newagey" stuff, too.
https://nimetu.bandcamp.com/track/st-ee-ill-movement (Bandcamp stream is of rather average quality, though - 128kbps mp3 I think, the full resolution can be heard if you buy or a bit better on Tidal...)