I've used figure-8 patterns with condensor mics live. It's all about where you aim the other side of the pattern, ideally straight up into empty air. The side nulls of a figure-8 are deeper than anything you can get from a cardioid. For instance a single figure-8 mic overhead on a vibraphone can work really well.
Have you tried it on hammered dulcimer? The acoustic output isn't as loud as vibes but the area to cover is about the same...
Anyone here worked with the Joshua Messick Trio? Lots of percussion too, and a cello. Great guys to work with and their music is waaaay cool.
Thanks for the thought-nudge, Scott!
