sE Electronics sE8 mics or Rode NT55's

[Ira Greenberg]

Sweetwater rep recommended: sE Electronics sE8 mics over Rode NT55's (both are matched pair, small-diaphragm, cardioid condenser), for acoustic piano recording; musician friends recommended the Rode's. The Sweetwater rep seemed quite sincere and knowledgeable (sE's are also a fair amount cheaper than Rode's). Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[keith.rogers]

Get both, compare and send back the ones you like least?

It does look like you'll need to get a mounting bar for the RØDEs if you plan to use an X-Y setup (as in the sE video). I'd also consider springing for shock mounts (something like this) if you're going to have the mics in stands on the same floor as the piano - especially if it's not on a floor on a concrete slab. You won't be able to employ the HP switch on those things, and you're going to get some rumble or pedal noise IMO.