Another Piano Project (pictures)

[Thelatenight]

Hey Everyone,

Let me apologize first for my complete lack of knowledge on this subject, I want to know whether this is a phesable project or just a lost cause.

I want to find out if I can record this console piano in this room. I am by no means striving for perfect, professional recordings, I simply want to be able to sit down and record what I play on this piano to my computer.

What equipment is necessary for this type of project?
What type of software would I need?

I am open to any ideas with good reasoning, I love to learn so let me know what you think.

Computer: Macbook Pro, 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5, OS X 10.6.8
Room Specs: 10' x 11' - On the opposite wall from the piano is a futon that is usually folded up (not in the picture), and out of the way. I'm willing to move the piano to a certain extent, and anything in the room is rearrangeable.
Budget: ~$800

*I am looking for the best quality recording that both the room and my budget will allow.




Let me know if you need to know anything else

Thanks,
-TLN

 

[Thelatenight]

I Guess to be a little more specific:

What I've gotten from the forum so far is that I want to record my piano with a pair of small diaphragm condenser mics (please let me know if I'm mistaken).

-What would be a good pair of mics to look into for my budget of $800?
Would the Samson CL2 be a decent mic of choice?

Also, I am a little confused as to what comes next.

Do I then run the two mics into an audio/MIDI interface, and then run that to my computer?
or can I just use a USB hookup and just plug the mics straight into the computer?


Sorry for all the questions!

-TLN

 

[ykarkason]

You must have an interface.
The real thing here is to choose if there'll be any more applications you'll be recording,
And if you'd need more than 2 inputs(which are required for two mics).

 

[clivus]

You may need to think about some room treatment, as the reflections and resonance in that room could be an issue.

 

[mjbphotos]

With all that wood paneling and wood floor, the reflections will DEFINITELY be an issue. How does the piano sound when you play it in there? Do you hear the echo-y reflections?

 

[cavedog101]

Yes you will need an interface. A pair of SDC's (small diaphragm mics) . Your piano will sound better in the middle of the room with the mics in close. Open the top and place them about 4 octaves apart to start and then move them around while you listen with headphones before you record. An interface will allow you to monitor in real time.

 

[Thelatenight]

So here is what I have in mind... (And I decided to lower my budget for the hardware slightly in order to leave some money for room treatment).

I found the "M-Audio Mobile Pre Recording Bundle" on Musiciansfriend for $300...
Which Includes:

• A Pair of MXL 993 Condenser Mics
• M-Audio MobliePre USB Audio Interface
• A Pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M20 Headphones
• 2 Mic Stands
• 2 - 20' XLR Cables

However I have a choice between two different interfaces:

• The M-Audio MobliePre USB Audio Interface... (Which is what is already included in the bundle above).
  
• or I could opt for the PreSonus AudioBox USB 2X2 USB Recording System for the same price... The advantage of the PreSonus is that it includes software for the same cost as the M-Audio.

Is there any reason that I should go with the M-Audio over the PreSonus?

Also, In terms of room setup and treatment...

If I turn the piano 90 degrees from its current position so that it is adjacent to the wall that it is on with only the left side against the wall (Images attatched), and then get some foam to cover some of the reflective surfaces, will I be able to get decent sound?​

Also, If anyone has any ideas about where to place, or what type of room treatment I should focus on, please feel free to enlighten me




I could potentially move the piano to the middle of the room, but it would become very impractical for any guest that stayed in my "guestroom/recording studio".


Thanks for reading, and Thanks for any help,
-TLN

 

[Thelatenight]

With all that wood paneling and wood floor, the reflections will DEFINITELY be an issue. How does the piano sound when you play it in there? Do you hear the echo-y reflections?

The piano sounds decent, but there is a significant echo when I play it... It was worse before I stuck the small rug underneath it (not much, but it made a difference) so maybe a little more (real) treatment will do the trick?

 

[Thelatenight]

With all that wood paneling and wood floor, the reflections will DEFINITELY be an issue. How does the piano sound when you play it in there? Do you hear the echo-y reflections?

The piano sounds decent, but there is a significant echo when I play it... It was worse before I stuck the small rug underneath it (not much, but it made a difference) so maybe a little more (real) treatment will do the trick?