I am about to record a baby grand piano with a very stupid mic setup

S

shmaller

Member
At my disposal are:
  • 1x AKG Perception 220 LDC
  • 1x Oktava Mk 12 SDC
  • many SM57s
I'm planning to record with the lid open, put two SM57s directly behind the hammers, one on the bass side and one on the treble side. Then maybe the Mk 12 in one of the holes? or centrally in the piano body and a bit elevated from the strings. Then the 220 a few feet back in the room.

I anticipate to pan the 57s pretty far L and R, and the Mk 12 and 220 center. Definitely going to test for phase problems between the Mk 12 and the 220.

Oh, and I only have a 2i2. There is a mixer available but I haven't gotten the chance to check if I can use it as an interface, or if it is only going to give me the mixdown L and R. So I might be stuck with my mix decisions in the mixer.

Wish me luck lol.
 
Just do a youtube search for 'micing a grand piano'.
There's a load of informative vids.
 
Actually I got my hands on a 4-channel interface :guitar:

I wish I had multiple SDCs or LDCs instead of multiple dynamic mics, but we're gonna rock with what we've got.
 
What do you want it to sound like? Elton John on stage or Lang lang in a concert hall?

If you just want the modern close mic sound, pop a couple in as you mention - BUT - how looked after is the piano - too close to the hammers, well, actually the dampers and every pedal can result in a kerthunk on release. In all fairness - a pair of 57s are actually fine - but where they are is pretty important for odd noises - but NOT so much for the sound, as most comes from the sound board, not the direct strings. There is no rule for pianos apart from listen with your ears first, then try something and test. Beware of panning - you can end up with a totally huge piano sound, the width of your monitors that sounds very unreal.
 
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