LD or SD for piano?

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Astriaal

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If you had a matched pair of AKG C414's (ULS) and a matched pair of Neumann KM184's which would you use to record classical piano music played on an upright piano?
 
I'd start with the KM184s. Read Harvey's thread to find out why...
 
I wouldn't assume anything. Try out both pairs. And try out different patterns on the 414. Different mic placement. Then let your ears decide.

If I needed to get a sound quickly and didn't have time to audition the mics on the piano, I'd go with the 414's on omni.
 
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That would depend largely on the room. In a very good room with well controlled reflections, I'd use thw KM184's. The nastier the room reflections, the more I would tend toward the 414's. The KM184's off axis response is pretty good. Piano is one of those things, like acoustic guitar, where great recordings have been made with small diaphragm and large diaphragm mics. It's largely a matter of taste. As I said, the room can also be a big factor.-Richie
 
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actually one of the main things that i didnt like the KM184s on was the piano. It might have been my piano though too. Its hard to tell because i cant go back and check. But i tried them on a couple of different pianos though and it was the same thing. Really weird low mids or something. Ive had excellent results with the AKG C414 or AudioTechnica AT4033 on the piano though.

But really its going to depend on the piano.

Danny
 
Thanks guys, I was just asking because im interested in buying a matched pair of condensers and piano would be a fairly major use (amongst other things). I know the 414's are more expensive but i think the versatility justifies the cost. To be honest I was kind of leaning towards the 414's anyway.:)
 
Well, I leaped in because I use both mics, and that includes a Wurlitzer console. Unfortunately, I only have one 414, and I sure would like another. As a general purpose studio condenser, the 414 simply rocks. In the end, I'd rather use 414's for overheads than sing into a KM184.-Richie
 
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