micing the bass end of an upright piano

[picker17]

Hey yall,

What would be a good microphone for micing the bass end of an upright piano. I'll have a large diaphragm Audio Technica on the higher end, but I don't know whether to use a small diaphragm condenser (and if so what type) or another large diaphragm or even a certain type of dynamic (that might work well for this application). Any suggestions on brands would be welcome. Thanks so much!

 

[orksnork]

i'd just move the ldc around until it gets a good mix of both

 

[SRR]

I have only had the experience of using the same mics on piano highs and lows, doesn't mean thats how it has to be done. But if I had a choice I would choose two SDC's....atleast that is what I have used in live situations.

 

[DigitMus]

The quick and dirty answer: use an omni SDC - the lack of proximity effect will keep it from being too "boomy". As a general rule, SRR is right in suggesting SDCs (presumably he meant cardioid or other directional mics) as they tend to have a more even off-axis response, which is important when multi-micing. To further complicate things, the lid of a grand produces a lot of reflections in the high and mid frequencies, which can cause comb filtering - I remove the lid completely whenever practical.

There are hundreds (well dozens, at least) of ways to mic a piano - if you tell us a bit more (i.e. is it classical, jazz, rock... solo or ensemble, studio or live performance, etc.) you'll probably get more appropriate responses.

Scott

 

[darrin_h2000]

I tend to point straight at the middle of the low wound strings and point the other across the high strings pointed away from the other mic....I use 2 Mxl603s...this was in Bob Clearmountains book...I tend to use his tecniques for most of my micing.

Ive heard xy from a sweet spot suggested...but Ive never tried it.

 

[DigitMus]

D'oh!! Homer Simpson moment

I had a complete brain-bubble when I made the comment about the grand piano lid - solid advice, but not helpful to the poster. The comments about SDCs and omnis (pressure capsule) are still relevant.

Scott

 

[picker17]

Thank yall for your replies! I'd be micing southern gospel/country/honky tonk style piano for a studio setting. I'll def. look into the omni SDCs though...