Piano "Surround" production: a couple ?s

[shiner41]

Hello to all, I'm so sorry if this question has been answered already, but I didn't know what to search. So these are my questions:
Okay, U know how in songs they have the piano (standard sometimes) produced to be in both ears at the same time ("surround"), exactly how do they do it? I, personally, take one side/ear of the sound and do a very quick delay (i.e.19 ms) and it sounds similar, but when I do this, it's so sensitive to clipping when stereo width is turned on. Also, when I put my songs in mono format (after this surround process 4 the piano), the once very loud piano is barely noticeable in mono. I've heard a lotta songs, and tried copyin what I heard, but I can't get the same clarity and perfect surround sound I'm hearin...basically it AINT WORKIN.lol Any suggestions/solutions are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

[bennychico11]

try using multiple mics at different parts of the piano's register...and try different panning ideas.

 

[shiner41]

try using multiple mics at different parts of the piano's register...and try different panning ideas.

I can't afford "multiple mics" right now, I only have 1...I shoulda mentioned that earlier...sorry .

 

[danny.guitar]

Well, you can't make a stereo recording with one mic...so here is what you can do.

First thing I would try, and I recommend this all the time because it's a great, free, plugin that does just what you want it to do, is mda Stereo.

You can get it here:
http://www.kvraudio.com/get/797.html
or
http://mda.smartelectronix.com/effects.htm

No need to duplicate the track. Just add the effect to that mono piano recording and change the "width" slider on the plugin. You can go from a subtle stereo effect to a very wide stereo sound that still sounds perfect in mono.

The 2nd thing, which may be difficult, is record 2 separate takes. On a piano, this could sound muddy unless you do it right. Record the first take with the mic picking up the higher registers, and then record another track over that one with it picking up the lower registers. Pan lower one 100% L and other 100% right.

But I think the plugin will be much easier and possibly sound much better.

Hope this helps.

 

[shiner41]

Thanx, I'm tryna raise some money 2 get anotha mic, but 4 now I'll try dis plug in. Thanks AGAIN!

 

[whjr15]

IMO I wouldn't record 2 duplicate piano parts playing the same thing... Reason being is it'll sound like 2 duplicate piano parts playing the same thing.

Sure it works fine with guitar, but with stereo micing a piano each mic is centered over a different register, resulting in a wider spread (L to R) between the low & high notes. If you record twice and pan, that won't happen.... At least I think that's what he's trying to describe.