Michael Jones
New member
Does anyone have any good tips on micing and recording a grand piano? I have tried a multitude of different mic positions, but I find capturing that classic, warm, Grand piano sound, ever elusive.
Shailat
New member
First tell me what mics you use and what positions you have tried and I'll see if I can contribute anything.
B
BigKahuna
New member
I know it's not real fun ... but if you search the microphone forum, you'll probably find lots of advice on grand piano micing.
However ... yeah ... let us know the mics you use and some of the positions you've tried.
I usually do an XY stereo set-up with 2 cardiod about 6-8" over the strings at about mid frame. The microphones are pointed 45° downwards and at the pianist. This works pretty well for me. Even for classical music. For more attack, I move them closer to the hammers. Sometimes, it may necessary to remove the lid to get rid of weird reflections coming back into the mics.
Hope that helps...
However ... yeah ... let us know the mics you use and some of the positions you've tried.
I usually do an XY stereo set-up with 2 cardiod about 6-8" over the strings at about mid frame. The microphones are pointed 45° downwards and at the pianist. This works pretty well for me. Even for classical music. For more attack, I move them closer to the hammers. Sometimes, it may necessary to remove the lid to get rid of weird reflections coming back into the mics.
Hope that helps...
Michael Jones
New member
OK here's where I'm at today:
I use 2 Neumann TLM 103's under the lid about 8" above and behind the center of the harp, the 2 are set in an "X-Y" config, and splayed about 110 degres. Those 2 neumann's run into an ART PRO MPA tube microphone pre-amp. Then I use one shure SM81 about 6 feet away, set to a height just above the rim. that mic runs to an un-colored mic pre on my board. The level on the SM81 is considerable lower than the two under the lid, as I just want to try and capture some soft room reflections.
This whole setup seems to work pretty good, but it just seems to lack some real vitality.
You can listen to a recording done using this technique on my web site at: http://michaeljones.iuma.com
the song posted there that was recorded this way is called "Reflections".
I appreciate the help!
thanks.
[This message has been edited by Michael Jones (edited 07-28-2000).]
I use 2 Neumann TLM 103's under the lid about 8" above and behind the center of the harp, the 2 are set in an "X-Y" config, and splayed about 110 degres. Those 2 neumann's run into an ART PRO MPA tube microphone pre-amp. Then I use one shure SM81 about 6 feet away, set to a height just above the rim. that mic runs to an un-colored mic pre on my board. The level on the SM81 is considerable lower than the two under the lid, as I just want to try and capture some soft room reflections.
This whole setup seems to work pretty good, but it just seems to lack some real vitality.
You can listen to a recording done using this technique on my web site at: http://michaeljones.iuma.com
the song posted there that was recorded this way is called "Reflections".
I appreciate the help!
thanks.
[This message has been edited by Michael Jones (edited 07-28-2000).]
John Sayers
Solar Power!!
I'm with you Bigkahuna except I add another over the bridge of the bottom strings which I mix in left to the XY L/R setup. I sometimes move the XY mikes apart by about 6" to get more spread across the speakers.
Shailat
New member
Does the piano sound warm like you want with out the mics?.
I will try to download your demo but for now try other set ups like these as well as the others suggested.
You can try the "XY" Facing into the piano at the curve but placed at the edge. This should give a full sound but not to much control over bass treble range).
Also try parting the mics like this:
Lid open on stick (try short then long)
Center 1 mic over Treble strings ranging from 6-18 inchs above the strings and behind the hammers.
Center the 2 mic over the bass strings 6-18 over the strings and 2-4 from the end of the piano.
Pan the mics to your liking.
Make sure that you aren't losing the mids. If so, then move them higher from the strings even at the expenss of the Bass Treble.
Try the same thing but with the 2 mics on the same line, 6-12" behind the hammers aming at the strings and again aming over the treble and bass strings.
This should give you a big sound.
Tell us what happened
I will try to download your demo but for now try other set ups like these as well as the others suggested.
You can try the "XY" Facing into the piano at the curve but placed at the edge. This should give a full sound but not to much control over bass treble range).
Also try parting the mics like this:
Lid open on stick (try short then long)
Center 1 mic over Treble strings ranging from 6-18 inchs above the strings and behind the hammers.
Center the 2 mic over the bass strings 6-18 over the strings and 2-4 from the end of the piano.
Pan the mics to your liking.
Make sure that you aren't losing the mids. If so, then move them higher from the strings even at the expenss of the Bass Treble.
Try the same thing but with the 2 mics on the same line, 6-12" behind the hammers aming at the strings and again aming over the treble and bass strings.
This should give you a big sound.
Tell us what happened
Michael Jones
New member
Does the piano sound warm without out the mics? You mean when I just play it in the studio? Yes, I have a 6'-2" Boston Grand Piano, it has a tremendously rich, full tone. And the studio is treated acousticly. It sounds incredible in this room.
I'm going to try your other suggested technique, and see how that goes. I'll let you know how it comes out.
I'm going to try your other suggested technique, and see how that goes. I'll let you know how it comes out.