Recording Piano

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Pluto105

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I do a bit of songwriting on the piano, and recently thought I might splash out for a multitrack to make a few demo tapes.

I'm just doing this as a hobby so I'm on a budget. After looking at recorders I thoght I'd go for a Tascam 414 - looks like a standard beginner's machine.

Now I know I need to get some mics and stands, but I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on:

- the best way to set up the mikes to record an upright piano; what models/types are suited to this, and where the mics would be best positioned (I think I read somewhere that you need more than one mike, but that was for a grand piano). Is it even possible to record well without high-end equipment?

- whether I should be looking at getting a different type of recorder (the guys I've talked to at various shops only seem to know about recording guitars!)

Thanks for any advice.
 
The simplest way pluto - would be to get a PZM and tape it inside on the front panel opposite the hammers. Two would give a stereo spread. Why not use the puter??

Cheers
John :)
 
Thanks for the reply John. I took a look at the PZM you referred me to and it looks great, but I'm not sure I can get it here in Melbourne Australia (I'm not keen on buying overseas in case of problems). Now I'm looking at a CAD ST100 (see http://www.cadmics.com/contractor.htm ) which seems pretty good too. Anyone recommend something they think would be more appropriate?

As to recording on computer - I'm actually using this pute from work - I don't have access to one at home.

One thing about these mics is that they seem to require phantom power, which the Tascam 414 doesn't give, but the guy at the shop mentioned to me that they should be able to "rig something up".

Alternatively I have an opportunity to get a Boss BR8 cheap but I don't know whether this gives phantom power or not - can anyone help me there?
 
Do a search on this forum -- I posted piano mic'ing techniques for someone else who asked within the last month or so...

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound
 
I like to think that most acoustic instruments aren't worth recording if you can't stereo mic them. They sound so...so...bleaaah without stereo - especially piano. (Unless you're going for that retro jazz sound.)

Isaiah
 
Prism said:
I like to think that most acoustic instruments aren't worth recording if you can't stereo mic them. They sound so...so...bleaaah without stereo - especially piano. (Unless you're going for that retro jazz sound.)

Isaiah
Click to expand...

Being in the "Newbie" section I hope you wont laugh at me for this, but - what makes the recording sound better if I put two mics in the cabinet instead of one? Is it because a mic above the upper hammers and a mic above the lower hammers catches the sonics more clearly because there's onlyt half the area to cover than if you had one mic in the middle, or is there another reason?

Is there an FAQ or article someone can point me to regarding this topic?
 
yo!, Pluto!

The 488MKII has phantom and 4 more tracks and a better eq section. I bought one and love it! You can buy a used one for the price of a new 414(well, pretty close anyway). Good luck!

Brett
 
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