micing a grand piano

[jimbo_baby84]

hi guys, simple enough question. what's your favourite mics and techniques for tracking a grand?

thanks!

 

[axel]

U 87s overhead.

 

[LittleDogAudio]

Depends on the type of music.

Solo Piano-KM 84's or AKG 414's XY slightly outside the lid.

Blues Piano (full band) AKG 414's spaced pair directly over the strings under the lid.

Jazz (3 or4 piece) KM84's over the strings (low-High) and a 149 outside the lid a couple of feet back.

There are sooooo many variables involved that it's a very difficult question to answer with a simple reply.

My .02

Chris

 

[Davedog]

U87's in stereo pair just outside the lid and a Crown PZM on the wood floor under the piano.

 

[MadTiger3000]

Depends on the type of music.

Solo Piano-KM 84's or AKG 414's XY slightly outside the lid.

Blues Piano (full band) AKG 414's spaced pair directly over the strings under the lid.

Jazz (3 or4 piece) KM84's over the strings (low-High) and a 149 outside the lid a couple of feet back.

There are sooooo many variables involved that it's a very difficult question to answer with a simple reply.

My .02

Chris

I have been on the boards about 5 months, and I didn't realize you were Cleveland until today. I am Akron until I finish grad school, then elsewhere.

I am starting to get this mic game! While I don't know the character of these particular mics, after reading this post I totally get what's going on with the placement. I have performed jazz and blues, and have heard solo piano, so I can relate to why you would position your microphones in those various manners.

 

[LittleDogAudio]

Oh yeah?
Why don't you give me a call some time and we can maybe shoot the breeze. If you want to come up the Cleveland and check out my studio, I would be glad to make the time.

btw, I've been working with quite a few Akron bands lately
(Six Parts Seven, Houseguest and Good Morning Valentine)

Cheers,

Chris

 

[killersoundz]

I'm in Canton, we should throw a party.

 

[LittleDogAudio]

I'll bring the beer, you bring the women!

Chris

 

[o2x]

C12 pair and PZM (Davedog you dog you!! - I thought that was my trick ) :wink:

 

[bobbo]

re

I'm in Canton, we should throw a party

I have been on the boards about 5 months, and I didn't realize you were Cleveland until today. I am Akron until I finish grad school, then elsewhere.

I am from columbus (ohio)

We should for a super studio and rule the world :twisted: hahahahaha :twisted: *evil laugh*

 

[John Stafford]

I like the sound of Sennheiser MKH 20s on a piano. If I had money I'd like to use an AKG C426 as well. Over on the acoustic music forum there's a few threads that might interest you.

John Stafford

 

[jimbo_baby84]

thanks for the tips guys

 

[JBsound]

AKG C426B in M/S is unreal in a good room. I also like 414's in either blumlein, m/s, or x/y...especially the older ones with the ck12 capsules.

I love my Schoeps cmc6/mk4's - usually in a spaced pair. I also have like the km184's at times, but they're kind of hit and miss depending on the piano and the room.

My all-time best sound was definitely with the akg c426b...through a mackie pre at that! I was in an amazing room though.