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Member
I am referring to the grand piano.
Where and how do you position the microphone or microphones for your recordings?
In what way have you obtained the best results?
Lid, if open, at what height?
I am asking to optimize all of our recordings.
Administrator
There are several techniques, but for the piano, at least a stereo technique is still necessary. By 'at least stereo' I mean that if you have multiple recording inputs available, it is possible to use combinations of multiple microphones in search of the sound that pleases us most. In the piano, the quality of the microphones, the preamplifier, and the A/D converter is also of fundamental importance. Quality is guaranteed by these components. I am not at home right now; when I return, I will try to remember to post some photos for you regarding piano positioning.
Member
A few years ago, while talking to Fiorello immediately after a live broadcast in a Rai radio studio, I was allowed to approach the Steinway (not well maintained in terms of intonation and tuning) that was in the room.
The sound of the pf reproduced by the loudspeakers was truly good.
Fiorello told me that the audio technicians were "jealous" of their technical adjustments.
I could only see that they had placed two microphones (I don't know which type), covered by a fairly large, medium-thickness green cloth, with the lid slightly open.
In my opinion, everything depended on the cloth covering the two microphones. This extended between the strings and the lid.
Administrator
The green cloth was definitely a felt cloth. It serves to dampen the strong attacks of the piano a little bit. Evidently, the microphones were positioned very close to the instrument and were not specific for the piano. Using two Shoeps (which are piano microphones par excellence), I have never come across them being covered in felt despite being placed very close to the strings. Like all things, you have to see what result you are looking for. If the pianist wants to make the recording very realistic, then I would use 5 microphones. Two Shoeps in ORTF configuration (with capsules placed 17 cm apart and an angle of 110Ā°), a Neumann U87 placed under the piano towards the pedalboard to capture the pedal noises. Two AKG 414 in AB behind the pianist's shoulders at a maximum of one meter to capture the breaths and movements of the pianist.
Success is guaranteed. If you don't know the techniques I just mentioned, I can draw some diagrams for you this afternoon...
