Microphones Creative piano micing

[achstechdirector]

I had to mic a piano this evening but had the issue of not having the proper mics too mic it. So I used two Audio-Technica Choir Mics and spaced them out on the sound board. (upright piano). worked like a charm and the show comes on

 

[howlingwolf487]

Glad it worked for you! I always enjoy experimenting with mic techniques, and particularly so when it comes to pianos. My favorite for recording has been a Mid-Side stereo pattern; live sound, I like one mic over the low strings and another over the high strings. Still experimenting, though...

Were the mics you used A/T 853's?

 

[rwhealey]

I've always wanted to try PCCs taped to the lid, but have been too afraid to put gaff on the piano...

I hear that works pretty well.

I usually just use a pair of Neumann KM183s (omni condensers). One for highs, one for lows. We use the mics for recording - Before I pulled them down, we just used SM57s on piano.

Big difference

 

[Eboy87]

I've always wanted to try PCCs taped to the lid, but have been too afraid to put gaff on the piano...

Works well on uprights. I only had one spare one to use, but it worked out nicely. Needed to boost the low, but I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[MSLD]

Amazingly enough, an Audix D-6 is great to bring out the richness of the lower octaves.

 

[mixmaster]

I've always wanted to try PCCs taped to the lid, but have been too afraid to put gaff on the piano...

I hear that works pretty well.

I usually just use a pair of Neumann KM183s (omni condensers). One for highs, one for lows. We use the mics for recording - Before I pulled them down, we just used SM57s on piano.

Big difference

I've use PCCs in pianos when I need something mode discrete than having mic stands on stage, or when my other mics are in use elsewhere. They are not, in my mind, the best sound possible, but they are a very reasonable sounding mic for the times when perfection isn't possible. I think they are a little boxy sounding. Call me old fashioned but I prefer the top end response of my 81s
I don't tape them to the lid. I've found that they sound better taped to the inside of the curve of the piano, above the soundboard. I put one between the two highest soundholes and one between the two lowest soundholes. If you tape the mics to the lid and they fall, they land on the strings which cause all sorts of problems if it happens mid show. Leaving Gaff tape residue becomes the least of your problems.