There are hundreds of different ways to mic a piano. This is why you have not
received tons of different posts on how to do it! It is largely subjective...and
everyone finds their favorite couple of ways to mic a grand.
Where you are located, can you find a mentor locally?
Can you give us a rough idea of mic options you have? Or the rental budget?
I'm tempted to tell you some of the ways I have been taught to mic a grand for
reinforcement, but I don't want to shout out super expensive mics if they are completely inappropriate... oh well what the hell, I will anyway. Remember, these for REINFORCEMENT, not RECORDING. They also are not always ways that I would necessarily mic a grand!
1. Lid open full stick: pair of AKG414/
Shure KSM44/Neumann TLM103/U87s set to
cardioid, 2-3 inches above the strings, high and low separating the
soundboard into thirds.
2. Lid open short stick: pair of Schoeps CMC5/MK4, (MK2s subcardioid in a
pinch), or DPA 4021/4022/4023 (same
element, different cable mount) ORTF
array.
3. Lid Closed: Earthworks QTC-1 (now QTC-30, I think) pair spaced 18-20"
apart sitting over the bridge in a "
gaff tape suspension bridge". Yes, they are
Omnis, yes, they will be plenty loud unless you have slant wedges back at the
player, in which case you need a Barcus Berry or similar robust,
can-get-stupid-loud pickup for monitors only.
4. Schertler piano pickup on the 2nd hole of the soundboard and a tiny
cardioid above the hammers for bettter attack.
But much simpler & less expensive - put the mics where the piano sounds good. Stick your head in and around the piano and listen. Use your ears. Decide what it needs then grab the mics that will do what you think is needed.
If I miced a piano 100 times I might use 100 different techniques.
Think about the style of the music.
Think about the characteristics of the
instrument and the player.
You could try less expensive mics. If the piano is too bright us a mellower mic like a
dynamic. If the piano is a little dull then reach for something brighter like a LD
condenser. If it sounds wonderful as is and you want a truly
accurate sound then reach for SD condensers. If you need compression try an SM57.
I probably wouldn't use processing unless you are going for an
effect or the style of music calls for it. That would be another decision that I would have to make.
Hey, I just looked at your
profile. Look where I am from. Give me a shout off list. I'd love to know if I've worked with you!
Dennis