Microphone setup for recording piano

[John Willett]

Recording piano is my speciality.

For a solo recital on a grand piano I always use omni mics as a directional mic loses the bottom end of the piano.

I use 20cm spaced omnis (on a stereo bar) and my starting position is about 2m in front of the piano (on full stick) at about head height, or a little higher.

I will vary this position depending on the piano, the music and the room.

Yes, I *have* recorded a CD of a piano in someone's domestic room and the microphone position ended up as being totally different from what I normally use. Still 20cm spaced omnis, but in a very different position.

You need to get the pianist to play and then move around the room - where the piano sounds best to your ears should be the starting position for placing the microphones.

Do *not* compromise on microphone positioning for the video.


If the piano is an upright - as has been said, it's best to pull it away from the wall and mic up the soundboard on the rear.

Again, listen first and use your ears to find the best mic. position.

But omnis are best. If you don't have any omnis and money is tight - then get a pair of Line Audio OM-1 - they are inexpensive but have a quality that is far above the price you pay.

I hope this helps.

[Jim Andrada]

+1 re omni(s)