Recording Piano Recitals at DVinfo.net

Will Abreu · August 26th, 2005, 09:29 PM

I have a Cannon GL-2 and I want to shoot and record piano recitals. I am thinking of getting a Rode nt4 and a beachtek DXA-6. Considering that this will cost me about $700 and I have limited funds, can anyone advise me wether I'm getting the best bang for my buck? Or, should I consider something else?

Dave Largent · August 26th, 2005, 10:34 PM

Usually what I've heard to record piano is to get
the mic(s) up close, like 1 to 3 feet away.
Were you planning on putting the NT4 on
your camera? On a mic stand near the piano?
Some people might even boom the mic inside the
piano if it's played with the cover on a long
stick.

James Emory · August 26th, 2005, 10:57 PM

I would highly recommend having a mic on a stand within 3-4 feet of the piano. It will turn out great.

Steve House · August 27th, 2005, 05:42 AM

"Mix" magazine had an complete article on techniques for recording piano performances in their June 2005 issue and it's available online at their website.

http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_killer_keys/index.html

Recommended reading ...

Douglas Spotted Eagle · August 27th, 2005, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Emory

I would highly recommend having a mic on a stand within 3-4 feet of the piano. It will turn out great.

Amen. Using a standard XY/Blumlein, you'll get a good sound if you can't get straight into the piano shell. I wouldn't use an NT4. A Giant Squid (omni) stereo pair, a pair of AT 899's, or something similar would be better if stereo is important to you.
Pianos are not easy to get a great sound out of if you are not specifically recording the piano in a controlled environment. However, an XY setup, just a few feet back, usually will give a good piano sound while taking the room into account.

James Emory · August 27th, 2005, 11:56 AM

I used an Electrovoice RE-50 and it worked great.

August 26th, 2005, 09:29 PM	#1
Will Abreu Tourist Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2	Recording Piano Recitals I have a Cannon GL-2 and I want to shoot and record piano recitals. I am thinking of getting a Rode nt4 and a beachtek DXA-6. Considering that this will cost me about $700 and I have limited funds, can anyone advise me wether I'm getting the best bang for my buck? Or, should I consider something else?

August 27th, 2005, 05:42 AM	#4
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	"Mix" magazine had an complete article on techniques for recording piano performances in their June 2005 issue and it's available online at their website. http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_killer_keys/index.html Recommended reading ... Last edited by Steve House; August 27th, 2005 at 11:52 AM.

August 26th, 2005, 10:34 PM	#2
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	Usually what I've heard to record piano is to get the mic(s) up close, like 1 to 3 feet away. Were you planning on putting the NT4 on your camera? On a mic stand near the piano? Some people might even boom the mic inside the piano if it's played with the cover on a long stick.

August 26th, 2005, 10:57 PM	#3
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	I would highly recommend having a mic on a stand within 3-4 feet of the piano. It will turn out great.

August 27th, 2005, 11:56 AM	#6
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	I used an Electrovoice RE-50 and it worked great.