Piano Room acoustics are important. Placement of piano and microphones are influenced by the room. Condenser microphones are commonly used to capture the full range of a piano and its transients. Stereo microphones are most commonly used. If using only one microphone, place it closer to the treble side. Generally, raise the height of the microphones the further the microphone distance from the piano.

Grand Piano Sound from a grand piano radiates from many areas and in many directions. There is a large area of sound generation. Acoustically complex instrument. Capture sounds ranging from traditional (natural or accurate) to percussive.

Grand Piano – Microphones Over the Hammers 1.Over the hammers 2.Over the strings 3.Edge of the body 4.Distance (room)

Grand Piano – Microphones Over the Hammers Stereo pair – one over treble side and one over the bass side. 4-10” away from the hammers (body side of the piano). 4-10” above the strings pointing straight down or at an angle. Height, front-back and left-right position selected to obtain desired sound and treble-bass balance. Provides good isolation from other sounds and any room influence Very percussive sound – more for driving rock or pop styles

Grand Piano – Microphones Over the Strings 1.Over the hammers 2.Over the strings 3.Edge of the body 4.Distance (room)

Grand Piano – Microphones Over the Strings Stereo pair – one over the treble strings and one over the bass strings (body of the piano). 4-10” above the strings pointing straight down or at an angle. Height, front-back and left-right position selected to obtain desired sound and treble-bass balance. Provides moderate isolation from other sounds and any room influence. Less percussive sound, but still not highly natural or accurate.

Grand Piano – Microphones at the Body Edge 1.Over the hammers 2.Over the strings 3.Edge of the body 4.Distance (room)

Grand Piano – Microphones at the Body Edge Stereo pair – at the opening of the piano and lid “Looking into the open lid”. Can be positioned just inside or outside of the piano. Height, angle and front-back position selected to obtain desired sound and treble-bass balance. Little isolation from other sounds and any room influence. More open and closer to a natural and accurate sound compared to microphones inside the body and close to the strings.

Grand Piano – Microphones at a Distance (Room) 1.Over the hammers 2.Over the strings 3.Edge of the body 4.Distance (room)

Grand Piano – Microphones at a Distance (Room) Stereo pair – placed outside of the piano and usually facing the open lid. 6-25’ away from the piano. Height and position selected to obtain desired sound and treble- bass balance. No isolation from other sounds and any room influence. Most open, natural and accurate sound. Strongly Influenced by the room sound. Blumlein and mid-side (MS) can be used.

Upright Piano – Microphones Over the Top 1.Over the top 2.Front and Above 3.Soundboard 4.Kickboard

Upright Piano – Microphones Over the Top Stereo pair – placed just over the open top and angled down towards the strings. One on treble side and one on bass side. Height, angle and left-right position selected to obtain desired sound and treble-bass balance. Angle the piano 15-20° away from the wall if close to one.

Upright Piano – Front and Above 1.Over the top 2.Front and Above 3.Soundboard 4.Kickboard

Upright Piano – Microphones Front and Above Remove front, upper panel and open the top. Stereo pair – placed 6-12” above the bass and treble strings and 6- 12” in front of the piano. Angle towards the strings. Height, angle and left-right position selected to obtain desired sound and treble-bass balance. Angle the piano 15-20° away from the wall if close to one. Less percussive

Upright Piano – Microphones on the Soundboard 1.Over the top 2.Front and Above 3.Soundboard 4.Kickboard

Upright Piano – Microphones on the Soundboard Move the piano away from any walls. Stereo pair – placed 4-8” away from the back of the piano. Height, angle and left-right position selected to obtain desired sound and treble-bass balance. Mid-way up is a good starting point. Used if some isolation from other sounds is needed, but not a great overall sound.

Upright Piano – Microphones on the Kickboard 1.Over the top 2.Front and Above 3.Soundboard 4.Kickboard

Upright Piano – Microphones on the Kickboard Remove the lower kickboard Stereo pair – placed 6-9” away from the strings. Height, angle and left-right position selected to obtain desired sound and treble-bass balance. Close to the bottom of the keyboard is a good starting point. Used if some isolation from other sounds is needed, but not a great overall sound.