Piano Microphones

This category contains microphones for acoustic piano. The microphone selected should have a very flat, extended frequency response and excellent transient response. Hi quality large-diaphragm condensers are quite a common choice for piano. A piano generates a very wide frequency range, starting at around 26Hz (the fundamental frequency of the lowest note) and extending well beyond the 20kHz upper limit of the audible spectrum. Another option here would be to try a boundary mic or PZM (pressure zone microphone). The extended range of the piano's low frequencies is also relevant to the choice of polar pattern. The frequency-response charts of many directional mics tend to dive much more rapidly at the low end than those of omnidirectional designs, and this is one reason why omnis are often chosen. With stereo recording, the mics should be identical and should be placed in one of two standard stereo configurations. Two common stereo set-ups using directional microphones inside a grand piano are: An ORTF stereo set-up over the strings at the mid frame. The microphones are pointed 45° downwards and at the pianist or two parallel cardioid microphones spaced apart and positioned over the mid hammers pointing 45° downwards and at the pianist.