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From: dmt@mtgzz.UUCP (d.m.tutelman)
Newsgroups: net.music.synth
Subject: Re: Microphone information ...
Message-ID: <1432@mtgzz.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 22-Nov-85 07:34:07 EST
Article-I.D.: mtgzz.1432
Posted: Fri Nov 22 07:34:07 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 24-Nov-85 03:53:18 EST
References: <131@ulose.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Labs, Middletown NJ
Lines: 46
Cc: dmt, bob@ulose.UUCP

> I tend to use acoustic piano in a lot of my recording but am not very
> satisfied with my results. Since I am far from a recording expert, I am
> probably neglecting all sorts of things by simplying using a reasonable
> quality microphone ($150 range) mounted on a boom and swung over the harp
> of my grand. Does anyone have any experience or tips to share with this
> sort of requirement?

I had the same problem a couple of years ago, and checked with some
"experts" at the local music store.  They tried to sell me a $700 mike
that is actually three pickups that attach to the sounding board in
three places.  While I had no intention of springing for that sort
of money, a little study of the technical data for the mikes suggested
the following course of action ( which works pretty well):

I record with the top open, and TWO MIKES in close to the strings.
The idea is to get as close as possible to the strings (sharpens
crispness) without putting "holes" along the scales.  With more than
two mikes, you could get even closer.  Know the directional pattern
of your mike (cardioid is good for this), and place them so the full
"keyboard" is covered fairly smoothly.

As for the electronics behind it, I'd recommend NOT using an equalizer
to fill the "holes" produced by mike placement; you'll do funny things
to the overtones.  (I'm not saying don't use and equalizer; just don't
use it as a substitute for more mikes closer to the strings.)
However, I find that spreading the mikes over the stereo channels
produces a pleasing effect for solo piano.  (In combos, however, a
"spread" piano sounds a little strange.)

By all means, use a boom rather than mounting the mikes to the piano.
A piano-mounted mike with a good sound system gives you a deep "thump"
on each pedal release.

I bet you could do better with three "reasonable" $50 cardioid mikes
than the one "pretty good" $150 mike you use now.  It won't be as 
good as the pros (or the $700 sounding board pickup), but a major
improvement over what you have now.

             		Dave Tutelman
                	Physical - AT&T Information Systems
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