Recording a piano in a studio is an important step in the production process that requires special care and attention. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can capture the nuanced and organic sound of a real live piano in a professional setting. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential components of a piano recording studio, plus the best studio uprights for recording and the microphones to use for optimal sound quality.
What is a Piano Recording Studio?
A piano recording studio is a professional sound recording space equipped with the specialized tools and instruments needed to capture the sound of a piano. At SOS Music, our state-of-the-art recording studio offers professional audio and video recordings with award-winning Shigeru Kawai and Schimmel concert grade pianos. Professional upright pianos are a great way to record the nuance and organic sound of a real live piano, and these instruments are essential for a piano recording studio.
The Best Studio Uprights for Recording
When it comes to building a piano recording studio, investing in the right instruments is key. Here are three of the best studio uprights for recording:
- Skillman Music: Skillman Music is a prime recording studio, broadcast solution provider and record label located in NYC. They offer high-end recording studios and equipment, as well as professional-grade pianos and other instruments.
- Kawai: Kawai is a leader in the piano industry, and their upright pianos are some of the best in the world. They have a wide range of models, from basic uprights to grand pianos.
- Schimmel: Schimmel is another top piano manufacturer, and their instruments are renowned for their quality and sound. They offer a variety of upright pianos, from basic to concert-grade.
The Microphone for Piano Recording
When it comes to recording a piano, condenser microphones are the preferred choice. This is because they work better on instruments producing higher frequencies, such as the piano. Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic microphones and can capture a wider range of sound. This makes them perfect for capturing the nuances and organic sound of a piano.
Conclusion
Building a piano recording studio can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By investing in the right instruments, such as professional upright pianos and condenser microphones, you can capture the nuanced and organic sound of a real live piano. If you’re looking to get started with piano recording, check out the resources at Making Music 101 for tips, tutorials, and more.
What is the most suitable gear for recording piano?
Using a condenser microphone is the best choice for recording the piano due to its ability to better capture the higher frequencies that the instrument produces. Although the piano can produce lower frequencies too, a dynamic microphone won’t be able to pick up the middle and treble notes of the piano as well as a condenser microphone.
What is the process for capturing audio of a piano in a recording studio?
You can get the piano’s complete sound with one mic; set up an AT2020 cardioid condenser mic just outside the instrument. As previously mentioned, you can locate the best spot by walking around the room while the pianist plays. To avoid an overly reverberant sound, place the mic closer to the piano.
Where can I find a studio to record my upright piano?
An upright piano usually has two mics placed either over the top with the lid open, or if the front panel below the keys is removed, then the microphones can be positioned underneath.
