Baby Grand Piano Recording

Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:17 pm

Hi everyone,
I have a session booked to record a baby grand piano over an Algerian fusion group which I recorded half live / half overdubbed percussion. The playing style of the pianist will be kind of cuban jazz and I want to know the best way to capture such a genre.
I have found some interesting stereo techs from the players perspective, above the strings & even one from the 'tail' of the piano.
I know that I will be using a single (C414 or else U87) to get a usable mono signal with 1 or 2 ambience mics (DPAs if they're not used for main stereo array).

So mainly....what do you think would be the best stereo configuration for a jazzy baby grand piano?? The track is quite busy in the hi & hi-mids so I'm looking for a solid mid pickup to give this element it's own place.

Thanks for anyones help. Very Happy

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:46 am

Think I got the situation right... correct me if I'm wrong.

Yer' going to overdub track a baby grand, right?

If that's right, your U87 in the midrange with a stereo pair of DPA's OH sounds like it would be plenty fine.

While the 414 is a great all around mic, I'd much rather use a U87, due to a more natural and realistic presence.

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