How to record the acoustic piano - (Upright piano recording)

[@lume1837]

Great Sound and great playing! Thx for this video!

[@jessewright3790]

heavenly playing. luv it my lad.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Cheers!

[@brothertv9370]

Great! Thank you very much, that helped a lot. And your voice and accent made it easy to watch as well.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you!

[@paulo_f_moraes]

aaaa, finally i found someone with a great tutorial about piano recording! Is really difficult to found contents like this. Thanks for share this kind of information! I really liked your youtube channel, congratz for your work!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you so much my friend, you are most welcome! Happy recording to you and keep well!

[@benjamineliasson5798]

Great tutorial! And an absolutely beautiful sounding piano!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Hey thanks so much and I hope it helps! Totally agree, this piano is lovely sounding.

[@Snadistsiistii]

Thank you for sharing this. It was a huge surprise find out how many different sounds there are with an upright piano. I’ve not been too happy with the close-up mic locations as I tend to get a nasal boomy, or muddy sound all too easily. A honky-tonk piano sometimes. I currenly use two ribbons 4 ft away behind the player, panning the channels a bit away from the exremes to strengthen the center imaging. A endless journey, it seems.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks so much, yes it takes time and effort. But its worth it! Happy recording and appreciate your comment.

[@SaxVentures]

I'm trying to improve the recordings I'm doing on my U3, so this was just perfect for me! Thank you!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks Andy and happy recording to you!

[@homesweethome4769]

I once recorded my wedding song playing an electric piano located in a music class using an iPhone and an iPad capturing the sound simultaneously. I’m not a music major, so I’m not regularly allowed into this class. I just had one shot at this and it worked surprisingly well. I captured the piano and my voice as well at the same time. The finish results was perfect after editing.

[@homesweethome4769]

I was hoping to do it on an acoustic piano, but they were out of tune 🤕

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thats great! If it sounds good to you, it is good. Enjoy!

[@Tryscair]

Very nice arrangement of the song. Piano sounds great

[@courtneysmith5412]

Damn that’s beautiful! Thanks so much for this!

[@lawrencegreenwood4002]

Hi Martin, great informative video for young engineers. I've had a lot of experience recording pianos as the in house sound engineer at Klavins Pianos in Latvia, and I'd happily answer any questions if anyone has any. One flaw in the spaced pair, for my own tastes at least, is the drop off in the centre image in terms of the actual texture of the hammers and the confusion/phasing in the low mids around middle C when using this technique. First... You don't record an acoustic guitar glued on the wall for good reason - for this same reason, if you can, pull the piano off the wall. ORTF facing down across the hammers (you can use XY if mono compatibility is a priority over stereo image) Blumlein on the soundboard rear (I vary between 4038s and an R88A, but you can use anything!) Cardioid offset (Beyer M160 about 2m high looking down at the keyboard from the bass side) Omni room mic (U87 as far away as you can get it, up to 15m or so in a large room is often lovely) Spaced omnis (On the floor, about 15m away also) One great technique that sometimes has a brilliant effect is a mid-side using an omni as the mid and a fig-8 'looking' down the length of the hammers. For felt piano and textural experimentation I've had great results with this lately, but you need a pretty nice sounding room. One great technique explored by Christian Henson is three across the front and an over the shoulder Blumlein - great central image, great space. Would be ideal in a less than exciting room. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHmzZqBuaNWYibc

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Lovely insights to your knowledge and experience! I hope both young and older engineers have help from this too! Happy recording to you!

[@edgarpantojamusic]

Thanks so much Martin, my best.

[@ProducerDan]

Its nice to hear the sound of the hammers. very sweet.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

It makes all the difference for some tracks for sure! Thanks for the comment!

[@dxfxult]

Awesome

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Thanks for a great video on this topic!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you

[@isaackvillani9405]

Thanks for that man!

[@cruisecontrol399]

What a beautiful sound, do you have acoustic treatment in your room?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you! Yes, the room has some acoustic panels spaced around to simply stop reflections.

[@warrenwyles2413]

That's sounds amazing

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you so much!

[@creativespace9]

Fantastic! Great info, thanks loads :)

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you!

[@philbarone4603]

I had a Yam U3 that was great but it looked to be the same size as this U1. I ended up with a vintage Steinway that magnificent.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thats great Phil. Do you record your Steinway? If so, does it sound great? Thanks for commenting! Martin

[@philbarone4603]

@@meyerstreetrecords yes, I use a zoom and it’s pretty good.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

@@philbarone4603 Thats really great! Happy recording to you, take care

[@Toffee301]

very good

[@shinytv644]

Great tutorial! It helped me how to record everything correctly, and the pieces you played were beautiful what is the name of the first piece?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thats great to know, thank you! Its 'Pure Imagination'. Happy recording to you!

[@randomgaming6808]

Amazing video! I’ve been looking for producing tips and tutorials lately! It’s oddly hard to find, all I find are young kids sampling other people’s music and calling it producing

[@calus8083]

really nice video

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you so much!

[@dominiclucas2803]

Great tips! you gotta new sub thanks!!!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your sub! :-)

[@cypriancassar5073]

hello and thanks for the video! do you use the akg c414XLII or the akg C414 XLS pls?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

You are welcome! I have the C414 XLII. Very versatile microphones.

[@zoo_studios]

Brilliant video, thank you. I’ve just got myself a Samick upright piano and 2 x AKG P170’s. I’m intrigued how these will sound for the price.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks Sam! Yes, will be fun to get a good sound from them. Happy recording to you!

[@zoo_studios]

@@meyerstreetrecords thank you! Hopefully, I’ll play as good as you one day.

[@zoo_studios]

@@meyerstreetrecords thank you! Hopefully, I’ll play as good as you one day.

[@simonandresenmusic]

Fantastic video, thank you so much! I’m going to try it that way, although I don’t own two condenser mics but one condenser and one dynamic. Do you reckon that combination might work as well?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Hey thanks so much! You can only try and see what happens. Best of luck!

[@ShJie_Music]

Great Video，wondering how to set the EQ and compressor in DAW. please update~

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks for the response and pleased you enjoy the video! EQ and compression are worth adding on either the recording stage or the mixing stage or perhaps both. Thats up to you as the recording engineer to decide, depending on your room sound and also the production you are looking to make. However, most DAWs have EQ and Compression built in, so simply add them to your track or tracks and set as you wish. If I record with EQ and Compression I usually add a slight low cut around 100hz and with compression a low ratio 2:1 with a fairly low threshold too so the compression is not too dominant to the sound. Afterall you can compress after recording anyway. If you are unsure on how to set up EQ and Compression on your particular DAW, its best to consult the developer for that. Best of luck!

[@toti1724]

Very lovely sound! Could you record a movie about processing captured sound?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gouTdaqog9F_nck. Sure thing and skip alittle forward towards the end! Thank you!

[@bohdanm5244]

Great video and amazing sound! Do you have any phase problems with this mic placement?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you! Yes, all the time when stereo mic'ing. I just check the phase before recording and place the mics as equally spaced as poss! :-)

[@mdee2581]

Great video thanks for the infos! can i ask if you created the 2 audio tracks in Pro Tools in stereo or mono? sorry if i didnt catch that or if its a silly question. i record the upright piano myself and i always create 2 mono tracks in Cubase ansd then record. i was just wondering recently if i do the right thing lol anyways thx again cheers

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks so much! From memory in this video I was recording the two microphones as mono inputs and simply panned them hard left and right. My DAW is Pro Tools, but remember the DAW will not make things sound any different, it is just my preferred DAW at the moment. I hope that helps and happy recording to you! Lastly, keep in mind there is definitely no 'right thing' in creative recording. If it sounds good to you, then thats all that matters! :-) Marty

[@moeinyzz4624]

For people who don't have the budget for the AKGs, would you recommend a pair of RODE NT5 ? I'm looking to record my upright piano with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I looked for good mics that fit my budget. So far I've found that the RODE NT5s do. Help?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Yes absolutely. I am a big fan of Rode microphones. Although I have never used the NT5's, I hear good things about them. Best of luck!

[@HousePlant_Ambient]

Very informative, may I ask, how can I set up when I do get my upright piano, how can I set it up with Reverb, and Delay? Like connecting to it...

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks for the comment! So depending on your knowledge around the studio, the way I add reverb or any effect to an audio source once its been recorded is to simply send the audio signal to my effects unit, in your case a reverb unit, then have the return signals head back into my sound desk as effect returns or the same but in my DAW. From there you can add just the desired amount of effect as you want to your recorded piano source without losing the original audio. I hope this helps, it can be complicated if you are not use to a studio environment. Best wishes Marty!

[@Ben777World]

Your 'raw' sound was beautiful. I didn't know that a Yamaha upright could sound so pretty. What voodoo did you work on it?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Haha thanks very much. Yes, its a mix of good sounding piano, mics and room I guess. Appreciate your comment!

[@Octavio12341000]

Would you consider adding 2 more mics down of the keaboard to have more bass?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Yes thats a great point, in this video I only used a stereo pair on the top, which gives a nice all round sound. However, yes, depending on the recording and piece you are playing I would have a low end mic too below capturing the bass sounds further too. It also, sometimes acts as a pedal mic too, capturing the pedal squeaks even. Remember the more you capture around the piano, the more you have to listen to and mix after. Best of luck!

[@giuseppefoto]

Hello from Spain. I am looking for a pair of microphones. For instruments. Like piano and guitars. For piano, do you think the Rode nt5 is a good option? Thank you.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

I havent used the NT5's but I am a fan of Rode Microphones. I would suggest a good pair of dynamic mics for both guitars and piano recording. Check out the Shure SM57. I was really surprised with the results on the acoustic guitars. For piano it works great too. Happy recording to you!

[@giuseppefoto]

@@meyerstreetrecords you advice me dynamic mics? Thank you.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

@@giuseppefoto Dynamics on a Piano sound really nice. I recently have been using them on guitars too, they sound great. Experiment and have fun recording. If your budget is more then try both condensers large and small diaphragm. There is no set rule. Happy recordings to you!

[@giuseppefoto]

@@meyerstreetrecords thanks a lot

[@IIZGod]

hey, could i please have some help. I am getting a digital recorder, should i get the Zoom H1n cardiod XY or the Tascam Dr-05X stereo omni AB

[@meyerstreetrecords]

I have only used the Zoom H1n, but not on piano. They are very good though on spoken word and also ambient recordings. Set the levels right on either, experiment on placements, use a good piano and I am sure all will sound good.

[@pianopill]

Thank you for this video! What does the Pre Amp do? What is the advantage of this rather than going directly into an interface? Thank you so much! :)

[@meyerstreetrecords]

You are welcome! Simply put, a Pre Amp or Mic-Pre will amplify your microphone boosting the signal so that you, in some cases, can actually hear the microphone signal in the first place. You can certainly use the mic-pre on your interface, a mixing desk or even the standalone units I use too, like in this video. I personally prefer the Neve and UA Mic Pre's, as they have a warm and very quiet result/sound, especially when recording multiple tracks but also when recording solo instruments. The best route is always, if you can, experiment and see what works for the sound you are looking for. Thankfully, expensive these days does not always mean better when it comes to sound recording. Happy recording to you!

[@FrankMeijering]

Nice video, though I am curious what different genres sound like with this microphone setup. I think it might be a nice addition to the video if you also play louder bits, and also use the very low and high register of the piano.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks and absolutely agree. Style of music or genre plays a massive role in your choice of mic technique, and choice. Good idea for a next video, thank you! :-)

[@pierrecohenmusic]

Great tone! Have you tried tilting the mics off axis more to remove some of that mid mud and give it more clarity?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thank you! Yes, I usually have a play with the mic placement, get a tone I feel as natural to the actual piano. Then when blending with other tracks I may adjust the tone to suit. Thanks for the comment! Great stuff!

[@smitshah4794]

Really helpful video, thanks! Can you recommend a good position if I have just one condenser microphone? I have a Samson Co2 mic.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks so much Smit! I usually place one mic for a mono recording central of the piano, where the music usually sits, approx 8 inches away from the hammers. If you have a good sounding room, you could also try having the mic work more as a room mic and capture not just the piano but the room too. Either way, best of luck! Martin

[@smitshah4794]

@@meyerstreetrecords that's a great idea. I made an adjustment on the upright, bringing the hammers a bit closer to the strings. Got a much clearer and mellower sound as opposed to the boomy percussive one I used to get before. Definitely an improvement. Also thanks for your reply, keep up the great work you're doing!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

@@smitshah4794 Thanks Smit! Happy recording to you and keep well sir!

[@lwtayoh8616]

Hi! May I know what program are you using to record the audio and video? Thanks!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Audio I use Pro Tools and Video is edited in Final Cut ProX :-)

[@janvannestemusic]

Hi, which type of the c414's are you using? Great video!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks Jan! I have the C414 XLII. Very versatile microphones so for the price I haven't looked back.

[@xifan521]

Wonderful playing ! Are you using AB 3:1 ratio paired stereo recording technique ? What's the distance between the mics and the strings ? Between the mics ? Thanks in beforehand ! Sylvain

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks for the message. Yes, I am recording a stereo pair of microphones, equally spaced to avoid phase issues and around 4inches to the strings. The distance between the mics usually sits approx a foot into the centre of the piano, but it always depends on the tone you want for this. So my suggestion is experiment and see whats best for you. As equally spaced is always the right track though. Happy recording to you! Martin

[@altairmontero374]

Thanks for the video. Are you using a cardioid polar pattern in both C414?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks and yes they were set to Cardioid. The room I am in is quite dry sounding so its just the instrument I wanted from these mics. Happy recording to you!

[@altairmontero374]

@@meyerstreetrecords I am having this set at a musical, live, would you consider changing something? Thanks a lot

[@meyerstreetrecords]

@@altairmontero374 For Live audio, for me I prefer to use Dynamic microphones such as the SM57 or Beyer Dynamic M201. Especially for close mic. The reason, there would be less spill from other instruments or sounds being captured. However, if you have a quiet stage live, so just a vocal and piano, the AKGC414s are great. Either way, if you can try to experiment during your sound check slot and see whats best on the day! :-)

[@MELOPSMUSIC]

Nice, but is it possible to hear the recording ? Thanks. Also i have 2 differents condensers mics, is it a big problem ?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

The recording is on the video a little later on. Have a listen to how your two condensers sound together, if you are happy with the results then thats really your answer. Remember, there are two varieties of condenser microphone: large diaphragm, and small diaphragm. Personally if you use two of the same in this sense you will usually not hear much difference. There are no 'set in stone' rules. Happy recording to you!

[@willstortimusic]

que maravilha! Beautiful

[@Ben777World]

I would be grateful if you would answer this. I have a pair of matched AKG 214s which should be as good on cardioid as your 414s. My interface is the Focusrite Scarlett, which costs about $200. I have just begun recording. So far, my recordings don't sound nearly as lush as what I just heard. (Leave aside the quality of the pianos.) Is this because I need a much more expensive interface? Could you recommend one? Thank you.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

I would say, give yourself time to get use to recording. Its a skill that takes time to get right, and as you mention you have just started, I would not recommend you simply purchase more equipment in the hope you will have a better sound. My other advice is to ensure you have a suitable room, I prefer dead sounding spaces, so no reflections and also ensure you are recording at the correct levels. This again takes time and alot of practice. I hope your results improve in time.

[@Ben777World]

@@meyerstreetrecords Thank you. It's very nice of you to respond.

[@Ben777World]

@@meyerstreetrecords You were right! The trick is putting the 214s close to the strings - one on the bass side and the other on the treble side. I thought putting them near my ears would sound like what I hear, but it doesn't work that way. Once again, I love your piano, but mine is now sounding a lot better.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

@@Ben777World Very pleased to hear this! If you also pan your two tracks hard left and hard right too in your DAW it sounds great too. Happy recording to you!

[@colinyoungscot]

I've only got shure sm58s which I think are dynamic mics. I'm new to this. What difference would I get with condenser mics?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks for the comment Colin! If you are new to this, keep the SM58s as they are great on piano. Condenser mics can add a larger than life sound and also can be alot brighter sounding too. But as time goes on and you get more ear trained, perhaps look into them. For now, I would certainly keep the SM58s and make the best recordings you can with them. Happy recording to you!

[@colinyoungscot]

@@meyerstreetrecords thank you for this. I'm having a real problem getting a good dynamic range from recordings. I've had people in the room to confirm the dynamic range when playing however the recordings dont have the same range. Can you offer any tips please?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

@@colinyoungscot Good question and a hard one to simply write about. This takes a lot of experience from both the pianist and also the recordist/mixer. My simple tip is do not compress too hard and allow the softer parts of the performance to be soft in the mix and the louder parts to be louder in the overall mix. If compression is not used, then I would look at how the performance is being played and simply work at that more than worrying about the recording. Then once you hear a real change of dynamics and assuming your mics are positioned well, you will naturally hear what is recorded and this will include the dynamics i.e the louder and softer parts of the performance. It takes time to perfect, so take your time. :-) Happy recording to you!

[@WilliamAhlert]

Any reccomendations for a omnidirectional microphone? Hoping to have a setup where both my voice and the piano can be well heard for the sake of zoom lessons

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Hey great question! Depending on your room, I would personally, for lessons online, have a little mixer, nothing too expensive, just a simple one with two mic inputs, one for your vocal (Any Dynamic like a SM58 close mic'ed to your mouth) and another dynamic like a SM57 as a mono mic for the piano centered. Input the two mics into the mixer and then set a balance to main output to your Zoom audio input. This way, you can play and speak (if needed) and the audio won't be a loudest sound wins scenario. Sending a good mix to your clients online will really up your game and make the audio a lot more enjoyable for a lesson too. If however its just a simple one mic set up you prefer, a Rode NT1a would be fine and placing it above the piano facing you would do the job. Remember though, the loudest source will always win the day, so have a play with placement to see what works best for the listeners end! Best of luck and I hope this helps you! Martin

[@rouaalarsouzi]

This is very helpful, thank you but what if I only have 1 mic, it's a USB mic with no audio interface, I can only connect it directly to the laptop, whenever I try to record, there's so much noise that comes with the piano sound, do you think I can at least manage to work this in a way where the sound can come out clearer?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks! Yes, place your one microphone around head height around 8-10 inches away from middle C hammer, set a good level and see what happens. If the noise is really bad, its most likely you need a better microphone along with a audio interface. Best of luck!

[@rouaalarsouzi]

@@meyerstreetrecords thnx 🙏🏻

[@rouaalarsouzi]

@@meyerstreetrecords Hey again, have another question if you could answer I'd really appreciate it, let's say I am investing in another mic, Is it necessary to bring the same type of product or I can bring another mic from another brand, Will it sound good in such case? All of that to be abel to place them similarly to how you showed us in your video..

[@meyerstreetrecords]

@@rouaalarsouzi Keeping the same mic's usually works best when recording as a stereo pair. Best of luck!

[@rouaalarsouzi]

@@meyerstreetrecords Thanks again 🙏🏻

[@steinvee]

Was that “The Scientist” you played there? Beautiful

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Yes well spotted! Such a beautiful song to play on the keys. :-)

[@tomaa3522]

How do you mix the two mics? Surely this creates a doubled sound ?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thats a good insight. Yes it records two sources of the same instrument. The job of the sound mixer is to balance/blend those sounds using the faders and in the piano's case the panning to create a natural sounding instrument to the ear, however manipulated with multiple microphones. Just think, a drum set can have 8 microphones plus to record it. Happy recording to you and once you have set up your microphones, be sure to experiment and see what sounds the best.

[@yiduk]

Could you tell me what the model of those shock mount and mic stand, please?

[@skylarlimex]

hi! do you have any recommendations for a pair of budget-friendly condenser mics to record my upright?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

The Rode M5's are great and so cheap for the quality.

[@skylarlimex]

@@meyerstreetrecords ahhh i see thank you for the speedy reply! though i already bought the p170s i’ll definitely look into these as well

[@robertopistolesi2735]

it sounds amazing already as it is.WOW. Do you do something for the pedal's noise on post-production?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Hey thank you so much and I agree, less done to it is usually the best way. Sometimes I keep the pedal noise, but that always depends on the track really. Personally, I love it as it gives the piano a personality. Have fun recording!

[@kurikari1675]

are both mics hooked up to a audio interface?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Hi Richard, yes in this video both mics are plugged into a mic pre (each) and then into an interface for analogue to digital conversion.

[@timoheinrich8123]

There is a little bit ringing making it sound (a bit) like a sitar inside... :o

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks, perhaps its your hearing issues? Thanks for the comment though. Happy recording!

[@timoheinrich8123]

@@meyerstreetrecords look for the middle d, f and g, i think (if i'm right). And only when the sustain pedal is engaged. :) Right from 6:57 on. I'm not even sure thats coming from that tones, but - at least - they trigger it. Maybe some other strings are resonant. Anyway - its not that important... Thank you for the great vid!! :)

[@danjwalker]

Any advice on how to record piano without a microphone? Cheers!

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Yes, book a studio that has microphones!

[@randol.official]

the Neve rack

[@ashishpawar7848]

Coldplay fan

[@gomanfong4077]

It's far easier to use a Zoom h4n pro guys. also sounds 4 times better

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Whatever works I say! Happy recording

[@bendoverson3385]

Isn't that shit on top of your piano resonating the hell out your tone, making some kind of a fuzz? I always wanted to put something on it but it always starting vibrating...

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Do you hear it? I never sweat about the small stuff if I am honest. But yes, if I was making a solo recording of the piano, I would usually move some of the objects on top just in case :-)

[@Ben777World]

Why doesn't my Steinway baby grand sound as pretty as your piano. What is your secret?

[@pianistjustforfun]

Recording Tip 4: Do not put anything on top of the piano 😉

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Thanks for the insight and sorry, I missed this comment. Could you perhaps explain why?

[@pianistjustforfun]

@@meyerstreetrecords Because at least one of the many items on your piano will resonate.

[@richardyoung641]

Would sound even better if the piano was tuned.

[@meyerstreetrecords]

Absolutely! But only if you want/need it to be. Best of luck with you music.

[@deadlydanton]

@@meyerstreetrecords Agreed. My upright sounds at it's best when a little bit out of tune. I play my grand piano which is tuned regularly when I want perfection.

[@minutemaid123]

Are you using a matched pair on the C414?

[@meyerstreetrecords]

In this video I was yes.