My New Favorite Thing! Earthworks PM40 Piano Mic Review And Test

[@AimeeNolte]

I made a mistake at 5:10. Should be 4Hz to 40 kHz. That’s quite a difference! Sorry about that.

[@ffggddss]

Yes, thanks for correcting that. Perhaps coincidentally, 4 kHz (the spoken upper limit on the vid) is just about the top note on the piano. Fred

[@bernadinekka2466]

It would be pretty well if you can tell your live shows according to Indian time zone,if possible. Because I am from India and big fan of yours

[@RickBeato]

Great video Aimee! The shots look amazing too.

[@numanuma20]

Does the box that you need to plug in the PM40 before pluging the mics into the interface make it a condenser mic?

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

My first thought....ask Rick!😂☘️😇

[@danwaldis4553]

Wonderful review, Aimee! You thought of everything. And such a pleasure to hear you play! Your playing is more beautiful every year.

[@sgkogan]

Your playing is a pure pleasure! Regardless of mike being used )

[@johnd.4536]

I think you definitely found the sweet spot with that Earthworks mic. Also, I love the sound of the Rode high close to dampers. It would be fun to listen to piano with both mics together blended through mixer. You are killin it as usual on the piano!

[@joshg87]

Amazing that even being so much closer to the hammers the Earthworks got a much smoother sound than the Rode. Very impressive microphone for sure!

[@danbode]

Thanks for the closed lid comparison

[@zenguitar65]

Aimee, you've got a new subscriber. Your detailed technical overview and incredibly articulate and emotional playing in all styles is a delight! Apologies in advance if anyone else made this suggestion. I think it would pay huge dividends to blend the Earthworks, super articulate and expansive dynamic range with the warmth and softness of the Rode stereo mic. Please do share if you try as I think the results would be astonishing sounding.

[@AimeeNolte]

Whoa. Good idea. I’ve never tried a mix of the two. Idk if I have enough inputs. I don’t. Not with the vocal mic too. I’ll think about it. Thanks for the tip and for the sub!

[@philcibley1804]

The Earthworks were thinner and brighter. I preferred the Rode. Also I was hearing some phasing with the EWs which the Rode didn't have because of its coincident capsules. I generally prefer my mics to be higher above the strings than the EWs. Thanks for the video and the playing.

[@AimeeNolte]

I’ve since learned to raise them higher. :) I used it for my latest single called Dream

[@richy2496]

Beautiful Jazz playing.

[@Individual_two]

The Rode is an excellent microphone, but the Earthworks is a studio-grade piano microphone system that really makes acoustic pianos record well. The comparison between the Rode is that the Earthworks is like close-micing a drum kit, while the Rode is more like micing a drum kit with an overhead. I cheated and saw your live video first, so congrats in getting to keep that Earthworks! Congrats on breaking the 100K subs, too!

[@PetreRodan]

I'm not even the target audience and loved your play and review. congrats on your new mic.

[@peteratkinson8957]

Hi Aimee, loved this playing of various music styles, including the classical. Please buy that mic and do a kickstarter to release some recordings of your playing in various styles. I'd happily pay for that as would many others. You would soon recover costs and then some. Another way to share your music with those who can't get to your live gigs. I really enjoy your work and have learned much to improve my own playing. Thanks for sharing, you bring much happiness. Love to you and your family from Australia.

[@kevinpaige5746]

Great stuff! Great playing!

[@cherylsibson2529]

Clarity matters absolutely! I hope you get where your reaching for Aimiee, that's important to you!

[@denniswroblewski988]

I want the PM 40..... drool...drool.... I love the separation of the earthworks a bit more, and the warmth as well... Both mics are so clean and clear and distinct... I love the positioning options on the Earthworks... I will have to see this at Sweetwater... I am like 35 minutes from Sweetwater..How lucky am I ? :) Your presentation was through the top great..Thank you Aimee !!!

[@MrDaveqweasd]

Your review alone probably resulted in dozens if not hundreds of sales. It sure would be cool if they decided to send you one to keep for all the leads you helped generate.

[@AimeeNolte]

They have let me keep it. :-) They’re a great company.

[@smoke09able]

Rode mic in high position sounded good and better than close-in position. But the Earthworks sounded great both with lid open and closed. It seem to me like the Earthworks mic muted the harmonics from the previous notes especially on your Stride and Boogie tunes where you're playing harder and using fat chords. I would also use "clarity" to describe it. Regardless of the mic it's all about the player and you're good Aimee!

[@Beyondabsence]

Thank you for your review! To my ears, the difference in price doesn't justify the difference in sound. I believe that of you find a very good technician to do a thorough voicing and concert tunning, you will find that the improvement will be even greater!! Another thing that can "miraculously" improve the tone is working on your touch, really getting deep into getting a more round sound out of your playing. Spending a long time on sound textures from your chords, arpeggios, etc ..All this I've learned from good teachers and it works.

[@satchmo1991]

Nice work, Aimee! I think your review really does the product justice!

[@balaftuna]

Love your playing! The Earthworks are magic! if it wasn't for the price I'd get them.

[@ffggddss]

Thank you! I was groping for the right word for what I was noticing from the PM40, and you nailed it! - Clarity. It fairly sparkled! I hope this experience doesn't put you off your Rode mic - it's really good, too! Fred

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks Fred!

[@chordfunc3072]

I really liked the open lid recordings with the PM40 :D

[@L.Scott_Music]

So I actually like the sound of the lid closed as just an additional sound option. In the first piece I immediately thought it had an upright sound to it. The sound is softer with the lid closed and you may be able to tone down some of the boomyness/mud with a reposition. It is, of course, more articulate and airy with the lid open. I wonder if a mid-closed position would have a different sound as well. You really have at least two different sounding pianos (effectively) with this mic system.

[@tommyculver6771]

It sounds awesome, but I'm not sure it sounds $3,000 awesome. You're absolutely right about being able to close the lid onstage, though! That's some killer isolation. Problem is, if you want a closed lid sound, you're up a creek. I guess you could stick a PZM in there somewhere and blend it in for a darker sound.... or you might just get howling feedback and and a plethora phase problems. Mic'ing a piano up is my favorite! It's kinda like bathing a large grumpy dog, outside, with one hand tied behind your back... in the rain.

[@RoyMaya]

There's definitely a night and day difference. The Earthworks gives you a more professional polished sound, like a studio recording. The Rode seems to pick up more of the room, probably because it's further away, and if your room is not treated it's probably not gonna sound too great. And I wasn't a fan of the closed sound - it sounded too boxy, but sometimes you have no choice so it's nice to have that option.

[@crimsun7186]

One has a wider stereo image and it's omnidirectional and the other hasn't and it's cardioid only. They sound more or less the same.

[@Piedscooter1]

If you can keep the Earthworks, then try the Rode as a vocal mic when you have a guest sitting next to you at the piano. Also, try the Rode with only one capsule (and one input into your mixer) when your are singing / talking solo. Heck, try the Rode as a vocal mic in stereo when you are solo. If you had more inputs on your mixer, several other uses spring to mind. (GAS - welcome to the club, Aimee). Moral: Don't get rid of the Rode !!! It is a great sounding and versatile mic.

[@waugsqueke]

Would love to hear you play more classical pieces.

[@peteratkinson8957]

Yes please, buy that mic and do some long recordings of playing various styles. I'd definitely buy those recordings as I'm sure would many others. Do a kickstarter and you'd soon recover your costs and then some. I really enjoy your work and have learned a lot to improve my playing. You bring me much happiness.

[@bs11100010]

Listening with my home theater setup. M&K S-150 THX with 300w. I would say the PM40 isn't 6 times better! So, that's good! No need for everyone to run out and grab it right now! The stereo image is similar and over all sound quality isn't that different. The rodes gives you more of a blended sound coming from a localized position. Where as the PM40 has a more pronounced stereo image and a little better individual note clarity. Again we are talking about the final 5 percent difference. You could probably just mic two condenser mikes similarly to how the pm40 does it and get the sound quality if not the convenience of the pm40, and also save a lot of money while you were at it!

[@lofenoialof5320]

bs11100010 which condenser mics would you recommend using and in which position? Thanks !

[@clydebermingham121]

Thank You 🙏🏽 for this coverage , Aimee 🙏🏽💥👍🏽🌹

[@herbbrokop9489]

Thanks for sharing this review. I may need to invest fir my home studio.

[@63Baggies]

More warmth and depth with the Earthworks miking system, really good mid and assertive bass....

[@nickfletcher4132]

Through my headphones Earthworks took it. the stereo was markedly more pronounced and to my ears gave a more 'live' feel but remaining nicely balanced in the mix. But wait what's this The Rode in that high position on the bluesy one was sounding great too. Yeah the high position gives some competition. Overall I'd say the Earthworks is more 'mellow'.

[@huyked]

18:53 If you were to record using your Rode NT4 with the lid shut, would it sound horrible?

[@rightnote1]

First off, fun video, great playing, wonderful explanations! I've worked with both mics at length and I have to say that I'm happy with both. However, the crux of the problem can almost be solved by positioning (better quality diaphragm parts from Rodes) and a bit of EQ-ing. Of COURSE the EW's are going to sound better because they're either just a few inches removed from the hammer strike point, or positioned even a bit further back than that, right? Closer the mic more intricate the sound. How far off are those individual cardi's off the string? The NT-1 has been placed further back and is nowhere near the front of the piano. Also the distance from the cardi isn't straight down like the EW's. If you were to remove the hinge pins from the lid and hang the NT-1 on a boom over the position of where the EW's were then, in my opinion, it'd be a bit closer race. Again, great video!

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks so much for your great ideas!

[@rightnote1]

@@AimeeNolte Thank you for your video. It was wonderful. Your chops are great.

[@FECOSERVICE]

I hope you can get one for yourself. With 100k subscribers it shouldn’t be difficult to get enough donations to purchase one. I can’t wait until the day you get one. It sounds absolutely wonderful with your playing.

[@AimeeNolte]

They gave it to me. 😍

[@DoJazz]

I think there's a better stereo separation from the Earthworks, and the Rhode clearly picks up more of the room. But apart from that I don't hear a very big difference in sound quality but that is due to the KZbin compression most likely, I would love to hear the .wav files, I'm sure that's where the Earthworks mic will shine.

[@Leo.Brodie]

Great detailed review - four setups times four styles. The PM40 does sound much clearer. That's how I like piano recordings to sound. I'm surprised the NT4 in mid-low position doesn't sound like it's close to the strings. If you didn't have a photo I'd think it was farther back and picking up some reflection from the room. I guess that's the clarity issue. The fact that the two microphones in the PM40 are physically apart seems to help the separation too. (In my home studio I'm limited to virtual pianos, so I don't need to mic them. But they still have the same issues and differences. Another fun topic to explore.)

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks Leo!

[@wjm52358]

I like the wide stereo of the Earthworks, and it might have a little more clarity. I think it might be time for a piano tuning though...

[@AimeeNolte]

Yessssss you’re right about that. My one regret. 😔

[@wjm52358]

Aimee Nolte Music still sounds good though! :)

[@JimmyLeeHook]

Great detailed review. Thank you. Great player, too.

[@clydebermingham121]

The AMT M40 can be used with lid down …. LIVE of Recording Herbie Hancock uses (or used ) it as well

[@jockojohn3294]

Very nice playing, great sound & really nice separate hand control. I notice this right away, as I'm a beginner with mud filling up the center :). To me, both mics sounded good. The Earthworks sounded more lively & sparkly "if that's the definition" and had a little better tone, but the biggest thing to me was note separation and even blending across the whole spectrum. Rhode did real nice for what it's designed for. But if you can come across a used Earthworks, or someone lets you borrow it for recording...do it. Your playing is worthy of that technology. IMHO of course. :)

[@BrunoWiebelt]

very good expose

[@crimsun7186]

It seems that the only difference happens because the PM40 has a different pickup pattern and can be spaced further apart, which gives you a wider stereo image then the NT4, which has the capsules closer together. Only problem with that is the price. For 3 grand, you can buy a pair of C414 or TLM103, which have larger capsules and the former has several pickup patterns. Or other mics of your choice. When it comes to overall usability, you're only getting 1 extra miking option (lid closed) for almost three times the price of a good pair of large condensers.

[@AimeeNolte]

As I think more about it...the closed lid option is absolutely huge for a singing pianist. I am going to experiment with Recording my singing and playing simultaneously with the lid shut. I want to see if this is for the way that I can get some separation when I sing and play at the same time.

[@Uneedhelp91]

I liked the sound of the rode close, however due to the mic design it doesn't capture the low end as well as the pm40. However at $500, I could easily get two rode mics and have $1k left over. For a live gig and stuff I would use the pm40. If I had the funds...I would get a pair of AKG C414(s).

[@gospellightfoundationforth4874]

Very excellent as always. Just a thought that when comparing different styles with different mics, I suggest that you do one style on first mic and then second mic. Then next style , first mic and then second mic. A difference was heard but how can you truly compare when you have to wait past four selections before you hear the comparison? I ended up going forward and back to actually compare, but that's just me. Loved the closed lid style as that was more mellow, relaxing and I guess you could say piano bar style but it looses the highs it seemed.

[@AimeeNolte]

I thought about it...I wanted to show the full range of possibilities from each mic before changing to really give people a feel for them before switching. Sorry I made the wrong choice for you.

[@MoodyMo]

There are considerable differences. The PM40 has noticeable clarity and depth, particularly with attack and tonality, respectively.

[@bernadinekka2466]

Awesome Aimee

[@johnfricks3481]

Do you keep the PM40 in place? Do you use tape, or some other means, to keep the microphone pair in position when opening and closing the lid. When lowered, do the lid supports interfere with the microphone support bar? At church, how do we keep the PM40 in place from week to week?

[@AimeeNolte]

Greta questions! email [e-mail] or [e-mail]. Someone will be in touch soon! :) they are quick about customer service. Let me know what they say!

[@ji94552]

I have been using USB mics to record piano. To use Earthworks PM40, what other equipments do I need?

[@clydebermingham121]

I still think it would be nice to hear the two comparisons song by song (hearing a same song featuring the different mic’s ) Attention spans recall or low …. By the way all do the songs playing with the different mic one can already be too lost to be able to make more accurate comparisons… But I think that Rhodes mic really held it’s own . The Earthworks seems to feature a bit of brighter sound & definition . But the Rhodes seems to have a bit fuller sound But I wonder if that could be as a result of mic placing …

[@charlessahagian160]

what are the names of the stride piano tune and the jazz ballad tune? Wonderful playing as always!

[@AimeeNolte]

Nobody knows you when you’re down and out, and Stella by starlight

[@clydebermingham121]

By the way, Aimee , what what is the model & make of Your piano used in the receding test here , please ? 🙏🏽

[@BAwesomeDesign]

That is one immaculate piano. Makes me feel bad for letting my L-Series gather dust like it has.

[@erik_stein]

It sounds like your recording labeled "Boogie Blues / Rode NT4 / high, close to dampers" is using both the Rode and the Earthworks simultaneously. I think I hear a little time delay (due to the different distances each mic is set at), and it has the stereo separation of the PM40 with the tone of the NT4. Any chance that you forgot to mute the Earthworks on your mixer when you recorded that cut?

[@AimeeNolte]

Well you got me thinking for a second...but no, it’s not possible because I opened a new logic session for each recording with only two tracks per session so the earthworks mic wouldn’t have even been on the session if that makes sense.

[@W.E.]

06:24 vs. 09:06 vs. 12:46 vs. 15:39

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks so much, Wayne. I agree!

[@funkmike]

I vote for the Rode mic, in mid position with the lid open. I think it suits your sound and playing style best, and it seems to have great frequency response. Honestly the Earthworks mic sounds a little dull to my ear. Adding this: The Earthworks might be better on stage, particularly if you need to be amped fairly loud. I would still say the Rode for studio recordings.

[@wetlandweasel]

Aimee, I am not hearing enough of signicant difference between the two mics to justify the price of the Earthworks mic. I listened to them thru my headphones. There may be a bit of clarity to the PM 40.

[@BAwesomeDesign]

Am guessing this would make a huge difference on something like a 9' Steinway versus traditional micing techniques.

[@AimeeNolte]

Absolutely

[@scottjoyce100]

Maybe you already said or I missed it in the video. What kind of piano is that? I think they should give you a free set of mics since you made this video! I am in the same boat. I think I want this mic setup but it's a big purchase and I've also read I may need 2 preamps as well. I have a Steinway L which is 5 foot 10 inches I believe. Do you think that would sound good? Thank you for making the video. VERY HELPFUL!

[@AimeeNolte]

I have a Hallet Davis 5’3 baby grand. My Presonus AR8 mixer has a preamp built in and a USB out that goes directly into my computer...it’s worked very well for me. I have a video called “my live stream set up” where I go into more detail about these things.

[@deancarr5153]

I want one

[@epicsheep123]

Would love to see you break down Cory Henry’s cover of crazy that’d be an awesome lesson. Thank you so much for the videos this kind of content is so incredible x

[@clydebermingham121]

I think I would have liked hesring example of both mic’s side by side , style by style ... (Like for example hearing Ballad style sample Of both mic’s side by side .. etc .... ) 🙏🏽 Very nice playing in each various styles 🤗💥👍🏽 , by the way 🤗🙏🏽. ... NICE & VERSATILE PLAYER 🤗🙏🏽💥🙏🏽💥👍🏽

[@victorhugotoledocofre1366]

The Mozart bit was astonishing;; nearly brought me to tears.

[@clydebermingham121]

Well….. one thing for sure for me …. Until I can afford an Earthworks again , a Rhodes NY4 would likely be a decent mic I’d pick up right away between the two 🤗🙏🏽 By the way, Aimee , are you familiar with the AMT M40 piano mic system ? I think I’d be interested in a review if that mic by you 🙏🏽

[@clydebermingham121]

By the way , Aimee … what is the model of the piano 🎹 you are using in this posting , please ?

[@AimeeNolte]

It’s a Hallet Davis 5 ‘3

[@clydebermingham121]

@@AimeeNolte … … Thank You 🙏🏽 for sharing that info 🙏🏽 I enjoyed it’s sound with either mic’s you used . Conclusion : That Rode NT4 is no mic 🎤 to sleep over . It’s sounded pretty impressive to me 🙏🏽💥👍🏽 Is the NT4 a good mic to use live as well ?

[@numanuma20]

I agree with everyone else that the Earthworks PM40 superior to the Rode NT4. I don't know what it is, but I noticed a lot more bass with the NT4. The PM40 really neutralizes the piano my ears. I don't hear any frequency boosted or cut by the PM40, I hear a great sounding piano played by a great musician.

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks Chris! Maybe I should try and adjust the center section of the microphone bar and slide it slightly toward the low strings.

[@numanuma20]

Aimee Nolte Music Every piano and room is different so if you are able to try the piano mics again, try different placements. If you like where you had it in the video, keep it that way. Really all recording and live concerts should be how the artist wanted them, not the producer , recording engineer, mix engineer, or live sound guy.

[@dessiplaer]

Earthworks has a more sparkly high end, but your Nt4 is no slouch either. I figured you misspoke when you said 4k. All is forgiven 8-)

[@midnightmix2692]

the stereo field is much nicer with the earthworks microphones

[@EPRepairs]

So funny hearing you play classical. Wotttttt

[@AimeeNolte]

Glad to have amused you

[@EPRepairs]

You play everything beautifully of course!! hehe

[@Shuzies]

Sweet...................I miss your midnight lives....ron

[@AimeeNolte]

I’ll try and bring it back! :)

[@clydebermingham121]

The thing is …. $3000 or more ….. One can even buy a decent previously owned Baby Grand for the price of that Mic (EarthWorks )

[@KosmasLapatas]

If you want to see what earthworks can do listen to my friend's video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpabg36nZ76GgNE

[@ProducerDavidSnow]

I see no earthworks in that video

[@63Baggies]

...Aimee, You purchase this via crowd funding; 50c per subscriber should do it :-))

[@wiltonsurya4600]

with pm40, you can close it :v

[@ДаниилКириллов]

This bar does sound really nice,but 3000 bucks is a complete rip-off

[@SamyakJainMusician]

1st

[@williamking7420]

Sorry... Way too much!