Recording classical piano music

Start by visiting the AKG website. Among other "White Papers" you can download PDF files on "Microphone Basics and Fundamentals of Usage" and "AKG Music and Recording Applications". Those papers will teach you a lot about how to get various kinds of sound. As a next step, experiment with mics that you borrow from friends, or even rent from your dealer or a sound company. This allows you to experiment with different types of mics (large-diaphragm, small-diaphragm, different body configurations, etc.)

For classical recording, many sound engineers like small-diaphragm mics better than large-diaphragm ones. Small-diaphragm mics tend to be more accurate, which is more important for classical than for pop, rock, etc. But some great results are achieved with large diaphragm mics, too, particularly in some venues.

As you experiment, you should try the new AKG C 451 B. Its predecessor, the C 451 E or C, was widely used for classical recording. Use two microphones, one for the treble and another for the bass strings. Alternatives to a pair of C 451 Bs include a pair of C 1000 Ss, C 2000 Bs, C 3000 Bs, or C 4000 Bs. You can even use three instead of two microphones. Take your time experimenting with various types of mics and microphone positions until you are satisfied with the results.

One thing is very important: try any mic before you buy it, since they are so subjective, and you need to get what works best for the sound you are trying to achieve.

If spillover from other instruments into the piano mics persists even though you positioned the mic in the best possible way short of compromising the sound, do not despair. Stick two omnidirectional lavalier microphones such or two boundary mics such as the unidirectional C 547 BL or the omnidirectional C 542 BL on the lid and close the lid.

	Recording classical piano music
	Before spending any money, you should learn more about your choices. Start by visiting the AKG website. Among other "White Papers" you can download PDF files on "Microphone Basics and Fundamentals of Usage" and "AKG Music and Recording Applications". Those papers will teach you a lot about how to get various kinds of sound. As a next step, experiment with mics that you borrow from friends, or even rent from your dealer or a sound company. This allows you to experiment with different types of mics (large-diaphragm, small-diaphragm, different body configurations, etc.) For classical recording, many sound engineers like small-diaphragm mics better than large-diaphragm ones. Small-diaphragm mics tend to be more accurate, which is more important for classical than for pop, rock, etc. But some great results are achieved with large diaphragm mics, too, particularly in some venues. As you experiment, you should try the new AKG C 451 B. Its predecessor, the C 451 E or C, was widely used for classical recording. Use two microphones, one for the treble and another for the bass strings. Alternatives to a pair of C 451 Bs include a pair of C 1000 Ss, C 2000 Bs, C 3000 Bs, or C 4000 Bs. You can even use three instead of two microphones. Take your time experimenting with various types of mics and microphone positions until you are satisfied with the results. One thing is very important: try any mic before you buy it, since they are so subjective, and you need to get what works best for the sound you are trying to achieve. If spillover from other instruments into the piano mics persists even though you positioned the mic in the best possible way short of compromising the sound, do not despair. Stick two omnidirectional lavalier microphones such or two boundary mics such as the unidirectional C 547 BL or the omnidirectional C 542 BL on the lid and close the lid.
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