DIY Home Recording Tips: How to Record a Piano - Listen to the KEYS

The piano could possibly be the hardest instrument to record when it comes to live sound. The "live" sound of a piano is far past that of a pre recorded sample or that of a digital keyboard. There is nothing like hearing a grand piano sound in the backdrop of horns and other beautifully sounding instruments. In order to get the best sound from a piano recording, you have to know the rules and basics. Below I will explain in detail on how to mix and record piano samples and riffs.

Materials: Piano

Instrument Mics

Recording Software

Step 1: First thing you have to do is evaluate the sound of the piano you're going to be working with. It's best to take a break and let somebody else play as you walk around the piano to hear different sounds. While someone else is playing be sure to pay close attention to which side sounds distorted, which side booms and where it sounds just right.

Step 2: Next you're going to have to pick the mics you want to use. Here is where you can add your own twist by using the mics you choose. I recommend sticking to condenser mics as they have a broader sound in the outcome. Mics such as the AKG series or the new Audiotechnica mics excel at recordings such as this. Small condenser mics are ok, just as long as you stick to using the Neumann series or Shure instrument mics.

Step 3: You're going to have to place the mic's inside the piano to get the full sound you're looking for. It's best to start off with a pair of stereo mics placing one at the G note that is lower than middle C and the other at G that is higher than middle C. For those of you new to recording pianos and notes, this may sound a little confusing. Just as a general rule, you should experiment by moving the mics around until you get the sound you're looking for. (Note: Putting mics close gives you a deeper sound while moving mic's away gives off a more even sound)

Step 4: Also be sure to set up a room mic. An Omni mic will due just fine for this job due to its ability to capture sound all around the room. It's better to place either at the end of the piano or at the very top of the piano to get best sound.

Step 5: Move the mic's around. You must experiment when recording to tracks because the first recording might not sound that good. When recording on tracks be sure to label them so you don't get confused about what is what. Record and record until you have a list of them, and then pick the best from the bunch to keep.

Step 6: The final step would be to add effects to the mix like compression & E.Q. Don't overdue it when it comes to compression though because it could throw off the whole mix. You can also add other effects such as reverb and a little gate but make sure not to go overboard. To perfect your mix, tweak the E.Q. to just the right level.

P.S. Make sure the piano is tuned before you do the recording process and you can even try taping mic's under the piano to see what kind of sound you get.