If you're looking for the best mic for recording piano, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. There are many factors to consider before making a purchase decision, including the type of piano you have, the space you're recording in, and your budget.
Some of the factors to consider before buying a mic for recording piano include the polar pattern, frequency response, sensitivity, and impedance. The polar pattern refers to the directional sensitivity of the mic. For piano recording, a cardioid or omnidirectional polar pattern is usually the best option.
Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that the mic can reproduce. A good piano mic should be able to accurately capture the rich low and high-end frequencies of your instrument. Sensitivity and impedance are also important factors to consider, as they impact signal strength and overall sound quality.
Before deciding on a mic, ask yourself some important questions. Are you recording in a home studio or a professional studio? Are you recording a grand piano or an upright? What is your budget? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and find the best mic for your needs.
In conclusion, finding the best mic for recording piano requires careful consideration of several key factors. By taking the time to evaluate your needs and expectations, you can choose a mic that will deliver high-quality sound recording for your music projects.
10 Best Mic For Recording Piano
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
Ideal for podcasting, streaming, gaming, recording vocals, and virtual meetings with high-quality audio.
|
|
|
|
2
|
 |
This product is ideal for professional-level music recording, podcasting, voiceovers, and live sound applications.
|
|
|
|
3
|
 |
This product is ideal for musicians who want to amplify their piano or other musical instrument using a Shure microphone and phantom power input.
|
|
|
|
4
|
 |
The product is ideal for beginners and professionals who want an electric piano with various features and accessories.
|
|
|
|
5
|
 |
Ideal for capturing clear and detailed sound of instruments such as guitar, piano, and cymbals with its cardioid condenser microphone.
|
|
|
|
6
|
 |
This product bundle is ideal for recording instruments and vocals with high-quality sound, including piano, guitar, and string instruments.
|
|
|
|
7
|
 |
This product is ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments in studio or live settings.
|
|
|
|
8
|
 |
Ideal for recording and podcasting with flexibility to connect to USB or XLR interfaces, complete with necessary accessories.
|
|
|
|
9
|
 |
Ideal for amplifying piano accordion performances with adjustable micro-goosenecks and high-quality sound capture.
|
|
|
|
10
|
 |
The product bundle is ideal for recording various musical instruments and vocals with added accessories for convenience and quality.
|
|
1. Sudotack Studio Mic Kit: Ultimate Sound Quality & Versatility.
This professional USB microphone is an ideal choice for those who want to record high-quality audio with minimal setup. With a 24bit/192khz bit sample rate, recordings are crystal clear and offer superb sound reproduction quality for high-resolution audio. The microphone's wide frequency response (30 hz to 16khz) ensures that every nuance of your voice or instrument is captured accurately.
The cardioid pickup pattern is another key feature of this microphone. It records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone and reduces unwanted background noise. This is particularly useful for recording vocals or acoustic instruments in a noisy environment.
Setting up this microphone is easy thanks to its USB plug-and-play design. Simply connect it to your computer's USB port, and you're ready to go. No drivers are required, and it even works automatically with Mac or PC.
The package includes a range of noise elimination accessories to help you get the best possible recording. The microphone stand, shock mount, table clamp, anti-wind foam cap, USB A to B cable, and pop filter effectively minimize noise from unwanted vibrations or plosives.
This microphone is highly compatible with most mainstream operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS. It can also be used with a mobile phone, although an adapter (not included) is required. Please note that this microphone is not compatible with XBOX.
2. Mxl 770 Vintage White Limited Edition California Series Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Introducing the Limited Edition Greetings From California Vintage White Multi-purpose Condenser Microphone. This top-of-the-line microphone is a must-have for any musician or music enthusiast. Whether you are a vocalist, pianist, or percussionist, this microphone is perfect for you. Its versatile design makes it ideal for capturing clear, crisp sound from a wide range of instruments.
The Greetings From California Vintage White microphone features a balanced bass response with high-end clarity, ensuring that every note is captured with precision and accuracy. Its low-frequency roll-off is specifically designed to reduce unwanted rumble, making it an excellent choice for recording in any environment.
This microphone is packed with features that make it stand out from the crowd. Its sleek and stylish design is perfect for any studio or stage. The Greetings From California Vintage White microphone is also incredibly durable and built to last, ensuring that you can enjoy it for years to come.
In addition to its impressive design, this microphone boasts exceptional performance parameters. It has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, allowing it to capture a wide range of sounds and frequencies. Its sensitivity of -38dBV/Pa ensures that even the softest sounds are captured with clarity.
3. Shure Piano Mic With Phantom Power Input.
Introducing the Clip-On Microphone with Magnetic Base, a top-quality accessory that will enhance the sound of your piano playing. This versatile microphone is designed to work seamlessly with Shure bodypack transmitters, allowing you to easily connect it to your wireless receiver and transmitter for quick and flexible setup.
One of the standout features of this microphone is its magnetic base, which enables it to stick directly onto your piano. This eliminates the need for cumbersome stands or mounts, giving you a clean and streamlined setup. Additionally, the microphone comes with a piano clamp that provides even more flexibility, allowing you to easily adjust the position of the mic to capture the best possible sound.
The microphone is capable of delivering top-notch sound quality thanks to its advanced design. It can be directly plugged into a Phantom Power Microphone Input, although it does require Phantom Power to function properly. If using a regular non-phantom power input, the microphone will not produce any sound.
When it comes to weight, this microphone is incredibly lightweight, coming in at just 2 oz. This includes the shock mount clamp holder, which ensures that the microphone stays securely in place while you play.
4. Donner 61-Key Piano Bundle With Stand & App
The DEK-610 electronic keyboard is a must-have for music enthusiasts, whether for beginners or professional players. It boasts of two 4-inch 20W high-quality speakers that produce three-dimensional surround sound, heavy bass, and warm tone, making your music performance even better. The keyboard's lightweight design makes it portable and perfect for indoor or outdoor activities.
This Donner piano keyboard features 3 elite teaching modes, perfect for beginners who want to get familiar with traditional piano playing and meet different learning needs. With the DEK-610's huge music library, including 500 tones, 300 rhythms, and 40 demo songs, playing your favorite tunes and creating your own music has never been easier. It is a great choice for professional players who want to showcase their musical skills.
The keyboard's LCD display panel shows the running functions, and the many practical and interesting functions, such as auto-chord, recording, keyboard drum, and MP3 playing, enhance your playing experience. The keyboard also supports multiple devices, including U disk (for MP3 playing), USB MIDI (for connecting to a computer or tablet to use teaching apps or edit music), external audio (for extra audio device support), microphone (for singing), headphones, and an extra Sustain Pedal.
The accessories are conveniently located on one or both sides of the white foam, in the embedded position, making it easy to access them when needed.
5. Shure Sm81-Lc Instrument Mic: Versatile And Portable
The SM81 microphone is a high-quality condenser instrument microphone that delivers exceptional sound reproduction. This microphone is designed to operate with phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it can operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power, and it is crucial to use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.
The SM81 is constructed with rugged steel for durability and can be used in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. It comes with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and a carrying case for easy storage and transportation. Additionally, other accessories are available to enhance your recording experience.
This microphone features a flat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sources, with a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The low noise and high output clipping level ensures that you get clear and noise-free recordings. Furthermore, it has low distortion over a wide range of load impedances, which means you can use it with a variety of instruments and equipment.
The SM81 has a cardioid polar pattern, which is uniform with frequency and symmetric about the axis. This provides maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds, making it perfect for recording in noisy environments. It also has low RF susceptibility, which prevents interference from radio frequencies.
This microphone comes with a selectable low-frequency response of flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff and a 0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switch. These features allow you to customize your recordings to suit your needs and ensure that you get the best sound quality possible.
6. Pristine Vocal & Instrument Audio With Mxl Bundle
The MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Silver) is a high-quality microphone that delivers exceptional audio reproduction. With a small 22mm condenser capsule, this microphone accurately captures the nuance of your audio source, delivering a solid low-frequency response and clear high-ends. The onboard low-noise FET preamp and transformerless balanced output offer a wide dynamic range, providing clear audio reproduction that is free from unwanted noise.
Featuring a cardioid polar pattern, the MXL 770 captures the sounds you want in front and rejects off-axis audio pickup. This makes it an excellent choice for recording vocals, pianos, and string instruments. With a 30Hz-20kHz frequency response, the MXL 770 yields warm sound with extra clarity and a balanced midrange, delivering warmth and clarity that is sure to impress.
The MXL 770 microphone also handles loud instruments well, thanks to its -10dB pre-attenuation switch. This switch facilitates a wide variety of sound sources, allowing the microphone to handle up to 137dB SPL with ease. To operate the microphone, you'll need +48V phantom power, which can be supplied by most mixing consoles and preamps.
In addition to the MXL 770 microphone, this package includes a shock isolation mount and rugged carry case, ensuring that your microphone stays protected while you're on the go. You'll also receive a Blucoil 10-Foot Balanced XLR Cable, which is a premium series 3-pin cable that is perfect for use with microphones, speakers, and other pro devices. Finally, the package includes a Blucoil Audio Microphone Pop Filter, which features a double-layer mask shield for studio recording and broadcasting. The pop filter also comes with a stand clip stabilization arm and swivel mount, making it easy to position and use.
7. Mxl 770 Multipurpose Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
This multi-purpose condenser microphone is a top-selling product that offers exceptional performance for a range of applications. Whether you're a vocalist, pianist, string musician or percussionist, this microphone is an excellent choice for capturing your sound.
With a balanced bass response and high-end clarity, this microphone delivers a natural and well-rounded sound that is sure to impress. The low frequency roll-off feature helps to reduce unwanted rumble and ensures that your recordings are clean and clear.
This microphone also features a low noise FET preamp with a balanced, transformerless output. This allows for a high level of sensitivity and accuracy, ensuring that your recordings are true to life and of the highest quality.
In addition to its exceptional performance, this microphone is also extremely versatile. It is ideal for streaming and podcasting, making it a great choice for content creators and broadcasters who need a reliable and high-quality microphone for their work.
8. Samson Q2u Podcasting Pack: Complete Recording Solution
The Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack is the ultimate tool for professional recording and podcasting. With its dynamic microphone capsule and USB digital output, you can easily connect to your computer, mixer, audio interface or portable PA system, making it a versatile and convenient option for any recording situation.
The dynamic microphone capsule features a cardioid pickup pattern that captures sound from in front of the microphone while minimizing ambient sounds and other room noises. This makes it an excellent choice for podcasting, home recording or voiceover work, and reduces possible feedback in live performance settings. The microphone also comes with a heavy gauge mesh grille, ensuring durability and longevity.
The Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack also includes an onboard 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone jack that allows for zero-latency monitoring, giving you the ability to hear yourself without any delay or echo. Additionally, it offers a mix of your computer audio playback, making it easier to fine-tune your recordings.
One of the most significant benefits of the Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack is its plug-and-play feature, meaning it doesn’t require any special drivers to work with your computer. Simply connect the microphone to your computer, launch your favorite audio software, and start recording. It’s that easy!
Finally, the Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack comes with everything you need to start recording professional-sounding projects. It includes an extended desktop stand with mic clip that positions the microphone close to the sound source, a pop-filter for reducing p-pops, and USB and XLR cables. You won't have to worry about purchasing any additional accessories to get started with your recording.
9. Accordio Mic: Trio Flexible Micro System
The Grip Plus Deluxe is a revolutionary accordion pickup that comes equipped with three flexible micro-goosenecks, making it the most versatile and adjustable pickup in the market today. This all-in-one active/preamp pickup is the smallest of its kind, yet it provides superior sound quality that will make your instrument sound like a professional acoustic/electric instrument.
One of the standout features of the Grip Plus Deluxe is its flexible micro-goosenecks. These allow for even more adjustability, giving you the ability to customize your sound to your liking. The pickup comes complete out of the box, making it easy to use – simply plug in and play.
With the Grip Plus Deluxe, you can instantly turn your instrument into an acoustic/electric instrument, giving you the versatility to play in a variety of settings. Whether you're playing in a small, intimate setting or on a large stage, the Grip Plus Deluxe will deliver exceptional sound quality that will impress your audience.
It's important to note that the instrument is not included with the Grip Plus Deluxe. This pickup is compatible with most accordions and is designed to provide a seamless integration with your instrument.
10. Complete Mic Setup For Studio Recordings
The MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is a high-quality audio recording device that is perfect for capturing a variety of sound sources. This condenser microphone is equipped with a small 22mm capsule that can accurately reproduce detailed sounds with solid low-frequency response and clear high-ends.
The MXL 770 also features a low-noise FET preamp and transformerless balanced output that provide clear audio reproduction with a wide dynamic range. Its cardioid polar pattern captures sound sources in front while rejecting off-axis audio pickup, ensuring that you get the sounds you want.
With a frequency response of 30Hz-20kHz, the MXL 770 delivers warm sound with extra clarity and a balanced midrange. This makes it excellent for recording vocals, pianos, and string instruments. Additionally, the microphone features a -10dB pre-attenuation switch that allows it to handle loud instruments up to 137dB SPL.
The MXL 770 requires +48V phantom power to operate and comes with a shock isolation mount and a rugged carry case for easy transport. Additionally, it includes a Blucoil All-in-One Microphone Boom Arm Plus Pop Filter and a Blucoil 10-Foot Balanced XLR Cable, which is a premium series 3-pin cable for microphones, speakers, and pro devices.
Best Mic For Recording Piano FAQs
Can I use a USB microphone for recording piano, or do I need a professional-grade microphone?
Yes, you can use a USB microphone for recording piano, but it may not produce the same level of sound quality as a professional-grade microphone. USB microphones are generally designed for use with computers and are convenient for podcasting, video conferencing, and other basic recording tasks.
However, if you are looking to achieve a higher level of sound quality and capture the nuances of a piano performance, you may want to consider using a professional-grade microphone. These microphones are designed specifically for recording music and are capable of capturing a wider range of frequencies and dynamics.
When choosing a microphone for recording piano, it's important to consider factors such as sensitivity, frequency response, and polar pattern. A cardioid polar pattern is often recommended for piano recording, as it helps to minimize unwanted background noise and focus on the sound of the instrument.
Ultimately, the choice of microphone will depend on your budget, recording goals, and personal preferences. Whether you choose a USB microphone or a professional-grade microphone, the key is to experiment and find the best setup for your needs.
Do I need to use multiple microphones to capture the best piano sound?
It depends on the situation and the desired outcome. In many cases, using just one well-placed microphone can be sufficient to capture a great piano sound. However, using multiple microphones can provide a more detailed and nuanced sound, especially for larger pianos or in situations where a specific sound is desired.
When using multiple microphones, it's important to consider the placement and balance of each microphone to ensure that they work together seamlessly. Additionally, using multiple microphones can result in phase cancellation or other issues if not set up correctly.
Ultimately, the decision to use multiple microphones should be based on the specific needs of the recording or performance. If a high level of detail and complexity is desired, then using multiple microphones may be the best approach. However, if a simpler and more straightforward sound is desired, then a single microphone may be sufficient.
How can I prevent unwanted background noise when recording piano with a microphone?
When recording piano with a microphone, unwanted background noise can be a major issue. Here are some tips to help you prevent or minimize unwanted background noise:
1. Choose a quiet location: Try to record in a quiet room or at a time when there is minimal outside noise.
2. Use a high-quality microphone: A good-quality microphone will help to capture the sound of the piano accurately and reduce the amount of background noise.
3. Use a microphone shield: A microphone shield can help to reduce unwanted noise by blocking out external sounds.
4. Place the microphone correctly: Place the microphone close to the piano but not too close to avoid picking up unwanted sounds. Experiment with different microphone positions to find the best placement.
5. Use noise reduction software: After recording, use noise reduction software to remove any unwanted background noise.
By following these tips, you can minimize unwanted background noise when recording piano with a microphone and produce a high-quality recording.
Should I use a cardioid or omnidirectional microphone for recording piano?
Choosing the right type of microphone for recording piano depends on the desired sound and the environment in which you are recording. If you want to capture a more focused sound from the piano, a cardioid microphone may be the best choice. Cardioid microphones are directional, meaning they pick up sound from the front of the microphone and reject sound from the sides and rear. This makes them ideal for isolating the sound of the piano and reducing unwanted background noise.
On the other hand, if you want to capture the sound of the piano in its entirety, an omnidirectional microphone would be a better choice. Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, making them more suitable for recording in larger rooms or spaces where you want to capture the natural ambience of the room.
Ultimately, the choice between a cardioid or omnidirectional microphone comes down to your personal preference and the specific recording situation. It may be worth experimenting with both types of microphones to see which one works best for your needs.
Should I use a condenser or dynamic microphone for recording piano?
When it comes to recording piano, the type of microphone you use can have a significant impact on the final quality of sound. Both condenser and dynamic microphones have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so the answer to this question ultimately depends on your specific recording needs.
Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive and offer a wider frequency response, making them a popular choice for recording piano. They are also more responsive to high-frequency sounds, which is important for capturing the nuances of the piano's upper register. However, they can be more expensive than dynamic microphones and may require an external power source, such as phantom power.
On the other hand, dynamic microphones are typically more rugged and can handle higher sound pressure levels, making them a good choice if you plan to record a lot of aggressive or percussive playing. They are also generally less expensive than condenser microphones, making them a more budget-friendly option. However, they may not capture as much detail in the higher frequencies, which could be a disadvantage when recording piano.
Ultimately, the best microphone choice for recording piano will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It may be helpful to experiment with both types of microphones and listen to the results before making a final decision.
Should I use a microphone stand or a clip-on microphone when recording piano?
When recording piano, the choice between a microphone stand or a clip-on microphone ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific situation. A microphone stand allows for more flexibility in microphone placement and can capture a broader range of sound from the piano. On the other hand, a clip-on microphone is more discreet and can be useful if space is limited or if you want to avoid any shadows or reflections from a microphone stand.
If you are recording in a studio setting with ample space and a high-quality microphone, a microphone stand may be the better choice to capture the full range of the piano's sound. However, if you are recording in a live setting or have limited space, a clip-on microphone may be a more practical option.
Ultimately, the most important factor is the quality of the microphone being used and the skill of the recording engineer in capturing the best possible sound. Regardless of whether you choose a microphone stand or a clip-on microphone, taking the time to properly position and adjust the microphone can make all the difference in achieving a high-quality recording.
What are some examples of microphones that are highly recommended for recording piano?
When it comes to recording piano, choosing the right microphone is crucial to achieving high-quality sound. Here are some microphones that are highly recommended for recording piano:
1. AKG C414: This is a versatile and high-quality microphone that is great for capturing the nuances of piano playing. It has multiple polar patterns and can handle high sound pressure levels.
2. Neumann U87: Another versatile microphone that works well for recording piano. It has a smooth and natural sound that can capture the full range of the instrument.
3. Shure SM81: This is a small diaphragm condenser microphone that is excellent for recording piano. It has a flat response and can capture the detail and clarity of the instrument.
4. Rode NT5: This is another small diaphragm condenser that is a more affordable option for recording piano. It has a clear and detailed sound and can handle high sound pressure levels.
5. Audio-Technica AT4053B: This is a hypercardioid condenser microphone that is ideal for recording piano in a live setting. It has a high SPL handling and excellent off-axis rejection.
Ultimately, the choice of microphone will depend on the specific sound you are looking for and the recording environment.
What are some tips for positioning the microphone when recording piano to achieve the best sound quality?
When recording a piano, positioning the microphone is crucial to achieving the best sound quality. Here are some tips to help you position the microphone for the best results:
1. Place the microphone above the piano at a height of 3-4 feet. This allows the microphone to pick up the sound of the piano's natural resonance.
2. Position the microphone close to the piano to capture the full range of sound. A distance of 1-2 feet is recommended.
3. Use a stereo microphone or two microphones to capture the full range of sound. Place them above the piano at different angles to capture the sound of the piano from different perspectives.
4. Experiment with different microphone positions to find the best sound quality. Move the microphone around until you find the best position that captures the full range of sound.
5. Use headphones to monitor the sound quality while recording. Adjust the microphone position as necessary to achieve the best sound quality.
By following these tips, you can achieve the best sound quality when recording a piano. Remember to experiment with different microphone positions to find the best sound quality.
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a microphone for recording piano?
When it comes to choosing a microphone for recording piano, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, you need to consider the type of microphone you want to use. Condenser microphones are commonly used for recording piano as they are more sensitive and can capture the full range of frequencies produced by the instrument. Additionally, you need to consider the placement of the microphone. Placing the microphone close to the hammers will produce a brighter sound, while placing it further away will produce a more mellow sound.
Another important factor to consider is the polar pattern of the microphone. A cardioid polar pattern is commonly used for recording piano as it picks up sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This helps to reduce unwanted noise and produce a cleaner recording.
Lastly, it is important to consider the quality of the microphone. Investing in a high-quality microphone will ensure that you capture the full range of frequencies and nuances produced by the piano, resulting in a more professional and polished recording.
What is the frequency response range I should look for in a microphone when recording piano?
When it comes to recording piano, it's important to have a microphone with a wide frequency response range. This is because a piano produces a wide range of frequencies, from low bass notes to high treble notes. Ideally, a microphone with a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz would be suitable for recording piano. This range covers the entire spectrum of human hearing and ensures that all the nuances and subtleties of the piano's sound are captured.
However, it's important to note that the frequency response range is not the only factor to consider when recording piano. The placement of the microphone, the type of microphone, and the room acoustics all play a significant role in the final sound quality. It's important to experiment with different microphone placements and types to find the best sound for your specific recording situation.