Recording equipment...please help!

[Alp635]

I have notcied that there are some recording buffs prowling about.  Could someone advise me as I have no idea what to do.  

I have been given quite a bit of equipment but do not know it's capabilities or really how to use it.  I have a tascam cd recorder, some kind of mixing board in which I plugged in two condeser mics.  Not sure of the brands...  My computer wiz mother bought the set for me but neither of us really know anything about basic recording.  

WHERE should I put the mics to pick up optimal sound?  Close to the piano?  Pointing at the piano or to the corners of the room?  Have no idea.    
Also, I accidentally dropped one of my mics from a high place...I am totally paranoid that I broke it...It still works and nothing seems wrong with it.  However, I'm sure mics are really sensitive and I was hoping that maybe someone else has done the same and can reassure me that my stuff is fine?  

[jr11]

Sounds like a decent setup, though a web forum is not a wonderful source of aid. Setting up a new system in a new setting takes time, patience, research, and experimentation. Get some books from the library, surf the web, do some homework.

Get an assistant to move the mics around the room while you play, listening through headphones for the "sweet spots".

Solo piano is a challenge to record because of the dynamic variation. Turn the headphone volume way up and listen for ambient sounds in the room. Even the noise from the computer fan or outside traffic will come through. Do what you can to quiet your piano's pedals, wear clothing that doesn't swish, and don't record with the sniffles. The sound can be fixed in the mix somewhat, but take great pains to strive for the cleanest original sound you can. The further your mics are from the piano, the more background noise you'll get, but the more depth. Maybe keep one mic close and one back, and mix to taste.

Condenser mics do not take trauma very well, but if it is working after a fall, you're lucky. I handle my consender mics like I would nitro.

Recording will make you much more conscious of everything in your playing, and I believe it is as important a discipline as performing. Have fun!

[classicarts]

If you want to know more about recording knowledge, I suggest you go to Audition forum.   There's  more people there talking about this subject.   

[steve jones]

I have notcied that there are some recording buffs prowling about.  Could someone advise me as I have no idea what to do. 

I have been given quite a bit of equipment but do not know it's capabilities or really how to use it.  I have a tascam cd recorder, some kind of mixing board in which I plugged in two condeser mics.  Not sure of the brands...  My computer wiz mother bought the set for me but neither of us really know anything about basic recording. 

WHERE should I put the mics to pick up optimal sound?  Close to the piano?  Pointing at the piano or to the corners of the room?  Have no idea.   
Also, I accidentally dropped one of my mics from a high place...I am totally paranoid that I broke it...It still works and nothing seems wrong with it.  However, I'm sure mics are really sensitive and I was hoping that maybe someone else has done the same and can reassure me that my stuff is fine? 

There are many things to consider when recording an acoustic source. In order of importance:

- Performer!
- Instrument
- Acoustic space (the room)
- Microphone
- Recording signal chain
- Recording medium

Depending on the above, you will need to taylor you pre-production plan to suit. The idea would be:

- First class performance in one take
- A high quality piano (appropriate to the piece)
- Large treated studio live room
- Overhead pair, quality large diaphram condensor mic's + room mic's
- Rest to taste


However, this is rarely the case. For home recordings it is typical to make compromises on most of the above. Here are some helpful hints:

- Record many takes, then edit a composite performance

- Get your piano tuned and sounding at its best

- Nothing can be done with the room size, but it is possible to dampen nasty reflections. It might also pay you to situate the piano is an optimum spot. This can be detailed, so you'll need to look into this further.

- Mic placement will reflect the quality of the room. In a great sounding room, you can position mics further from the instrument. In a poor room, it is better to close mic.

- If using cardiod pattern mics, but sure to give a little more distance to ensure recording of the full range of the instrument.


Now, the above are just a couple of hints. Recording is all about experimentation, so do a little research and play around with some setups. The instrument, room and mic placement are the crucial elements and are all codependent.

Basics - what you need:

- Mics, preferably a matched pair or condensors. Dynamic mics may not be sensitive enough. Something like a pair of Rode NT1's might be a good budget choice.

- Mic pres - use the preamps in your desk. If not, the best allrounder budget preamps (imo) can be found in the Mackie VLZ Pro mixers. These can be bought cheaply second hand.

- Connect the output of the mixer into the inputs on your soundcard

- Install a wave editing program or sequencer. There are many to choose from, but Audacity is a great, easy to use freeware editor that should do the business.

- Be sure to avoid clipping during the recording (overloading the pre's or D/A convertors). To avoid this leave around -6db headroom.


Hope this helps, good luck!

[steve jones]

To give you an idea of whats possible with MINIMAL gear, take a listen to my recording in the audition room.

Admittedly it sounds terrible, but consider this:

- Im not a good pianist and recording without comping
- I used a completely knackered upright piano in the worst room imaginable
- Recorded with a single cheap close mic

With this in mind, it didnt turn out that bad after all! I reckon if I rearranged the room to give the piano a central position, setup with a couple of decent condensors, I could improve that sounds infinitely. Give me a better room and good piano, and the results could become quite passable.