Inbuilt mic vs external mic comparision

[johnmar78]

Hey Guys/David,
 Here is my audio recording trials on tascam dr100mk2 inbuilt-unidirectional mic / omni vs external mic on the top lid of the piano/back.  Also 2 akgs  placed at 110 degree 30cm apart vs 1m apart at 180.


I can not record with  the front lid opened. It is really loud, no good for my ear.. ..so all closed.
I know OMINI inbuilt mic is out for sure,,,
Tell me which one do you prefer.......please..

[rachfan]

Hi johnmar,

Of all the tests, to my ears the first one with the built-in mics and the last test with the AKGs one meter apart were the two best results.  By the way, those built-ins exceed expectations in my opinion.  The AKGs a meter apart produce very fine sound too.  In both tests the sound is vibrant.  In the other tests the sound seemed to be either quite dry or having way too much reverberation.  If I had to choose between these two, I'd probably go with the last one.  The first one with the built-in mics has just a little too much brilliance and reverb such that it doesn't quite attain the same clarity as the AKGs in the last take.  Maybe some of the others here will vote as well.  

David

[hakki]

+1 to what David has said.

I also liked the last one best (akgs 1 m apart).

And I am really surprised by the quality of the inboard mics.

But in any case I would definitely go with the akgs 1 m apart and maybe try some other configurations with the akgs.

regards,

[johnmar78]

thanks Gentleman.....any one else..........

Might as well, tonight I will do my recording  with open front lid and place 2 akgs 40cm above vs back.

[quantum]

Hi johnmar,

I've listened and do agree with Rachfan and Hakki.  The first and last samples are the preferable ones.  It sounds like there is a hot spot in the tenor/bass rage of the piano.  It may be an artifact of room resonance due to the very close positioning of the piano to a wall.  Have you tried mic positions that are more distant from the piano?  Don't be too quick to rule out a certain mic setup, as positioning has a very large role in the outcome of sound.  Get someone else to play the piano, and move around the room using your ears as a guide.  If your ears find a sweet spot, try putting mics there. 

What model AKG mics are you using? 

I've put up many recordings of my own C3 here.  Here is a comparison recording I did using Studio Projects B1 with Edirol UA-25 as preamp vs. Zoom H4n.
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=35970.msg413304#msg413304

B1 with Firepod as preamp
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=27822.msg321787#msg321787

[johnmar78]

thanks Quatum, I am using AKG 170, its more than enough for my need.  I will have look at your project tonight.

Thanks