User Manual

then stand the mics one to two metres from the piano aimed at

the centre of the inside of the open lid. The lid acts as a reector

to project the sound of the strings and soundboard. There

are many other mic’ing variations for piano, including getting

closer to the strings for a more pop-style sound, so as always,

experimentation is the only way to get the best sound but pay

particular attention to getting an even level balance across the

strings.

For upright pianos, try removing the upper casework and

placing a spaced or coincident pair of microphones 600mm or

so above the piano, again adjusting the position to get an even

level across the keyboard.

When using a pair of Starlights, the lasers ensure the mics are

aimed where you want them, a prime example being the grand

piano where the lasers spots will be clearly visible on the inside

of the open lid.

Microphone Terminology

Pad: The pad switch on a microphone reduces its output level,

which is often necessary when working close to very loud sound

sources such as kick drums, guitar ampliers or brass instru-

ments. At very high sound levels the electrical signal generated

by the microphone can cause distortion both in the microphone

circuity itself and in the pre-amp to which it is connected. If your

pre-amp meters indicate a safe level but you are still hearing

distortion, then try the 10dB pad position. Mics that have a 20dB

pad setting can deal with even higher sound levels, but unless

you are in the habit of recording tank battles at close quarters,

you’ll probably nd that the 10dB pad does the trick. Do not use

the pad when working with quiet or moderate level sounds as

under those circumstances it may lead to slightly more back-

ground noise (circuit hiss).

Low-cut Filter: The low cut lter reduces the level of signals at

the bottom of the audio spectrum and in most cases will have

little or no eect on the tonality of vocal recordings.

Its purpose is to reduce the level of those very low frequencies

that you don’t need to capture, and unless you are recording

bass instruments or kick drums, you can usually leave the lter

engaged. Where the mic has two lter settings, try both and use

the highest one if you can’t hear any tonal changes in what you

The Art of Performance