Best audio recording devices for classical piano?

Question

For classical piano recordings. Want something that is bearable to listen to obviously, but I don't think it's worth investing in like the 1000 mic's, besides i have no knowledge on how to use good equipment well. I look at the zoom h5 and h6 and to me the sound quality tests on youtube just don't sound good enough for me for piano. maybe those are badly done videos? Anyways I basically want right below the level of professional recordings. perhaps the best quality i can get for around 400$, maybe max 500

Answer 1

You really should consider a Zoom or maybe a Tascam digital recorder. You can always send it back if it is not up to your standards. I think you will be shocked at how good these recorders sound. The built in mics in those recorders are not "world class" but they are perfectly suited for capturing a classical piano. Your challenge will be finding a placement for the recorder that gives you the sound you want. You will need to buy a good sturdy boom type mic stand to use with the recorder. A 1/4 inch to mic stand adapter will be needed to attach the recorder to the stand. The boom stand will give you placement flexibility for the recorder. See links.



https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-Stand-Telescopic-Boom-Arm/dp/B000TZVCWG/ref=sr_1_7?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1479392519&sr=1-7&keywords=ultimate+boom+stand



https://www.amazon.com/WindTech-CM-01-Female-Stand-Adapter/dp/B0096VDPLU/ref=sr_1_11?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1479392569&sr=1-11&keywords=1%2F4+inch+to+mic+stand+adapter



This is a great free pdf book on recording microphone technique:



http://cdn.shure.com/publication/upload/837/microphone_techniques_for_recording_english.pdf

Answer 2

Don't use YouTube sound as a reference.

Some of it is awful, no matter how good the original recording may be.



Plus, "computer speakers" are themselves usually pretty bad.

Use a good stereo system instead.

This means good response down to 50 Hz or lower

and 17,000 Hz or higher, +/- 6 dB or better (preferably 3 dB).





Tascam and Zoom make very good portable digital recorders, any of which should sound good to you when the material is played back through a good system.

Answer 3

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