Recording Piano To Powerbook, Need Help in Equipment to record piano Options

[brianwmniles]

Need help for a newbee. I'm trying to record a baby grand piano to some recording software on a Powerbook and then export as an MP3.

Any suggestions for where to get relatively inexpensive microphones (how many, placement in the piano tips, where to buy cheap in the US), what other equipment I need to connect to a TiBook, then software on the Mac to record the piano.

Thanks for all your help!

[pronkie5]

This depends a little on what piano (brand) you use. Some mics sound excellent with a certain piano but are awfull with others.

So to make it a little easier on me let's say you have an Yamaha Baby Grand.

First look for a nice audio card with 2 inputs minimum. This might be mic inputs but also line-level. If line level use a small mixer or preamp to get Mic level up to line. Suggestion (from cheap to medium priced); Behringer minimixer/preamp, ART stereo MP, Focusrite Platinum twintrak.

You can get some pretty good second hand soundcards right now that would suit you. AudioMedia III (3, not 2=nubus) which will give you 24/32 tracks protools,Korg 1212 or audiowerk to run Cubase or Logic.

Most soundcards with mic inputs are more than 2 inputs and for that more expensive.

Mic-ise the AKG C1000 is an excellent low cost mic that will give you good results with any baby grand. Also Rode NT sereis is pretty good and affordable. Most Mics with mini-jack are less good than those found with XLR cabling. And it makes a LOT of difference. For more info feel free to send private message,

Jan