Studio Microphones & Techniques 

In a proper room with proper setup it is VERY evident that number 1 (b&k omnis) was the most realistic. The cardioid ones were narrower in how I sensed space and it felt weird, can't really put my head around it. It feels as if some frequencies were out of phase. Anyhow, this video is pure gold, we live in amazing times where we can learn so much from RU-vid.

now this is a real tutorial, unlike those "these 5 plugins changed my life" type of scam tutorials that are allover RU-vid

Most honest recording test on youtube. B&K is the best, crown's are harsh. Your audience liked them because you have a nice warm sounding piano, wouldn't be the same on a Yamaha. Thanks

I loveed Gefell M930 and AKG tube sounds!

Thanks for sharing your expertise and the incredibly helpful comparison! So helpful for me!

Merci beaucoup, très apprécié, grande valeur technique. J'ai préféré les tube (C12). Merci encore.

Omni mics sounded the best to me!!!

Good informative video.

Awesome video! So well done comparison of mics, lots of info! Please do something similar on cello!

Owww the B&K 4007! <3

thank you. very nice video. :)

excelent! thanks for share it!

Very helpful and informative video. Thanks. I liked the slight stereo spread of the ORTF pairs. The Sony's sounded crystal clear and very real. The omni's gave a very nice balanced, realistic and slightly ambient sound. I didn't like the XY - a bit too narrow for my taste and an un-appealing frequency response in that particular location.

B&K 4007 is fantastic!

I loved the B&K 4007 the way they were placed. With the AKG tube in the middle would make my day! Great review! Thanks!

Very informative. As a recording buff, I have come across these situations, and these techniques are priceless. I have seen some use a wig fitting foam head, with mics placed at the ears, which gives a natural spacing and timing effect they say of human hearing. Any room for an apprentice ?

The playback for each of the mics was very noticeable through headphones. Just to note, I was using over-ear; not tiny in-ear headphones. I felt that the omni pair created a small pocket of nothingness in the center of the sound field. The Sony mics were personally my favorite. I would love to hear them in XY because I want to reinforce the bass line of the music more to balance it with the melody. The Crowns felt out of place in my opinion. When hearing them, the attack was greatly emphasized for music that was written with romantic period intentions. At some points in the music, the piano sounded "like" a music box. It had a metallic timber to it. I'm curious and want to see the Crowns used in a pop setting. The AKGs were fine. They had a warm sound that could be used to create a live concert hall. Finally, the Gefells were nice. When used in the XY formation, it gave the listener a closed but comfortable space. It made me feel that I was listening to the performer live in my house. With editing, the sound can be placed in a concert hall and do just as fine. (I am still new to the world of recording and these are just my personal observations. I would love to hear more opinions on the mics.)

Many thanks for posting this. Fascinating and informative. For what it's worth, I favour the B&K omnis. They deliver a sense of realism which the others lack. I'm listening through ADAM-A7s, nearfield placement. One day, I'll be rich enough to afford a decent pair of omnis. :-)

Curious to the mic pre you used. Also what digital reverb do you use on classical? Finally would love to hear a version of this comparison including an Earthworks PM-40 mic setup.

The Crown PZM 6LP sounded most like a Steinway D, the AKG Tube sounded least like a Steinway D. The B&K 4007, Sony C-500P and Geffel M930 colored the sound differently and it's personal taste as to which sounds "the best." The Steinway D is the most recorded piano and it's obvious microphones alter its sound. This can lead to unrealistic expectations as to what a real piano sounds like. Overall I prefer the B&K 4007 but any of them are fine.