We used Samson C02 microphones to mic up the piano in an XY method. This is where the two microphones are at 90 degrees angle. We used this method because it captures both ends of the piano with only a little phase difference due to the fact that the microphones are so close together.
The technique uses 2 cardioid microphones o
f the same type and manufacture, we used the Samson CO2s. Depending on the size of the sound source and the particular sound desired, the angle can range between 90 to 135 degrees.
The pair are placed with the centre of the 2 microphones facing directly at the sound source and panned left and right. Due the the small distance between the microphones, sound arrives at the CO2s at nearly the same time, thus reducing (near coincident) or eliminating (coincident) of possible phase problems of the A/B technique.
We used a pair of Samson CO2s for the piano, we used these because it brings a high level of accuracy. The CO2 is designed to withstand high sound pressure levels. It is an extremely sensitive microphone and it employs a tight super-cardioid pattern to reduce feedback. It’s super-cardioid effectively rejects signals not directly in front of the mic capsule. The CO2 has extended range frequency response for optimum reproduction and exceptionally clear, crisp sounds. Super-cardioid mics offer a narrower pickup than cardioids and a greater rejection of ambient sound.
The microphone’s frequency response is given at 40Hz to 20kHz. There is a gentle presence peak centred at around 8KHz, this usually helps a microphone sound airy without it becoming hard or edgy, below which the response is generally flat until the low end starts to roll off gentle below 100Hz reaching -3dB at about 50Hz. Overall, the dynamic range is 112dB.
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