1.1   Introduction

*disclaimer about this write up being provisional, and subject to change*

1.2   Tech Spec

2x RØDE NT55

2x Neumann KM184

2x Schoeps CMC 6 + MK 4

2x Coles 4038

1.3   Recording 20/10/21

1.3.1   Original Placement

SDC Cardioids on upper L and R at sides

2x Coles below keys pointing at LF/MF strings.

SDC Cardioids were placed quite close to the strings/hammers, this was to intentionally pick up more of the mechanical sounds of the hammers/key actioning. This worked as planned, but unfortunately meant that the captured audio had a slight boom to it on the MF content - something that I recognised would perhaps have to be fixed in the mixing stage.

1.3.2   Adjustments

SDC Cardioids on the upper L side moved further to the R to capture more of the mid-range notes.

We found that the Coles were already getting an excellent LF capture, but the MF range was lacking overall due to Cardioids not capturing it.

2x Coles were moved higher because they were capturing too much of the foot and pedal mechanism - was creating a low rumble/boom each time the pedals were used.

A spaced omni pair of NT55's were added as room mics to pic up some space/ambience.

"This was to allow for a natural stereo spread to be captured, in lieu of having to emulate it via reverb plugins etc."

1.4   Mixing 30/10/21

1.4.1   References

1.4.1.1   Armellodie - Chilly Gonzales

Listened to some Nils Frahm - and his songs have 2 elements common to them

• Each album has a different kind of noise in the background.

• Each track has a nice sense of space in it.

• Stereo image is not necessarily 'accurate' to the piano (L - R)

1.4.1.2   Avril 14th - Aphex Twin

• Lots of hammer action.

• Directionality is more so prominent.

• Mechanical noises are present, unhidden, transparent, authentic.

• Significant compression to get the levels up.

• There is a macrodynamic shift just prior to 1:40.

• Relative dynamics are roughly the same throughout.

• Piece ends abruptly after pedal release.

1.4.1.3   Ambre - Nils Frahm

• Subtle noise floor present.

• Performance is soft.

• Significant compression present.

• Perhaps multiband compression should come first in the chain, allows for rough frequency bands to be balanced, and then can shape the overall dynamic with G Bus compression on SSL desk.

• Fades out.