r/piano • u/ChopinChopiChop Amateur (5–10 years), Classical • 5h ago

🤔Misc. Inquiry/Request Microphone recommendations/positioning for recording Grand Piano

Hi all, I am planning to record myself playing for a video audition for a competition and was thinking of getting some decent microphones to connect to my iphone 16 plus but have hardly any clue on how to record pianos nicely...

I found Shure SM57 Cardiod Microphone which seems good? I also heard that it is recommended to have 2 mics? Like one at hammers and another at end of strings??

It would be great to hear what your setup may be or thoughts and recommendations on microphones and positioning...

Thanks alot!!

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u/altra_volta 5h ago

What’s your budget?

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u/ChopinChopiChop Amateur (5–10 years), Classical 5h ago

I don't really have a set budget, whatever is necessary and does the job well enough should be good.

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u/altra_volta 4h ago

The minimum setup (1 channel audio interface, SM57, mic stand, cable) will run you around $300-350. You can also look into USB/Bluetooth mics designed for syncing to video at a similar price point.

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u/ChopinChopiChop Amateur (5–10 years), Classical 4h ago

Thanks! I didn't think of channel audio interface. Would using a cable mic be better? And is it possible to connect to a phone to video?

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u/altra_volta 3h ago

A wired mic through an interface will get a better quality recording generally, and lots of USB C interfaces can connect to a phone. You can also use the SM57 in a live sound or studio setup in the future, it’s not exclusively tied to being a phone mic.

Syncing audio to video can get complicated when using external equipment though, I don’t usually record directly to my phone so I can’t really speak to what issues you might run into on that front.

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u/ChopinChopiChop Amateur (5–10 years), Classical 2h ago

Thank you!

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u/roshiface 4h ago

I use a Zoom H6 field recorder. its built in XY mics are good enough now but you can also plug in other mics if you feel like upgrading in the future. I can connect it directly to my phone or computer to record

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u/ChopinChopiChop Amateur (5–10 years), Classical 2h ago

That sounds like a pretty reasonable option! Do you need to buy any other cables to connect to phone/computer or sd card? Also whats you thoughts on the h4 and h5? Thanks!