Microphones used: pair of Neumann KM 183's and pair of CHI omnis from 3 Zigma Audio. The microphones were spaced 16" from each other and standing about 3.5' from the piano. A pair of CHI cardioids in XY configuration was set up at 2' from the piano. No editing except noise suppression. The clips in the original 88.2KHz/24bit format are available at http://eternalclassics.com/Technology.html.
I listened to each clip multiple times, switching back and forth. Here are my thoughts:
The KM183s have a nice sound. Bass is big, maybe a bit too big and boomy in parts.
The CHI Omnis seem to have the most life and energy, probably cause they hear more of the room sound. They also have a little less bass.
The CHI Cardioids have the best stereo separation, probably because of the XY configuration. You can really hear where each key is on the piano as the chords jump out left and right.
It's hard to say which cardioids are "better" here since the mics were placed in different positions. I like different aspects of all three clips.
Yes, I listened to the original 24/88.1 files. To my ears, the KM183s have the most bass, the CHI Omnis are the brightest with the most room sound, and the CHI Cardioids have the most upper mids and the most stereo separation between chords (but again I think the XY placement of the CHI cardioids makes a big difference). So I'd be interested to hear the CHI cardioids and KM183s in the exact same position.
Interesting. When I listen to KM183 and CHI omnis , I don't hear much difference in bass, but KM183 has more resolution, more room and is more airy than CHI. The omnis however sound more balanced overall. I used a SET amplifier with 96dB single-driver speakers in custom cabinets and Metric Halo ULN2 as a D/A for audition. The position of the cardioids was intentional because they were a part of the three-lateral setup with omnis as room mikes. I didn't use room mikes at all for demos because there was too much ambience.
The KM183s have a nice sound. Bass is big, maybe a bit too big and boomy in parts.
The CHI Omnis seem to have the most life and energy, probably cause they hear more of the room sound. They also have a little less bass.
The CHI Cardioids have the best stereo separation, probably because of the XY configuration. You can really hear where each key is on the piano as the chords jump out left and right.
It's hard to say which cardioids are "better" here since the mics were placed in different positions. I like different aspects of all three clips.