Who each setup suits

Recital-image seekers

You want to capture the piano’s left-to-right range and can make room for two microphones, their mounting positions and a two-input recording setup.

Noise-limited flat recordists

You can position a directional microphone close to the piano and aim its rear away from the main unwanted sound. Reducing room influence matters more to you than a distant recital perspective.

Direct-to-computer starters

You want to record with one microphone connected to a computer, without assembling an XLR interface setup first.

What matters when choosing

For a noisy-flat recital, decide whether controlling unwanted pickup, capturing stereo width or keeping the recording chain simple is your first priority. That choice affects both microphone placement and the equipment you need.

Matched cardioid condenser pair

Choose it when: A stereo piano image matters and you have two suitable microphone positions and powered XLR inputs.

Accept: More equipment and placement work; moving the pair closer to limit room influence changes the recital perspective.

USB-capable cardioid condenser

Choose it when: You want a single-microphone route directly into a computer; the RØDE NT1 5th Generation offers USB as well as XLR connectivity.

Accept: One microphone gives a mono perspective, and a quiet microphone cannot remove sounds already present in the room.

Close-positioned dynamic cardioid microphone

Choose it when: Reducing unwanted pickup is the overriding concern and you have an XLR recording input.

Accept: Close placement changes the piano balance and may sound less spacious than a stereo arrangement.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Unwanted pickup Check the pickup pattern and whether you can place the microphone close to the piano, with its rear aimed towards the main unwanted sound. If sounds elsewhere in the flat intrude on a take, I want the piano to stand forward without expecting the microphone to soundproof the room. Around 38% of consumers put control of unwanted pickup first.
Stereo image For a matched pair, check that you have two microphone positions and two compatible powered XLR inputs; the RØDE M5 pair requires P24 or P48 power. For a recital where the piano’s left-to-right image matters, I can accommodate the additional setup. Stereo presentation comes first for around 31% of consumers.
Recording setup Check whether the microphone connects directly by USB or needs an XLR interface; an XLR condenser also needs a compatible power supply. If I am starting with a computer and one microphone, I would rather avoid building a two-channel recording chain. Around 31% of consumers make a straightforward setup their primary concern.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Expecting a cardioid microphone to silence the flat

    A cardioid pattern reduces pickup from some directions, not every sound reaching the microphone. DPA Microphones notes that close miking gives the room less influence on the recording.

    Try a short recording with the microphone closer to the piano and its rear directed towards the strongest unwanted sound, then listen for changes in both noise and piano balance.

  • Buying an XLR condenser without a recording path

    An XLR condenser needs power from a compatible microphone input. Audio-Technica states that the AT2020’s XLR cable is sold separately.

    Check the interface’s microphone input and phantom-power capability before choosing an XLR-only model. If direct computer connection matters more, check for a USB-capable microphone instead.

  • Choosing a stereo pair with only one input

    The two RØDE M5 microphones have XLR outputs and require P24 or P48 power; one recording channel will not capture them as a stereo pair.

    Confirm that both microphone channels can supply the required power before committing to the pair.

    Allow space for a second stand or mounting position and a separate XLR connection for each microphone.

  • Confusing a quieter recording with a quieter piano

    Microphone placement changes what the recording captures, not the acoustic sound neighbours hear. GOV.UK guidance for England says councils may issue warning notices in response to complaints about noise above permitted levels between 11pm and 7am.

    Arrange practical recording times where possible and check the guidance for your local authority before planning a late-night recital.

Relevant brands for reference

RØDE

The M5 matched pair represents a two-microphone stereo route; the NT1 5th Generation represents a single-microphone route with USB and XLR connectivity.

  • RØDE specifies the M5 pair for stereo arrays and selects the microphones to within 1 dB sensitivity variation.
  • The M5 pair needs two XLR channels with suitable phantom power. A single NT1 5th Generation instead provides a mono microphone perspective.

Audio-Technica

The AT2020 is a single cardioid XLR condenser to consider if you already have a compatible phantom-powered recording input.

  • Audio-Technica describes the AT2020 as suitable for recording live instruments.
  • It is not a direct USB microphone, and Audio-Technica lists the XLR cable separately.

Shure

The SM57 is a dynamic cardioid instrument microphone relevant to a close-positioned, noise-control-first approach.

  • Shure specifies a cardioid pattern intended to isolate the main source while reducing background pickup.
  • Close placement can change the piano balance; this single-microphone approach does not capture a stereo recital image.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a cardioid microphone remove neighbour noise from a piano recording?

No. Its directional pattern can reduce pickup from the rear and other off-axis directions, but it cannot silence the flat. Aim the front towards the piano and, where practical, the rear towards the main unwanted sound; a closer position can also reduce room influence.

Does a condenser microphone need an audio interface?

An XLR condenser needs a compatible powered microphone input, commonly supplied by an audio interface. A USB-capable model such as the RØDE NT1 5th Generation can instead connect directly to a computer, so check the connection on the exact model you choose.

What equipment does a stereo piano microphone pair need?

A stereo pair needs two microphone positions and two recording channels. For the RØDE M5 pair, check for two compatible XLR microphone inputs supplying its required P24 or P48 power, plus suitable cables and mounting positions.

Can I record a piano recital late at night if I adjust the microphone?

Adjusting the microphone does not reduce the acoustic piano sound heard outside the flat. GOV.UK guidance for England says councils may issue warning notices following complaints about noise above permitted levels between 11pm and 7am. Check guidance from your own local authority before arranging late-night recording, particularly outside England.