Simple
Just a handheld recorder
Zoom H4essential on a small stand about a metre from the piano. Press record — 32-bit float means you don't have to set levels.
By Aria Farjadi, concert pianist and piano teacher (Farjadi Piano School, Copenhagen). I have not tested every model for this guide. The recommendations are based on the manufacturers' and retailer's specifications — and on what I listen for as a pianist when I hear a piano recording.
Three setups — pick the one that fits you
Stereo
Interface and a mic pair
Scarlett 2i2 + Rode M5 pair + stereo bar + DT-770 Pro. You also need a mic stand and two XLR cables.
The classic
For regular recording
SSL 2 MKII + Rode NT5 pair + stereo bar + HD-490 PRO. Plus a stand and cables.
1. Place the mics well
Start with the pair about a metre from the piano at chest height. Move closer for clarity, further away for more room.
2. Listen on headphones
Listen to a test take before you play the whole piece. That's where you hear too much bass or too little room.
3. Digital piano?
Then you need no microphone: a cable from the piano's output to the interface, or USB straight to the computer.
All products below are sold by Thomann, which ships internationally. The link opens Thomann's shop for your country, where you see the current price in your currency.
Handheld recorders
The simplest route: put the recorder on a stand near the piano and press record. No computer, no cables.
Handheld recorder · no computer
Zoom H4essential
- Built-in X/Y stereo microphone
- 32-bit float: no level setting needed
- 2 XLR/jack inputs for external mics
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: For students and teachers who want to record a lesson or a piece without switching on a computer.
Handheld recorder · swappable capsule
Zoom H5
- Detachable X/Y capsule
- 4 simultaneous tracks, 24-bit / 96 kHz
- WAV and MP3
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: Same idea as the H4essential, with a swappable mic capsule.
Audio interfaces
The interface connects your microphones to a computer. To record a piano in stereo you need two microphone inputs.
Audio interface · the safe choice
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- 2 mic inputs with +48 V phantom power
- 24-bit / 192 kHz
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe (prevents clipping)
- Loopback function
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: For most people: two good inputs, and Auto Gain makes it hard to record too loud.
Audio interface · lowest price
Audient iD4 MKII
- 1 mic input (Class A preamp) + 1 instrument input
- 24-bit / 96 kHz, USB-C
- 58 dB mic gain
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: For a digital piano or a single mic. It has only one mic input — not enough for a stereo pair.
Audio interface · most headroom
SSL 2 MKII
- 2 mic inputs, 64 dB gain
- 32-bit / 192 kHz
- +48 V phantom power, high-pass filter
- "4K" switch for a brighter tone
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: For players who want a little more headroom and a proper level meter.
Microphones
An acoustic piano is a large instrument and sounds best recorded in stereo. A matched pair of small-diaphragm condensers is the classic choice.
Microphone pair · budget
Rode M5 MP (matchet par)
- Two matched small-diaphragm condenser mics
- Cardioid, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Needs phantom power (+48 V)
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: The most affordable way to record an acoustic piano in stereo.
Microphone pair · mid-range
sE Electronics sE7 Stereo-Set
- Two matched small-diaphragm condenser mics
- Cardioid, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Switchable -20 dB pad
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: A step up, with a pad for loud playing close to the strings.
Microphone pair · the classic
Rode NT5 MP (matchet par)
- Two matched condenser mics with 1/2" capsule
- Cardioid, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Widely used on acoustic pianos
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: The pair many piano teachers and small studios use. A safe choice that lasts for years.
Accessory
K&M 23550 stereoskinne
- Holds two microphones on one stand
- For XY and ORTF setups
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: Needed if you want both microphones on one stand.
Headphones
Closed-back headphones for recording and practising in a flat. Open-back models sound more natural but let sound out.
Headphones · closed-back
beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 80 Ohm
- Closed-back: no sound leaks out
- Over-ear (circumaural), 80 ohm
- Works straight from a piano output
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: For recording and practising in a flat. Lets almost no sound out.
Headphones · foldable
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Closed, over-ear
- 45 mm drivers
- Swivelling ear cups
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: Same purpose as the DT-770, but folds up to travel.
Headphones · open-back
Sennheiser HD-490 PRO
- Open-back: airy, natural sound
- Over-ear, 130 ohm
- Frequency range 5 – 36,100 Hz
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: For critical listening to your own recordings. Open-back, so it leaks sound.
Studio monitors
For listening back to your recording. Sold per unit — you need two.
Studio monitor · price per unit
Yamaha HS 5
- 5" woofer + 1" tweeter, 70 W
- 54 Hz – 30 kHz
- Balanced XLR and jack inputs
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: A widely used choice for a small room.
Studio monitor · price per unit
JBL 305P MKII
- 5" woofer + 1" tweeter, 82 W
- 49 Hz – 20 kHz
- Boundary EQ for placement near a wall
Specifications according to the retailer.
Suits: For rooms where the speakers must stand close to a wall.
Questions
Can't I just use my phone?
To remember an idea, yes. But a phone microphone compresses the sound, so soft notes vanish and loud ones flatten. A handheld recorder is the smallest step up.
Why two microphones?
A piano is wide: the bass strings are on one side, the treble on the other. Two microphones give that width back when you listen.
Can I return it?
Thomann offers a money-back period. Read the retailer's terms before you buy — they apply, not ZOZIZA's.