What are the best microphones for piano?
In absolute terms, many microphones, especially condenser ones, could do the job.
Moreover, especially for piano, the choice of microphone is not everything: recording a piano is a delicate task (I am preparing an article on the subject for you soon), and the placement of the microphone is therefore crucial.
I could also give an easy answer by suggesting a pair of Neumann M149 microphones.
This would probably sound great, but it likely wouldn’t help you much: if you clicked on the link just above, you saw that these microphones are financially out of reach for us home studio enthusiasts.
So, in this article, I decided to offer you a selection of microphones perfect for recording piano and suitable for home studio budgets, with a choice between entry-level microphones (150, 200€…) and others that will still require a certain investment (600€ and up).
How to Choose Microphones for a Piano?
Before looking at my selection of the best microphones for piano, I suggest taking a moment to consider the criteria for choosing microphones for this type of recording.
The fact is that the piano is a difficult instrument to record well, with many details and generating sound energy over a very wide frequency range.
Generally, dynamic microphones will be set aside, as they will struggle to capture high frequencies and may not always be as detailed as one would wish.
Instead, we will often lean towards one or more condenser microphones, which will be able to reproduce the details we want to hear.
In fact, small diaphragm condenser microphones are regularly used, as they reproduce transients and the overall attack of notes well. That’s why, in the selection just below, you will mostly find this type of microphone.
Finally, note that ribbon microphones form an interesting alternative for those looking for a warmer, more vintage, or more intimate sound — typically for solo piano.
1. LEWITT LCT 140 Air
Brand: LEWITT
Type: Small diaphragm condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Self-noise: 20 dB (A)
If your budget is limited, I highly recommend looking first at the LCT 140 Air from LEWITT, an Austrian brand led by a former AKG employee that produces both entry-level and very high-end microphones.
With the LCT 140 Air (preferably purchased in a matched pair, see the links below), LEWITT makes a strong impression by offering a microphone with a phenomenal price-to-performance ratio.
I was amazed when I tested them — you can read my full review by clicking here.
The sound is detailed, transparent, and articulate.
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2. RØDE NT5
Brand: RØDE
Type: Small diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid (Omni capsules available as an option)
Background noise: 16 dB (A)
The famous NT5 from RØDE is, for me, an alternative to the LCT 140 Air presented just before, still within the logic of entry-level microphones.
Indeed, the NT5s are among the microphones commonly found in home studios.
The sound is generally good, but I sometimes find them a bit too bright due to a pronounced lift in the upper mids, which depending on the recorded instrument can come across as aggressive.
However, in this price range, the NT5s form an interesting option with a sound that will easily stand out in the mix, especially for somewhat rock recordings.
Let’s note the background noise of 16 dB (A), which is quite low especially for the price.
► See the current price of the NT5:
3. Oktava MK-012
Brand: Oktava
Type: Small diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid (Hypercardioid and Omni capsules available as an option)
Background noise: not confirmed
These famous microphones from Oktava are no longer presented, available in various packages: alone or in pairs, just with the cardioid capsule or with hypercardioid and omni capsules in addition…
By default, I recommend, if your budget allows, to go for the version with the additional capsules. Certainly, it costs a bit more, but:
- it will offer you real versatility for recording pianos, whether they are grand or upright;
- you will be able to enjoy potentially wider, more “3D” sound;
- you will have more flexibility in placing your microphones by taking advantage of the absence of proximity effect.
Note, however, that in omnidirectional mode, you will of course capture the ambiance of your room more strongly: if it is very small or does not have pleasant acoustics, this could generate problems.
If your Oktava MK-012s are well positioned, you can achieve really excellent sound: these microphones are quite balanced, with a slight coloration in the bass and very pleasant soft highs.
A good choice for the home studio, without hesitation.
► See the current price of the MK-012 on:
- Microphone only (cardioid only): Thomann Woodbrass
- Stereo pair (cardioid only): Thomann Woodbrass
- Stereo pair (+ optional capsules): Thomann Woodbrass
4. Shure KSM 137
Brand: Shure
Type: Small diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid
Background noise: 14 dB (A)
For piano recording, the Shure KSM 137 small diaphragm is an interesting high-end option, with a price that remains relatively accessible.
Usable both in the studio and on stage, the KSM 137 indeed provides a natural sound, with excellent transient response without sounding overly bright.
The punch of the piano comes through, but without aggressiveness. However, it tends to sound a bit dry, as if you were very close to the piano: this lack of ambiance could potentially be compensated by a pair of large diaphragm microphones positioned further back in the room.
A really effective microphone on the piano, with low background noise, and a good price/quality ratio.
► See the current price of the KSM 137:
5. Neumann KM 184
Brand: Neumann
Type: Small diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid
Background noise: 13 dB (A)
This time we move into a different price range, but it must be said that these little KM 184 microphones from the prestigious German brand Neumann do an excellent job for piano.
The reproduction of transients and note attack is good, with a pleasant representation of the stereo image as long as the microphones are well positioned.
The KM 184 also offers a nice depth in the bass, which will be appreciated on the piano, and a very low background noise.
The highs, detailed and open, may in some cases seem slightly harsh, but this will give your recordings a modern aspect.
Let’s not nitpick: whether you are recording a grand or upright piano, solo or to integrate into a complete mix, the KM 184 will prove to be quality companions.
► See the current price of the KM 184:
6. LEWITT LCT 440 Pure
Brand: LEWITT
Type: Large diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid
Background noise: 7 dB (A)!
A second LEWITT microphone on this list!
As I mentioned earlier, the Austrian brand tends to stand out by producing microphones with a good price/quality ratio.
The LCT 440 Pure does not deviate from this rule and is an interesting option for piano recording if your budget is a bit tight.
The sound is very detailed, clear, and quite open in the highs with good articulation.
It is therefore quite transparent, which makes this microphone suitable for somewhat modern sounds (although of course, it all depends on the instrument and positioning).
Indeed, the LCT 440 Pure will tend to counterbalance a piano that sounds too dark.
Let’s note the existence of a similar model but with multiple directivities: the LCT 441 Flex. If your budget allows, I think it’s really worth having this option to better capture the essence of your piano.
► See the current price of the LCT 440 Pure on: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
7. Aston Microphones Spirit
Brand: Aston Microphones
Type: Large diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
Background noise: 14 dB(A)
If you are a regular reader of this site, you know that Aston Microphones is a brand I particularly like, as their microphones are affordable and also have a good price/quality ratio.
Usually, I recommend the Aston Origin, which already performs well on the piano.
But here, it’s rather the Spirit that I think you should lean towards for three reasons:
- the sound is a bit more open in the highs with good details;
- the background noise is lower on this model (14 dB (A) vs. 18 dB (A)): it won’t be an issue for recording a rock and punchy upright piano, but it could pose a problem for a grand piano playing solo delicately;
- the Spirit is multi-directional (cardioid, omni, and figure-8), which will necessarily bring some versatility to your recordings.
Let’s note in passing the unique design of the microphone, which I find particularly aesthetic (after all, tastes and colors…).
In short, a quality choice at a fair price for the piano, whether in mono or in stereo pair.
► See the current price of the Aston Spirit at: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
8. Audio-Technica AT4050
Brand: Audio-Technica
Type: Large diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
Background noise: 17 dB SPL
The AT4050 is an excellent microphone for recording upright or grand pianos, and it easily adapts to different instruments: you can use it for vocals, string instruments, or as overheads on a drum kit.
Like the Aston Spirit mentioned earlier, the presence of a polar pattern selector (Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8) will provide true flexibility in microphone positioning and therefore in terms of creative possibilities.
It is worth noting the presence of a dual diaphragm capsule that provides a controlled frequency response regardless of the chosen directivity.
The sound is transparent, particularly due to the absence of an integrated transformer that could color the signal in the lows.
For a piano sound integrated in fine into a mix, the AT4050 will do the job very well.
However, it may slightly lack density for a solo piano recording.
Finally, let’s note the 15-year warranty on the equipment, which is certainly very appreciated.
► See the current price of the AT4050 at: Thomann Woodbrass
9. JZ Microphones The Amethyst
Brand: JZ Microphones
Type: Large diaphragm condenser
Directivity: Cardioid
Background noise: 7 dB (A)!
A slightly lesser-known option than the other microphones in this selection: the beautiful Amethyst from JZ Microphones, a Latvian brand that has been around for a long time but is unfortunately not yet well known in France.
Beyond the aesthetic but very particular design, the Amethyst is a rather neutral microphone in approach with a nice vintage texture: the low frequencies are precise and quite deep, the mids clear, and the highs very soft without making the microphone sound dark.
A microphone with an attractive attitude that will be perfect especially for grand pianos, but will also be just as effective in my opinion on an upright piano.
► See the current price of the Amethyst on : Thomann
10. AKG C414 XLS
Brand : AKG
Type : Large diaphragm condenser
Directivity : 9 polar patterns (including cardioid, omni, and figure-8)
Background noise : 6 dB (A) !
Is it really necessary to introduce it?
The AKG C414 is a studio reference microphone that has repeatedly proven itself in piano recording.
Sure, the vintage versions are probably a bit better, but the more modern models still hold their own. In this case, the XLS version of the C414, while a bit flat on vocals, seems perfectly suited for piano recording.
Especially since with the 9 available polar patterns and the 3 attenuation levels (-6, -12, and -18 dB), you still have a versatile microphone that can adapt to many situations.
You even have an LED that indicates if the signal is too strong at any moment!
► See the current price of the AKG C414 XLS on : Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
In conclusion
There you go, you now have a number of options that I think will be interesting for choosing your next microphone(s) for recording your piano.
► Continue reading with my piano recording guide