Subject:Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Posted by: Chinchilla

Date:12/28/2002 6:32:50 PM

Hi, is it possible to record? Also (important!!!) - what kinda mic do i need? Please! Help!!!

Thanks

PS: Have SF 6

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:12/28/2002 10:40:02 PM

Yes, it's possible to record while you're playing....I think this is obvious...just hit record and then start playing, just like the old days when we all had a tiny cassette recorder.


As far as mics go and placement, we need to know what kind of piano and also, the sound you're trying to capture? If you're trying to get more of the hammer sound which will emphasize the harmonics of the piano, or trying to get a smoother even tone which will emphasize the first harmonic of the tone then the placement will vary.

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: Chinchilla

Date:12/29/2002 1:44:02 PM

thanks:) what about a mic? what kinda mic do i need?

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: rraud

Date:12/29/2002 8:03:24 PM

Most of us will reach for a pair of condenser mics. PZMs work well in some situations where outside noise or leakage is a problem, as does the C-ducer contact mic.
How much you wanna spend? You might think about mic pre-amps too and/or a pro soundcard.

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: Chinchilla

Date:12/29/2002 10:31:51 PM

well, soundcard will be good - 32b Soundblaster. I also wanted to find out (someone told me) if these notes (on the PC screen) will be visible while i play? Another words - as i was told, while i play i can see notes appear:) Well, i dont know nothing about microphones...If i spend like $50 can i get a good one? Its not like a SONY recording studio here:)
Thanks

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: Rednroll

Date:12/30/2002 10:44:09 AM

Again, what kind of Piano do you have? Is it a "keyboard/synthesizer"? Is it a baby grand? Is it an old saloon type stand up? Different Piano's require different mics to record them accurately, and need to be placed differently depending on the design of the piano. You're basically asking a question like, "I have a car, what kind of engine do I put in it to make it go." We can't answer that if we don't know how big the car is and how fast you want to make it go, although any engine will work. Just like any microphone will work to record audio.

You will not be able to see notes appear accross your screen, if you have a real piano....If you have a midi keyboard, then yes, there is software you can purchase to be able to do that. Not Sound Forge.

It sounds like you don't have any recording experience, and it probably won't do you much good to purchase an expensive microphone. For $50, you will not find a good "condenser" microphone, although you probably don't know what the difference between Condenser and dynamic is. I would therefore suggest you go to radio shack and buy an inexpensive "dynamic" microphone for the time being and play around with it. Then take some recording courses if you're still interested in getting better results and come back with some more informative direct questions, that we can assist you with.

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: Chinchilla

Date:12/30/2002 8:01:42 PM

Thanks:) hehe, well, piano is a Yamaha baby grand - acoustic. Condenser mic is sorta like digital? then of cause i ll get that one:) well, ok, even if notes will not appear on the computer screen while i play piano - can i SEE (in any way) my played music be put as notes for me by this program?? Another words - i want my played music to be shown as notes, correctly, so i can print it out and give to someone else to play the same...thanks:)

Happy New Year!

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: decrink

Date:12/30/2002 10:08:45 PM

If you want the notes to appear you need a midi keyboard and a program like Sibelius (or Finale if you want a boggy alternative). Both have the ability to take notes you play and convert them to sheet music. They can even take notes you sing or play on a single note instrument but can't really work with polyphonic events or chords. For that you'll need the midi.

Subject:RE: Can i at all record music from the piano while playing?

Reply by: Chinchilla

Date:12/31/2002 6:00:27 AM

Oh - great:) Thanks a lot:) Well, anyways - i appreciate everyone's help and wish everyone a happiest New Year yet:)