best mic techniques for classical duo (piano-voice)

[fafalio]

hello friends.
i have the possibility with my school music to record a lot of classical duet made by one classical singer and a piano.
for you what is the best mic tecnnique?

[leadplayer]

I have had good results with MKH 20's or 40's. ORTF (40's) or
6 or 7" aprart (20's)...maybe 7 feet high. Piano (usually on short stick).
Singer and piano positioned for eye contact (if needed) can work fine also.
Distance and exact position of piano is determined by the musical piece and
the volume/tenacity of the accompaniest.

[fafalio]

i would like to use a stereo main. On the other hand, i suppose there is no way with only two mic to adjust the balance if the singer is louder than the piano, because the main is positioned in front and in the true half of the ensemble created by the piano and the singer. or is there a solution with only two mic with the balance?....
so, if there is no solution, how many spot do you use on the piano or/and on singer?
and which capsule for the main and spot supposing i will rent schoeps?
thanks in advance.

[Corran]

The piano and singer should really balance themselves. I've actually done about 5 or 6 vocal recitals in the last month! I usually use a main ORTF pair and a couple of outriggers.

Furthermore, if the piano needs to be louder you can just open the lid, or raise it to provide more sound.

Honestly I've found that the piano tends to be too loud more than the singer.

[pkautzsch]

ORTF-ish main pair is what I use most for piano+voice. Could also imagine 1ft spaced omnis though, and the Schoeps MK21 sounds nice too. Pattern and configuration depends a lot on the room...if the room is not GREAT, it's ORTF with KM184.
Set them up like in concert.
Usually I place the spot for the singer near the pianist's right shoulder. If the singer turns away from the main pair (for eye contact with pianist) he turns to the spot - and that's the only purpose this spot is for. I usually put up a piano spot at the tail end too, but not always use it.

[whateverpoison]

Hey just going to jump in here instead of starting a new thread!

Very similar, I am looking to record vocal trio along with piano in good concert hall. I'm thinking of using ORTF (strict ORTF) with a couple of outriggers?

Mic options are Neumann tlm170r's or DPS 4007's. I have time to try out a few different options as well, also considering spaced pair of omnis so please, any suggestions welcome!

Thanks!

[jnorman]

fafalio - if this is not a performance with audience, you can have the vocalist face the piano, and set a pair of omnis between the piano and singer, and position them carefully to capture the correct balance between the two. if you want to stick to a normal stage setting for the duo (singer standing beside the piano facing the audience/hall), i would use a main pair but would add a card or hyper spot for the vocalist - the spot can give you the flexibility to add a bit more intimacy to the vocal, and some control over final balance, if needed during post. i use that technique when recording small ensembles where one of the instruments is inherently a quieter instrument, such as harpsichord, pedal harp, etc.