Recording solo (digital) piano

[russellnollen]

Mono or stereo? Why?

[Paulie]

I would always go stereo to provide separation of the right and left hands. But it could depend in the listing as well. If you are going for more of a concert hall sound than mono will probably work with the right reverb. Stereo might be better for more intimate settings.

There are some great piano players in the forums, give a listen to their tracks... check out kclements, ComposerLDG, Onaginoffegin and DaveyDad for some great sounding piano audio references. Of course, I'm assuming they are recording in stereo based on what I hear.

PC

[Len911]

I can see using mono if it wasn't a solo piece but part of a larger arrangement used in a minor way.

You would be better off stereo for a solo piece imo, because that is the way they probably designed the samples and effects. A vst piano otoh would likely be sampled differently, dry, so you have the option of other effects and the most versatility. An example, Yamaha and "modelling", unlike a piano sample library.

What Technologies Does Yamaha Use In Its Digital Pianos?

The RGE Sound Engine ...
Modeling Technologies
The tone created by an acoustic instrument or by electronic amplification or processing devices is complex and changes based on a wide variety of variables. Variables such as the way the instrument body vibrates when a string is struck in a particular way or how different resistors affect voltage levels within a circuit present an almost limitless number of scenarios affecting tone. Yamaha's modeling technologies look at all of these parameters and calculates their effect on the tone at any given time in a performance, delivering ultimate realism. Yamaha utilizes Spectral Component Modeling (SCM) to virtually recreate the physical components of a piano in the CP series of stage pianos. Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) replicates circuitry in preamps, effect processors and speaker systems and is used in a wide range of Yamaha digital instruments. Yamaha Clavinova digital pianos feature Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) to calculate the various states of the strings for each of the 88 notes on the keyboard from one instant to the next.

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical- ... talpianos/

[mojobone]

Generally speaking, a busy mix is the most appropriate setting for a mono piano or guitar. Really, it depends on the instrument's function in an arrangement, because you can have any number of parts played by any number of instruments; single lines require at least one voice, but chords need a choir. Sometimes, two single-note piano lines split left and right are better than diads recorded in stereo; it's all about the arrangement.