RODE Microphones NT1-A Instruction Manual page 9

Piano:
To record a piano using a single microphone (see
above), that microphone should be placed
approximately 60cm (or 2') above the centre of the
sound-board, aimed slightly towards the front of
the piano.
To record the piano using X/Y Stereo technique,
two closely matched (similar) microphones should
be angled at 90-110degrees to each other, over the
hammers with ONE mic aimed towards the lower
strings, and the other towards the high strings.
The gold dots should be directed down, towards
the piano.
An effective stereo image can be achieved, with
lower frequencies being recorded on the left, and
the higher frequencies on the right.
Drums:
There are various ways to record drum kits.
Single microphone 'overhead', two microphones
overhead (eg X/Y or spaced pair), multiple
microphones used close to individual drums and
cymbals (ie. Close mic-ing).
Single
microphone
technique
NT1-A
facing down
towards
drum kit