<p>We usually need both audio AND video for piano recordings. Emphasis on excellent audio and pretty good video would be preferred. Is there a way to get this with one machine?</p>
<p>Currently we are gluing together simultaneous audio recordings (a Marantz recorder) with Sony Handycam video recordings. My dear H is very patient to put these together, but honestly there must be a better way.</p>
<p>Again, my son uses the Zoom Q3-HD for video recordings–excellent sound, and the video quality is also fine. He does not use any additional mike. He has passed all his pre-screenings thus far with it, and also used it to record recitals and concerts.</p>
<p>We use the lighter Zoom H1 for recording and also use it as an external mic for our Sony camcorder for video recordings (it has an audio input). We also have a Zoom Q2-HD. I am not sure about the Q3-HD but the Q2-HD has to have a mini-usb charger plugged in. The batteries only lasts 20~30 minutes.</p>
<p>@Clarimom, thank you for reply.
For piano recording. I am thinking it is better to have 2 microphones at both sides of the piano to capture high and low end sound. For the portable H2, even it has more than one built-in microphone, but you can only put them in one spot, right?</p>
<p>We also use the Zoom Q3. Got it 2 years ago on ebay for $200 (not sure how much it is now but that was a good deal back then). You have the option of recording either audio or video. If you record in video mode there are many free programs on the internet that will convert the video to an audio file. As others have noted the audio on these recorders is great and video is decent enough for those having to evaluate the pieces. The usb is built-in so you just have to plug it into the computer to transfer the files. Make sure you always put new batteries in it before starting an important recording (just in case).</p>
<p>My son has both the Q3HD and the H2, and both are great devices. With the Q3HD, batteries last a while, the really important thing is to get an SD card with a lot of memory (I think these days you can get 64gig, or maybe even higher), if you record HD video and 24 bit sound it can use a lot of memory very fast, larger the better.</p>
<p>To be honest, I wouldn’t worry about multiple mics. The way the zoom works, the mics are omnidirectional, so if you place it to the side of the piano midway and set the recording for 90 degrees, you should be able to pick up the full range of sound.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the reply. I just ordered “Zoom H2n Handy Recorder”. </p>
<p>I also looked some H2 tutorial online. I have some questions about how to use H2n to record:</p>
<p>(1) We will record in teacher’s living room, using Steinway grand piano. Where do we need to put H2n? In front middle of the piano?
(2) How to set H2n? I saw some people using this setting:
— (a) Mid gain
— (b) 2 channel surround
— (c) stereo width at 150 degrees
— (d) 96000 kHz/24 bit</p>
<p>I don’t have that particular model so will leave the specifics to others who do. However, regardless of what people say, the best thing you can do is play around with it prior to the actual recording. Play with the settings and see what works best for the piano. Also, you will need to test it where you will actually be doing the recording to make sure that the settings you have selected still apply. This can be done while your daughter is warming up.</p>
<p>One thing that I would recommend is bring a laptop with you to the recording session so that you can transfer a test file onto the computer to hear the sound. Not sure about the H2n but the Q3 sounds awful when you play it back on the recorder. Once you get it onto the computer it sounds great.</p>
<p>Excellent advice, BCVIOLINMOM. Another caveat is to not place the mike in a spot where it will pick up a “clicking” sound from the hammers or a buzzing from the lower strings.
Often, one can borrow recording equipment from the student’s school or studio teacher.</p>
<p>@BCVIOLINMOM: This will be what we will try to do. I bet it needs at least an hour to try to find the best spot to put the record. For a 10 mins piece, recording+listening once needs 20 mins. Try three spots, needs a hour. @Mezzo’sMama: Thanks for the great tips!</p>