The Grand Piano used for the TVBO is a Yamaha C7. One of the most popular studio grands. Well known for its detailed, rich, full sound. The recordings took place at OAL studios in Stockholm, Sweden and we used two types of microphones, Neumann SM2, a stereo microphone and a pair of Neumann U89.

The SM2 model is a stereo microphone that’s essentially a pair of KM56. It was introduced in 1956 and was at the time, (and for quite many years), the only stereo microphones available. Its been used in a plethora of recording situation, and has been dubbed ”the piano saviour” by many.

The SM2 was set up above the strings, close the hammers, to capture a detailed, bright sound that would work well in a mix where you need detailed. Neumann U89 The U89 was considered to be a follower to the famous U87. The demand for the older model was so great, that Neumann decided to keep both models.

The U89 is universal studio microphones that very often are used on pianos. For the TVBO we used a pair of U89 in an x/y position to capture a bit more ambience without loosing the touch with the instrument. TVBO where recorded using two different microphone pairs. Both having their own characteristic. You can use them separately, or mix the together using the volume faders. You can also turn each channel on/off using the button at the top.