If intending to use the deck's internal mics, likely you'll get more satisfaction recording piano with the wider bandwidth performance of the R-09HR omni mics over the limited LS-10 and D50 directional type mic performance.
Too many unknown variables of piano type, live ambient working conditions, and end use requirements of master recordings to make useful mic placement and other settings suggestions.
However, use 24bit/44.1K or 88.2K wav mode if going to CD after editing, full manual level settings (no auto/limiter), use mic in LOW sensitivity setting if possible, and no bass reduction is generally good tact.
Hi guysonic, thanks for your advice. I appreciate your comment, didn't know about the omni vs directional issue.
If it's a grand piano you do really need good omni mics..
Directional mics lose the bottom end - and it *is* obvious.
I did a test once with an MS pair of Sennheiser MKH 30/40 and spaced MKH 20 omnis - the omnis obviously captured the full bottom end of the piano and made the others sound thin in comparison.
So whatever your choice (and your shortlist is exactly the same as my shortlist) use it with external omni mics.
I went for the Olympus LS-10 as I use a NAGRA VI for my main recording and wanted the Olympus as a small pocket recorder.
For your use, I think you will find the Sony PCM-D50 the best choice.
If you can go larger - then the Fostex FR-2LE would be the best option (until I bought the NAGRA VI I used teh original Fostex FR-2 for piano recording).
I hope this helps.
Hi John Willett, thanks for your suggestions too.
The intention is pocket sized recorder. It is not for putting the recording into an album. A demo could be though. When the time comes to record seriously, it's gonna be laptop+soundcard+condensers or going to a studio. For every day use, performance comparison, improvisations, exercise comparison, I want something very easy and portable, pocketable and efficient, such as the mentioned models.
I'd like to know a little bit more about why the Sony would be the best choice over the other 2 models, in contrast to guysonic's recommendation.
Also, I ordered already the Olympus, but since I don't live in US I'll receive it in 1 month aprox. I could also order the Edirol in the future and compare the two. But, I wouldn't go as far as ordering every single model to compare and keep the best one. I can sell the Olympus if I don't like it, I won't lose money (unless the unit comes broken).
I have an upright at home, and I intend to buy a baby grand in half a year, not sooner. The recorder would be mostly used at home, with the lowly upgright, but also whenever I can go to a place with a nice grand or baby grand to practise. Also I will use the recorder for sanskrit lessons (as soon as I get the recorder), and hindu singing lessons (in 6-8 months when I start). I will rarely use it to record concerts, as I don't go out practically.
For vocal requirements, any will be more than enough for me. The main purpose is piano.
Anyway, keep the comments coming, since if there is enough pressure on going with the Edirol or Sony, I could order one soon, and not even try the Olympus and sell it as new when I get it.
I am more than convinced (by the samples I showed before) that the R-09HR is a safe bet for my expectations, but I guess I am being a little greedy considering the LS-10 and PCM-DC50 instead.
The Sony is too large, so that isn't appealing.
The LS-10 is the most appealing to me, not because of looks, but of design, battery, and clear sound. The Edirol is very attractive due to its well established performance, and excellent features as the wireless remote (which the Olympus could have too) and continuous recording after reaching 2gb file limit.
So basically, I want either ultra portable: pocket sized, or for better performance than that, I'd rather have the laptop approach. For small improvements, I could try with external mics that are pocketable, but that would be messier: stand for the mic, cables, etc. Not very likeable to be as easy and handy as a stand alone handheld recorder.
I hope this thread can be useful for other people in the future too.
Thanks,
Ary