Stereo-Set MK 2 : Standard in the Field

Use these to record a Schimmel piano and they capture this instrument's complicated timbre effectively. Recordings are flawless and require no EQ. Because they are tightly damped, the result sits cleanly in the mix.

Using a Gordon Model 5 preamp and only the best pre will mine all of this mic's capabilities.

Their sound is subtle -- high frequency attacks are well represented but not as literal/forward as with some measurement mics such as the Earthworks QTC40. The sustained portion of the tone is accurately rendered; if you switch from the headphone monitor directly to the source instrument you will hear little difference. Over a two week period the mics have opened up slightly and sound more realistic.

Expensive but worth every penny. If you are recording an acoustic instrument with a complex timbre, start with these.