Topic: most "basic" recording setup possible (FXP) ?

If you go through the presets, you'll notice that most of them use a lot of variations of all parameters. (EQ, FX, etc.). I am looking for a very "basic" preset: a Steinway D picked up by two cardio mics (AKG C414 or 214) in "ORTF" mode. The goal? In a month I will have the opportunity to record a duo of (very good!) pianists; one will use a "real" Steinway - recorded with my two C214s - and the other will play on Pianoteq (version 6 probably). I hope to get to the point where you can't tell one from the other! Any help will be welcome.

Re: most "basic" recording setup possible (FXP) ?

Super interesting Luc.

First thing to note, if a default gets you close when you drop in an ORTF array? - if it's too different to your space/piano, what things do you think may be things you'd do 'at the desk' maybe.. compression/etc..

Not sure what to offer tho - but if you have MP3 audio of the type of results you get with similar piano in a similar space, maybe that could establish a beam on some things you could try. (you may know the upcoming space or piano so maybe some audio could match near enough?)

Probably many tiny things (apart from all the usual obvious things, favoring 1st overtone a touch, or opposite I find is an overlooked trick for helping 'various mics' sound more or less realistic depending on reverb thickness, distance of mics - lots of moving parts even for a simple preset).

One of my likings for ORTF is being able to get a clear 'almost close' sound from safe distance, picking up a nice room ambience - but you may love further back or closer (haven't done this outside of Pianoteq for many years tho)..

Adjusting things against an audio reference would be the best for sure of course - but since the performance is 'on the night live' so to speak, it's a doozy of a challenge to get that right

(or do you want to adjust the Pianoteq to improve it after performance perhaps too? as in, provide something as good as possible for the event, but improve it against referenced audio afterwards? Would that be cheating for this experiment?).


So many questions - keep posting Luc - hope to help if I can.

Definitely would love others making FXPs to join in too - this is a pretty cool learning curve situation for anyone interested in FXPs.

Pianoteq Studio Bundle (Pro plus all instruments)  - Kawai MP11 digital piano - Yamaha HS8 monitors

Re: most "basic" recording setup possible (FXP) ?

Thank you for the answer. I will indeed take advantage of the fact that one can adjust the parameters after recording if one uses both the "real" recording and a MIDI file, which seems to be possible in Logic ProX - which I used quite rarely until now. It's a good time to try it.
What I'm looking for in Pianoteq is as neutral a starting point as possible.