To date, the numerous methods of micing a piano have all been less than ideal. Such conventional methods include placing a microphone inside the piano on a pillow, or mounting microphones on mic booms and extending them into the piano. Other approaches involve pressure-zone microphone mounted inside the piano, various type of electro-mechanical pickups in addition to mounting conventional microphones inside the piano with clamps on the piano frame or suction cups stuck to the piano lid. Not only are these mounting methods less than ideal, there are far more important issues affecting the sound. Contact pickup devices or other types of electromechanical pickup methods tyipcally sound muddy and have no real detail or transparency in the sound. When micing pianos for sound reinforcement systems, cardioid microphones are typically chosen in an effort to provide ample gain before feedback. However, the proximity effect of cardioid microphones will create an undesired low-frequency boost. When using conventional microphones there is always the problem with gain before feedback in addition to leakage from other instruments into the piano microphones.

PM40T – The Ultimate Solution in Micing Pianos for Live Performance and Touring
The original PM40 PianoMic System was designed for fixed installations in churches, recording studios and performing arts centers. The many benefits of the PM40 were quickly realized by musicians performing in concert venues and touring sound companies. The original PM40 was not collapsible and comes in a carrying case that is too long for an authorized airline carry-on. To provide a better solution for touring professionals, Earthworks engineers designed the PM40T (touring model) that is collapsible and fits in a smaller case that is ideal for airline carry-on.