"An investment in DPA Microphones was an important step to take, and a requirement for recording at the levels I wanted," says Solsvik. "I use a stereo pair of 4041-S large diaphragm microphones for ambience, which are supreme for this type of application, with their very high sensitivity and low self-noise. They provide an openness and airiness to the mix that is difficult to beat.
"For a stereo pair on the grand piano I use DPA 4003 omnis. They handle the piano's fast transients very well and provide a sound characterised by smoothness and roundness. That in itself is a big challenge when recording the grand piano. When they additionally reproduce the harmonic frequencies in the way they do, then there is music!
"I use the DPA 4015-TL wide cardioids (now replaced by the DPA 4015A, part of DPA's new Reference Standard Series) for vocals in addition to the spot mics on the piano."
(Jim Evans)