Audix SCX25AMP Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair)

I've used these on grand, baby grand, and upright pianos lid open, short stick and closed. Each and every scenario has proven the Audio SCX25A to be the clear winner for an incredibly natural sound. Obviously, closed lid isn't my first choice when recording piano, but I'm a location sound mixer for national TV broadcasts, (and have been doing this work since the 1980's), and there are times when I can't talk the director into even short stick and appearance for video wins out. The SCX25A saves the day with a low profile but beautiful accurate representation of the instrument.Another application I've used a matched pair for many times is recording a pit orchestra. On arms on the front wall of the pit with a quarter sound baffle at the back for off axis deadening of reflective sound. Depending on the size of the pit (they're all too small) measured equidistant out from the conductor then each element turned slightly (about 15 degrees) back in toward the center creates a full stereo image and good blend of each section. Not YX, ORTF, or Decca Tree for imaging, but these mic elements being large diaphragm help the depth for a pit. Seriously, I've never heard a better set up for micing a pit orchestra than with two of these on the front wall as described, and I've done sectional micing for years. Simple set up in comparison and no cables and stands in a most often already crowded space.Lastly, the application that these are my go to for is a small ensemble. I've used them for barbershop quartets and a cappella groups with great success. The kind of thing where a conductor comes over to me after the performance to say the amplified sound was better than they've heard before. I own ten Audix carbon microbooms with M1250B's as well and for a large concert choir (using the rule of thirds) they are the choice for recording that performance, but for a small group these two on a t-bar and one stand in the center of the group semi circle around the two SCX25A's (turn them out from each other more like an ORTF position) gives an accurate full clear representation of the group.These are high-end mics, but well worth the cost for the years of good sound they will provide.