Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (16)
$2,999.00
Guitar Center
$2,999.00
Amazon
5.0 (5)
$2,999.00
Reverb
$2,999.00 New
$1,744.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,999.00
B&H
4.5 (2)
$2,999.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$3,079.00 $3,050.00 $29.00 · All time low
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$2,999.00

Average Price: $2,865

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Earthworks PM40 PianoMic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Transform your piano recordings with the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic, a versatile solution for capturing the full range and beauty of your piano's sound. Engineered for excellence, the PM40 employs dual random incidence omnidirectional condenser microphones, designed to flourish in the diffuse sound field inside a piano. This ensures that each note is captured with clarity and richness, whether you're in a high-stakes live performance or a serene studio setting.

The PM40 is virtually invisible, mounting discreetly inside the piano and eliminating the clutter of traditional mic stands. Its telescopic rail system allows for quick, easy installation and flexible placement, accommodating nearly any grand piano. With the ability to mic with the lid open or closed, this system adapts seamlessly to your environment, whether you're isolating sound on a crowded stage or capturing the full spectrum of tones in a recording studio.

Designed to minimize bleed and maximize gain before feedback, the PM40 ensures that your piano shines as the centerpiece of any performance. Its high-definition microphones can handle up to 148 dB SPL, delivering pristine sound quality without distortion. Experience the ease of a mic system that is as sophisticated as it is simple, making it an indispensable tool for pianists and sound engineers alike.

Key Features:

  • Mounted inside the piano for minimal visibility
  • Omnidirectional condenser microphones
  • Frequency response: 9Hz - 40kHz
  • Sensitivity: 15mV/Pa (-36 dBV/Pa)
  • Max. SPL: 148 dB
  • Requires 48V phantom power
  • Includes telescopic rail for adjustable placement
  • Comes with a transport case for easy portability

Owner's manual

Earthworks PM40 PianoMic User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Mono/Stereo Dual Mic Pair
Polar Pattern Omni
Frequency Response 9Hz-40kHz
Max SPL 148dB SPL
Self Noise 20dB (A weighted)
Output Impedance 65 ohms
Connector 5-pin XLR (mic), 2 x XLR (mic box)
Power Source 24-48V phantom power, 10mA
Weight 0.75 lbs.
Included Accessories Telescoping Bar, Hardshell Carrying Case

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic?

The Earthworks PM40 PianoMic is specifically designed for capturing the full range and dynamics of a grand piano with high fidelity, making it ideal for studio recordings and live performances.

How does the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic achieve its high sound quality?

The PM40 features two omnidirectional 40kHz High Definition Microphones, offering a frequency response from 9Hz to 40kHz, which captures the piano's full harmonic range with exceptional clarity and detail.

Is the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic easy to set up for live performances?

Yes, the PM40 is designed for quick and easy setup, featuring a telescoping bar that fits securely inside the piano, allowing for optimal microphone placement without obstructing the lid.

Does the Earthworks PM40 require any special power supply?

The PM40 requires 24-48V phantom power, which is commonly supplied by most professional audio interfaces and mixers, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of studio and live sound equipment.

What kind of polar pattern does the Earthworks PM40 use, and why is it beneficial for piano recording?

The PM40 uses omnidirectional polar patterns, which capture sound uniformly from all directions, providing a natural and balanced sound that accurately represents the piano's acoustics.

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

How to Record Grand Piano -- Earthworks PM40 PianoMic

Video thumbnail for How to Record Grand Piano -- Earthworks PM40 PianoMic by soundpurestudios

How to Record Grand Piano -- Earthworks PM40 PianoMic

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for My New Favorite Thing! Earthworks PM40 Piano Mic Review And Test by Aimee Nolte Music

My New Favorite Thing! Earthworks PM40 Piano Mic Review And Test

Aimee Nolte Music

Aimee Nolte Music

Video thumbnail for Earthworks PM40 PianoMic System by LeitmotifMusic

Earthworks PM40 PianoMic System

LeitmotifMusic

LeitmotifMusic

Video thumbnail for PM40 PianoMic - Simply Beautiful | Earthworks Audio by Earthworks Audio

PM40 PianoMic - Simply Beautiful | Earthworks Audio

Earthworks Audio

Earthworks Audio

Video thumbnail for BEST PianoMic System in 2022 and beyond - Earthworks PM40 by Pardon my Piano

BEST PianoMic System in 2022 and beyond - Earthworks PM40

Pardon my Piano

Pardon my Piano

Video thumbnail for How We Record Our Pianos: The Earthworks Audio PM40 Piano Microphone System by Alamo Music Center - Pianos and Keyboards

How We Record Our Pianos: The Earthworks Audio PM40 Piano Microphone System

Alamo Music Center - Pianos and Keyboards

Alamo Music Center - Pianos and Keyboards

Reviews

PROS

  • Creates realistic, warm, and detailed piano sound

  • Captures every piano overtone, offering perfect balance without needing EQ

  • Easy and fast installation process

  • Excellent at avoiding bleed from other instruments in live settings

  • Provides flexibility in sound depending on mic placement

  • Always set up and ready to go, reducing setup times

  • Superior to other high-end microphone brands for piano recording

  • Works well for both live reinforcement and recording applications

  • Suitable for a wide range of piano sizes from different manufacturers

  • Performs excellently even with the piano lid closed or slightly open

CONS

  • Requires a quality preamp for optimal performance

  • Slight dip in response for high tenor and 1st treble sections of pianos

  • Omni-directional mics may pick up drum set if not positioned carefully

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Earthworks PM40 PianoMic.

Features and functionality

  • The Earthworks PM40 delivers crisp sound but can overly capture mechanical noises, such as hammers and pedals, which some users find excessive for enjoyable listening.

    Source
  • AKG C414 XLS offers multiple polar patterns, which can be advantageous for shaping room tones in environments with challenging acoustics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Austrian Audio OC818 allows post-recording polar pattern adjustment, useful for capturing room tones in difficult acoustic spaces.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the Earthworks PM40 over DPA 4099 for its performance on grand pianos, highlighting its suitability for capturing detailed sound in studio settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For solo piano, a single room mic in omni mode can enhance ambiance without introducing phase issues often present with stereo room micing.

    Source
  • Using a 50-50 mix of close mics and those a few feet away helps tame room reflections while preserving stereo separation.

    Source
  • The Earthworks PM40 is highly valued for grand piano miking but is noted to have limited use beyond that specific application.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report the PM40’s sound as "unnaturally natural," suggesting a highly detailed capture that may not be ideal for all recording contexts.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the PM40 for its ability to capture a detailed and natural piano sound, although it may not suit all musical genres or recording contexts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Earthworks: PM40 PianoMic System | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Earthworks PM40 PianoMic System impresses with its innovative design that allows acoustic isolation while maintaining superb sound quality, especially in closed-lid settings. Its ability to reduce stage bleed makes it a standout choice for live performances. The mics deliver excellent low-frequency response and, when positioned correctly, can match or surpass traditional favorites like the Neumann U 87 in detail and clarity. Despite a slight midrange boxiness with the lid closed, it's manageable with EQ adjustments. Ideal for those needing isolation without sacrificing sound, but less necessary if you already have a robust mic collection and open-lid flexibility.

positive

Earthworks PM40

soundonsound.com

The Earthworks PM40 PianoMic offers an elegant solution for capturing grand piano sound with its high-definition omni mics and versatile setup. Praised for its ease of installation and clean aesthetics, it delivers a crisp, detailed sound with impressive stereo imaging, even with the lid closed—ideal for live settings. However, its hefty price tag and high phantom-power demands may deter some. Limited to piano use, its high self-noise could also be a concern. Despite these drawbacks, for those needing discreet, high-quality miking, the PM40 stands out as a noteworthy investment.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jacob Collier uses Earthworks PM40 PianoMic

Jacob Collier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Used as the main piano microphone setup, most likely since 2017, when Ben Bloomberg outfitted the room with a bunch of new gear. Shown in an Instagram live Q&A session. He uses this in combination with a Yamahico pickup for recording piano and livestreams. He shows his microphone setup starting at 20:54.

See how Morgan Page uses Earthworks PM40 PianoMic

Morgan Page

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Morgan Page uses the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic based on his email to Equipboard from 2017.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Earthworks PM40 PianoMic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Earthworks Condenser Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42641