Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,865
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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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.
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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 ManualProduct 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
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What is the primary application of the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic?
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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.
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How does the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic achieve its high sound quality?
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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.
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Is the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic easy to set up for live performances?
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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.
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Does the Earthworks PM40 require any special power supply?
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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.
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What kind of polar pattern does the Earthworks PM40 use, and why is it beneficial for piano recording?
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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.
Videos
soundpurestudios
How to Record Grand Piano -- Earthworks PM40 PianoMic
Reviews
PROS
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Creates realistic, warm, and detailed piano sound
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Captures every piano overtone, offering perfect balance without needing EQ
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Easy and fast installation process
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Excellent at avoiding bleed from other instruments in live settings
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Provides flexibility in sound depending on mic placement
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Always set up and ready to go, reducing setup times
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Superior to other high-end microphone brands for piano recording
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Works well for both live reinforcement and recording applications
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Suitable for a wide range of piano sizes from different manufacturers
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Performs excellently even with the piano lid closed or slightly open
CONS
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Requires a quality preamp for optimal performance
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Slight dip in response for high tenor and 1st treble sections of pianos
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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
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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.
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AKG C414 XLS offers multiple polar patterns, which can be advantageous for shaping room tones in environments with challenging acoustics.
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Comparisons
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Austrian Audio OC818 allows post-recording polar pattern adjustment, useful for capturing room tones in difficult acoustic spaces.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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For solo piano, a single room mic in omni mode can enhance ambiance without introducing phase issues often present with stereo room micing.
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Using a 50-50 mix of close mics and those a few feet away helps tame room reflections while preserving stereo separation.
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The Earthworks PM40 is highly valued for grand piano miking but is noted to have limited use beyond that specific application.
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User experience
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Users report the PM40’s sound as "unnaturally natural," suggesting a highly detailed capture that may not be ideal for all recording contexts.
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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.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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.
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