Model 280 Balanced-Line Grand Piano Sensor
Our ultimate system for any size Grand Piano. The Sensors are our new Balanced-Line Humbucking style, bringing all the advantages of our original Model 180 humbuckers to a new configuration in coil design that preserves a true balanced-line output all the way to the XLR-type connector on each element. These Sensors can then be utilized in three different ways to connect to a sound sysytem:
No Mixer
Our new Balanced-Line Sensors terminate in XLR-type connectors, making it easy to plug directly into three channels of a sound system or any mixer with mic inputs. Many acts are now using this method to interface directly into their monitor board or other setup. STEREO Configuration: Since the three Model 280 Sensors each terminate in XLR connectors, when used without the mixer the three direct channels of piano can not only be EQ'd individually, they can be panned L-C-R to broaden the perspective and create a credible illusion of stereo mic'ing. When used for recording, the three sections of the piano keyboard can be recorded on three separate tracks, and EQ'd and panned during mixdown. Comes with all the brackets and accessories necessary for installation.
With Standard Mixer
They can also be matched to our powered mixer that combines the signals from each region of the piano and produces a true line-level output. A headphone out on the mixer even permits the balancing of the element volumes with no external equipment. This means the piano pickup system can be perfectly adjusted before any other part of the sound system is even turned on. The mixer is powered by the usual a/c adapter, but may also be activated by optionally installing two 9 volt batteries for situations where 110 v./60 Hz. power may not be readily available. (Customers outside the U.S. will also be supplied with a 220 v. European-style power supply.)
With Phantom-Powered Mixer (as shown)
For applications demanding the highest level of performance from studio-quality equipment, our phantom-powered mixer combines the signals from each region of the piano to produce a strong mic-level output. New low-noise, matched-FET circuitry produces the best signal-to-noise ratio possible, dramatically reducing background hiss by 7 dB over the Standard 280 mixer. The phantom-powered feature eliminates the need for a power line to the piano, very handy when travelling to different countries with different power plug configurations, and very convenient on stages where the piano is moved around. The new Gold Standard in Helpinstill systems.
With Phantom-Powered STEREO Mixer
The Helpinstill Phantom-Powered Model 200 Stereo control box expands the flexibility of the 200 Series balanced-line systems by providing Stereo outputs with fixed L-C-R panning format. Low notes on the piano are routed Left, high notes are routed Right, and middle notes appear proportionally in both channels. Users who have been panning the three Series 200 sensors at the three channels on the board now have the option of combining and controlling the system at the piano, and routing to the board with two channels (L and R) with a fixed quasi-stereo panning. A simple upgrade for older models that originally came with the original mono phantom-powered mixer . A massive improvement in sonic image for recording and live-streaming applications.
Bass-Region Only System
An economical alternative to a complete 88-note Helpinstill is to use conventional microphones in conjunction with a single Helpinstill Sensor over the bass strings. This allows the low end on the mics to be rolled-off, while the signal from the Helpinstill is blended in for the sound from the bass strings of the piano. This eliminates the most troublesome effect of using microphones to try to make a piano louder: the low-end feedback. The kit consists of one Model 280 Sensor with XLR output, along with the bracket used in the Model 280 to suspend the Sensor over the bass strings. Installation takes mere seconds to set the pickup in the piano, and then provides the sound missing from regular mics on the piano.
Installation Video & Manual
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On all orders
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