What piano was used to record Memory from Cats?

A Steinway Model D grand piano was used for the original Cats recording at CTS Studios in Wembley. This is one of the most common concert grand pianos used in professional recordings and Broadway productions.

How was the piano recorded on Memory by Andrew Lloyd Webber?

The piano was recorded using Neumann U87 condenser microphones at CTS Studios with Mike Ross-Trevor engineering. The setup captured both the direct piano sound and room acoustics, with Lexicon 224 reverb added in post-production.

What reverb was used on Memory piano recording?

The original recording used a Lexicon 224 reverb unit in post-production. This classic digital reverb was widely used in the 1980s for orchestral and theatrical recordings to create depth and sustain.

How to get Andrew Lloyd Webber piano tone at home?

Start with a quality Steinway grand piano sample library, use a large diaphragm condenser microphone for recording, and add plate or hall reverb to simulate the concert hall environment. Focus on capturing both direct sound and room ambience.

piano from "memory" by andrew lloyd webber

memory

andrew lloyd webber

piano

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The piano has a rich, full sound with a touch of reverb, creating a melancholic and reflective mood. It aims for a classic Broadway musical piano tone, emphasizing sustain and clarity.

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Steinway Model D(instrument)
Neumann U87(microphone)
Lexicon 224(processing)

The Story

The piano on "Memory" from the original Cats recording was tracked at CTS Studios in Wembley with Mike Ross-Trevor engineering. The setup used a Steinway Model D grand piano captured with Neumann U87 microphones, with Lexicon 224 reverb added in post-production. The recording approach emphasized both the direct piano sound and the natural room acoustics of the studio space.

Production Credits

Producer: Andrew Lloyd Webber

Engineer: Mike Ross-Trevor

Recorded at: CTS Studios, Wembley

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinway Model DShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87Shop on Reverb

Processing: Lexicon 224Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a high-quality grand piano sample or recording.
Use a bright condenser microphone for recording.
Experiment with microphone placement to capture both direct sound and room ambience.
Add a touch of plate reverb to simulate a concert hall environment.
Use EQ to shape the piano's tone, focusing on the low mids for warmth and the high frequencies for clarity.