Tone Profile

A bright, clear, and slightly compressed piano sound that cuts through the mix with a touch of vintage warmth. The tone is articulate and percussive, ideal for driving a pop arrangement.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The piano was likely recorded in a well-treated studio environment to minimize unwanted room reflections.
• Close miking techniques were probably employed using Neumann U87 microphones to capture a detailed and direct sound.
• Compression, likely with a Teletronix LA-2A, was used to even out the dynamics and add sustain, ensuring the piano sat well in the mix.
• Some EQ may have been applied during mixing to further enhance the clarity and brightness of the piano.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a high-quality grand piano sample or recording, ideally a Steinway Model D or similar.
• Use close miking techniques with microphones known for their clarity and detail, such as Neumann U87 or similar.
• Apply gentle compression using a Teletronix LA-2A or similar opto-compressor to control dynamics and add sustain.
• Use EQ to shape the tone, boosting frequencies around 2-5kHz for added brightness and clarity.
• Consider adding a touch of reverb to create a sense of space, but keep it subtle to avoid washing out the clarity of the piano.

Recommended Gear

• Steinway Model D(keyboard)
• Neumann U87(mic)
• Teletronix LA-2A(compressor)