piano from “havana” by camila cabello | ToneDB

havana

camila cabello

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The piano has a bright, slightly compressed sound that provides a rhythmic and harmonic foundation. It's clean and present, sitting well in the mix without being overly dominant.

Gear

Yamaha U3instrument
Reverb$3845Sweetwater
Neumann U87microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Urei 1176processing
ReverbSweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Production Credits

Producer: Frank Dukes

Engineer: Manny Marroquin

Recorded at: Larrabee Studios, North Hollywood, CA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha U3

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Urei 1176

Recording Notes

  • The piano was likely recorded with close miking techniques to capture a detailed and direct sound.
  • Compression was applied to even out the dynamics and enhance the sustain of the piano.
  • EQ might have been used to brighten the tone and ensure clarity in the mix.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a well-maintained upright piano like the Yamaha U3.
  • Use a quality condenser microphone such as the Neumann U87 placed a few inches from the hammers to capture detail and transient response.
  • Apply moderate compression using a Urei 1176, aiming for 4-6dB of gain reduction to control dynamics and add sustain.
  • Use a high-shelf EQ to brighten the piano's tone. Be careful not to introduce harshness.

Original Gear

  • Yamaha U3(keyboard)
  • Neumann U87(mic)
  • Urei 1176(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Yamaha U1 upright piano$5,000-$8,000

Alternative to: Yamaha U3 upright piano

Similar sonic character to the U3 with bright, punchy tone that cuts through pop mixes well

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4040$300-$400

Alternative to: Neumann U87 microphone

Large-diaphragm condenser with detailed transient response for capturing piano attack and harmonics

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA-87 R2$400-$500

Alternative to: Neumann U87 microphone

U87-inspired design with similar frequency response characteristics for piano recording

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA-2A$800-$1,000

Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor

Optical compression that smooths piano dynamics while maintaining natural sustain and tone

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor

Authentic 1176 modeling with multiple vintage revisions for piano compression and sustain enhancement

ReverbSweetwater
Native Instruments The Gentleman piano plugin$100-$150

Alternative to: Yamaha U3 upright piano

Sampled upright piano with similar bright, present character and built-in processing options

ReverbSweetwater

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!