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piano from “truth hurts” by lizzo | ToneDB

truth hurts

lizzo

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A bright, present piano with a slightly compressed sound, fitting well within the pop mix. The tone is clean and clear, providing harmonic support and rhythmic drive to the song.

Gear

Steinway Grand Pianoinstrument
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Neumann U87microphone
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Urei 1176processing
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Production Credits

Producer: Ricky Reed

Engineer: Chris Gehringer

Recorded at: Ricky Reed's studio, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinway Grand Piano

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Urei 1176

Recording Notes

  • The piano was likely recorded with close miking techniques to capture a direct and clear sound.
  • Compression was applied during recording or mixing to ensure the piano maintains a consistent presence in the mix.
  • EQ was used to shape the piano's frequency response, enhancing clarity and brightness to help it cut through the mix.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bright-sounding grand piano sample or recording.
  • Use a compressor with a medium attack and release to even out the dynamics.
  • Apply EQ to boost the high frequencies for added clarity and presence. Reduce any muddiness in the low-mid frequencies.
  • Consider using a touch of reverb to add depth and blend the piano with the rest of the instruments.

Original Gear

  • Steinway Grand Piano(keyboard)
  • Neumann U87(mic)
  • Urei 1176(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Keyscape by Spectrasonics$400-$450

Alternative to: Steinway Grand Piano

Features multiple high-quality Steinway samples with detailed velocity layers, perfect for achieving the bright, present grand piano sound

ReverbSweetwater
Native Instruments The Giant$100-$150

Alternative to: Steinway Grand Piano

Budget-friendly option with excellent Steinway samples and built-in compression and EQ for achieving that modern pop piano presence

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4040$300-$350

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Large-diaphragm condenser with similar bright character to the U87, great for close-miking piano for clarity and presence

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

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Faithful recreation of the original 1176 hardware with the same fast attack and musical compression character for controlling piano dynamics

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA76$400-$450

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Hardware recreation of the 1176 circuit providing the same punchy compression that keeps piano prominent in dense pop mixes

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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