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piano from “paranoid android” by radiohead | ToneDB

paranoid android

radiohead

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The piano sound is bright and clear, with a slightly compressed and present quality. It's a very clean and distinct piano tone, cutting through the mix with clarity.

Gear

Steinway Grand Pianoinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Neumann U87microphone
ReverbSweetwater
SSL G-Series Compressorprocessing
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The Story

The piano on 'Paranoid Android' was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with producer/engineer Nigel Godrich during the OK Computer sessions. The track features a Steinway grand piano captured with a Neumann U87 condenser microphone in a close-miking setup to achieve the detailed, present sound. SSL G-Series compression was applied to control dynamics and enhance the clarity that helps the piano cut through Radiohead's dense arrangement.

Production Credits

Producer: Nigel Godrich

Engineer: Nigel Godrich

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Steinway Grand Piano

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: SSL G-Series Compressor

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a well-maintained grand piano, preferably a Steinway.
  • Use a high-quality condenser microphone like a Neumann U87 for close mic'ing.
  • Apply moderate compression using an SSL-style compressor plugin to even out the dynamics and add punch.
  • Consider slight EQ adjustments to enhance brightness and clarity without harshness.

Original Gear

  • Steinway Grand Piano(keyboard)
  • Neumann U87(mic)
  • SSL G-Series Compressor(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments The Grandeur$199-299

Alternative to: Steinway Grand Piano

Sampled from a Steinway D grand piano with multiple mic positions, allowing you to recreate the close-miked bright tone heard on the track

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4050$600-700

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Large-diaphragm condenser with similar clarity and presence characteristics to the U87, excellent for close piano miking

ReverbSweetwater
Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor$150-200

Alternative to: SSL G-Series Compressor

Authentic emulation of the SSL G-Series compressor used on the original recording, providing the same dynamic control and punch

ReverbSweetwater
Yamaha C7 Grand Piano$80000-120000

Alternative to: Steinway Grand Piano

Premium alternative grand piano that can achieve similar brightness and clarity when recorded with proper technique

ReverbSweetwater
FMR Audio RNC 1773$180-220

Alternative to: SSL G-Series Compressor

Budget hardware compressor known for transparent compression that can provide similar dynamic control for piano recording

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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