Tone Profile

The pads have a lush, warm, and slightly melancholic character, providing a subtle harmonic foundation to the song. It sounds like it has a string-like quality, with a sense of depth and space achieved through natural reverb.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The 'pads' in Eleanor Rigby were created by layering multiple string instruments, primarily violins, violas, and cellos.
• The Beatles often recorded at Abbey Road Studios, utilizing its acoustics to capture the natural reverb and ambience.
• Close-miking techniques were used, likely with Neumann U67 microphones, to capture the detail and warmth of the string instruments.
• The blend and balance of the string parts were carefully crafted during the mixing process to create the final 'pads' sound.

Recreation Tips

• Use string samples or virtual instruments to create a layered string section with violins, violas, and cellos.
• Apply gentle compression to even out the dynamics and create a smoother, more consistent sound.
• Add a touch of plate reverb or short room ambience to create depth and space.
• Experiment with EQ to shape the tonal balance, focusing on warmth in the low-mids and clarity in the upper frequencies.

Recommended Gear

• Neumann U67(mic)
• Violin(instrument)