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piano from “new year's day” by u2 | ToneDB

new year's day

u2

piano

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

Bright and resonant piano tone, providing a driving and melodic foundation with a crisp attack and sustained body. The sound is clean, clear, and present, cutting through the mix with energy.

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The Story

U2's "New Year's Day" piano was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin during the War album sessions with producer Steve Lillywhite. The distinctive electric piano sound came from a Yamaha CP-70, an electric grand piano that was popular in the early 1980s. The CP-70 was likely captured with a Neumann U87 microphone and processed through a Lexicon 224 reverb unit, giving the part its characteristic bright, present sound that cuts through the mix.

Production Credits

Producer: Steve Lillywhite

Engineer: Steve Lillywhite

Recorded at: Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bright piano sound, such as a Yamaha CP-70 sample or emulation.
  • Use a touch of compression to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
  • Apply EQ to enhance the clarity and presence of the piano, focusing on the upper midrange frequencies.
  • Add a touch of Lexicon 224-style plate reverb to create a sense of space.
  • Consider using a chorus effect or slight stereo widening to enhance the piano's stereo image.
  • Experiment with microphone placement if recording a real piano, aiming for a balanced blend of direct sound and room ambience.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia V Collection CP-70 VPlugin Boutique$199-299

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 electric piano

Authentic emulation of the original CP-70 with the same bright, percussive character and built-in amp modeling

Nord Stage 4Shop on Reverb$3000-4000

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 electric piano

Excellent CP-70 samples and modeling with the bright, cutting tone needed for this track

Universal Audio Lexicon 224Plugin Boutique$149-199

Alternative to: Lexicon 224 reverb

Faithful recreation of the original 224's plate reverb algorithms that give the piano its spacious character

Audio-Technica AT4040Shop on Reverb$250-350

Alternative to: Neumann U87 microphone

Budget alternative with similar bright, clear character for recording acoustic or electric piano

Studiologic Numa X Piano 88Shop on Reverb$800-1200

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 electric piano

Good CP-70 samples at a more accessible price point with weighted keys for authentic feel

Sources

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