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

new year's day

u2

piano

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

Yamaha CP-70instrument
ReverbSweetwater
Neumann U87microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Lexicon 224processing
ReverbSweetwater

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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

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha CP-70

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Lexicon 224

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

  • Yamaha CP-70(keyboard)
  • Neumann U87(mic)
  • Lexicon 224(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia V Collection CP-70 V$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

ReverbSweetwater
Nord Stage 4$3000-4000

Alternative to: Yamaha CP-70 electric piano

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

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio Lexicon 224$149-199

Alternative to: Lexicon 224 reverb

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

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4040$250-350

Alternative to: Neumann U87 microphone

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

ReverbSweetwater
Studiologic Numa X Piano 88$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

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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