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pads from “with or without you” by u2 | ToneDB

with or without you

u2

pads

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Tone Profile

An iconic, ethereal sustained guitar melody that functions as an atmospheric pad, characterized by infinite sustain, shimmering delays, and lush reverb. It defines the song's melancholic and spacious ambiance.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Custom "Infinite Guitar" (Fender Stratocaster modified with a sustainer pickup system, inspired by Michael Brook's design)

Amp: Vox AC30 Top Boost (often a stereo setup or one amp for core tone, another for wet effects)

Microphone: Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD421 (close-mic'd on the AC30 cabinet)

Processing: Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay (primary delay, set for dotted eighth notes, e.g., ~409ms at 110 BPM, with modulation), Yamaha SPX90 Multi-Effects Processor (for 'Symphonic' patch - subtle chorus/detune, or for Hall reverb), AMS RMX16 Digital Reverb (alternative or additional spacious hall reverb), Volume Pedal (for dynamic swells into notes)

Other: The Edge's signal path was complex, often involving splits for dry/wet signals to maintain clarity amidst heavy effects. The Korg SDD-3000's preamp is also considered a key part of his tone.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded for the 1987 album "The Joshua Tree," co-produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, known for their atmospheric production.
  • The signature sustained melody was played by The Edge on his custom 'Infinite Guitar,' which uses an electronic sustainer system to hold notes indefinitely.
  • Extensive use of the Korg SDD-3000 digital delay for rhythmic complexity and the AMS RMX16 or Yamaha SPX90 for cavernous reverb are hallmarks of the track.
  • The 'pad' sound is essentially this sustained guitar line, heavily treated with effects to create a continuous, evolving texture.

Recreation Tips

  • If a custom 'Infinite Guitar' or a guitar with a sustainer pickup (e.g., Fernandes Sustainer, Sustainiac) isn't available, an EBow is an excellent and common alternative for achieving the long, sustained notes.
  • Use a bright-sounding guitar, like a Stratocaster, typically on the bridge or middle pickup.
  • Set a primary digital delay to a dotted eighth note timing relative to the song's tempo (approx 110 BPM, so delay time ~409ms). Include some modulation on the delay if possible. Mix level should be prominent.
  • Add a lush hall reverb with a long decay time (3-5 seconds) to create the atmospheric wash. A secondary, shorter delay or a modulated reverb can add more depth.
  • A subtle chorus or detune effect (like the Yamaha SPX90 'Symphonic' patch) can add movement and width to the sustained tones.
  • Use a volume pedal to swell into notes, enhancing the pad-like quality and smoothing transitions.
  • Keep the amp relatively clean or mildly overdriven to allow the sustain device and effects to define the sound's character.

Sources