TONEDB

piano from “a thousand miles” by vanessa carlton | ToneDB

a thousand miles

vanessa carlton

piano

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The piano has a bright, clear tone with a slightly compressed and intimate feel, characteristic of a pop ballad. It's well-defined in the mid-range, providing a solid foundation for the vocals.

Gear

Yamaha C7 Grand Pianoinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Neumann U87microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Urei 1176processing
ReverbSweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha C7 Grand Piano

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Urei 1176

Recording Notes

  • The piano was likely recorded with close-miking techniques to capture a detailed and direct sound.
  • Compression was applied to even out the dynamics and create a controlled, present tone.
  • Some EQ may have been used to enhance clarity in the mid frequencies and add brightness.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bright-sounding grand piano, preferably a Yamaha C7.
  • Use a close microphone placement with a Neumann U87 to capture detail and proximity.
  • Apply moderate compression using a Urei 1176 to control dynamics and add punch.
  • Experiment with EQ to enhance mid-range clarity and add subtle high-end sparkle.

Original Gear

  • Yamaha C7 Grand Piano(keyboard)
  • Neumann U87(mic)
  • Urei 1176(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments The Grandeur$199

Alternative to: Yamaha C7 Grand Piano

Premium sampled Steinway D that can be EQ'd bright to match the C7's character, with detailed close-mic samples perfect for intimate pop ballads

ReverbSweetwater
Spectrasonics Keyscape$399

Alternative to: Yamaha C7 Grand Piano

Includes multiple Yamaha grand piano models with extensive microphone positions, allowing you to dial in the close-miked sound

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4050$429

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Large diaphragm condenser with similar bright, detailed character to the U87 at a more accessible price point

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA-87 R2$399

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Direct U87 clone that captures the same bright, intimate piano sound for close-miking applications

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio 1176 Collection$149

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Exact software emulation of the hardware 1176 used on the original recording, providing the same fast attack compression character

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA76$449

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Hardware recreation of the 1176 with the same FET compression that adds punch and control to piano dynamics

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!