Trying to model U2's sound

[bornagainplayer]

I'm trying to replicate the sound U2's "The Edge" gets for "Where the Streets Have No Name". I have a Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50's with an SSL-5 in the bridge position and stock pick-ups in the middle and neck positions (both will soon be replaced by SSL-1s). I'm using a Crate V-50 tube amp set to clean with a Digitech RP-255 multi-effects unit. I've downloaded some Edge presets from the Digitech site and some other sites, but none of them produce the sound quite right. The delay is pretty good, but there isn't quite enough "bite". The high notes, especially on the intro, sound a bit dead. It needs some more compression or distortion...or something to thicken up the sound a bit, but I just can't seem to get it quite right. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

In those days I'm pretty sure he was all AC30 for his amps. Have you tried a clean sound on your amp and a AC30 patch on the digitech? Doesn't the digi have a computer hook up to tweak patches? If so get in there and try different settings on the AC30 patch and different cabs.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

I saw a show where they tore that track apart....good luck with that.

 

[lex666]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

I think at that time the key to his sound was a Vox and a EHX Deluxe Memory Man.

 

[beggar_guitar]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

Check my response to you in the Pickup lounge. Nothing profound but might help.
I'm too lazy to cut and paste.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

There are several sites like this one, check it out.

http://www.amnesta.net/edge_delay/index.html

 

[beggar_guitar]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

There are several sites like this one, check it out.

http://www.amnesta.net/edge_delay/index.html

+1 Great site. Lots of good info.

 

[bornagainplayer]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

It does have the software and there are amps I can model. I've been messing with the effects but completely missed that it could be the amp model issue. I'll take a look. Thanks!

 

[Animal]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

I think at that time the key to his sound was a Vox and a EHX Deluxe Memory Man.

By that stage, I'm pretty sure he was primarily using digital delay. Either the Korg SDD-3000 or TC Electronic 2290 or both. I had a look at the above link and it mentions them, but I can't bothered sifting through it all to know for sure.

Also, I'm guessing that in the studio they cut the tracks to tape with the delay units as inserts on the mixing desk rather than before the actual amp. I would imagine it would be quite difficult to get such a clear and layered delay sound live whilst remaining faithful to the studio recordings.

To the OP, if the Digitech RP-255 isn't quite cutting it then I would suggest looking into the TC Electronic Flashback. It seems to do an excellent 2290 delay emulation for minimal cost. For a bit more coin, you could get a Nova delay: http://youtu.be/N-J3XpcjFFQ

 

[James Rock]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

His pick and him using it the wrong way round is key to some of his sounds plus a strat through an AC30 is quite a particular sound. Maybe try some treble boost and a tad of compression or the digitech into the effects loop (if the crate has one) on an AC30 setting.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

Strat + a good digital delay + AC30. That's basically it.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

Check this out too.

 

[bornagainplayer]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

Thank you all! I'll see what I can do with this information.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

I would seriously invest in a VOX AC30 or atleast AC15 for the time being. EDGE also uses the LINE 6 POD XT LIVE floorboard a lot.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

per http://www.uberproaudio.com/who-plays-what/158-u2-the-edge-guitar-gear-rig-and-equipment

Guitars

- Gibson 2005 and 2006 "Music Rising" Les Pauls

- Gibson 1976 Explorers (x2)

Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar Heritage Cherry

- Fender Stratocasters (black, sunburst)

Fender Classic Series '70s Stratocaster Electric Guitar 3-Tone Sunburst Maple Fretboard

- Gibson 1973 Cream Les Paul Custom

Gibson Custom Shop 57 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Two Pickups Gold Hardware

Note: The Edge donated his cream Les Paul Custom to an auction to benefit Music Rising. Gibson then created an exact 2008 custom shop replica for him.


- Gibson Les Paul Goldtop

Gibson Custom Shop 1954 Les Paul Goldtop VOS Electric Guitar Antique Gold

- Gibson Les Paul Standard (cream)

- Gibson 1966 Cherry SG Les Paul Standard

Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar Heritage Cherry

- Fender 1966 and 1969 Cream Telecasters w/Maple Neck

Fender Classic Series '60s Telecaster Electric Guitar Olympic White

- Fender Jaguar

Fender '62 Jaguar Electric Guitar 3-Tone Sunburst Brown Shell Pickguard

- Gretsch 1963 and 1968 Chet Atkins Walnut Country Gentleman guitars. Also a 2009 one with Piezo

Gretsch Guitars G6122-1959 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman Electric Guitar Walnut Stain

- Gretsch White Falcon

Gretsch Guitars G7593 White Falcon 1 Electric Guitar White

- Gretsch 2009 Black G6136 Falcon w/Fishman Piezo Acoustic System

- Line 6 2005 Variax 700 Modelling Guitar (red and black)

Line 6 Variax 700 Electric Guitar With Tremolo Transparent Amber

- Epiphone 1962 Sunburst Casino and a 1964 one with a Bigsby

Epiphone Casino Electric Guitar Cherry

- Epiphone Sheraton

Epiphone Sheraton II Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

- Gibson 2006 Blonde Pete Townshend model SJ-200 Acoustic/Electric

Gibson Acoustic Pete Townshend J-200 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Antique Natural

- Fernandes 2003 Native Sustain Guitar
- Fernandes 2009 Retro Rocket Sustain Guitar
- Gibson ES-175

Gibson ES-175 Reissue Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst

- Gibson ES-330
- Gibson ES-335TD (sunburst)

Gibson ES-335 Dot Plain-top Electric Guitar with Gloss Finish Vintage Sunburst

- Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe
- Gibson Byrdland

Epiphone Elitist Byrdland Guitar Natural Gold Hardware
- Washburn/Taylor Acoustics
- Yamaha CP70 (Keyboard)/Piano
- Fender 1975 Brown Custom Telecaster
- Fender 1968 Tobacco Stratocaster (Rosewood Neck)
- Fender 1973 Cream Stratocaster (Maple Neck)
- Fender 1975 Blonde Telecaster (Rosewood Neck)
- Fender 1974 Black Telecaster (Maple Neck)
- Fender 1973, 1974 and 1976 Black Stratocasters (Maple Necks)
- Fender 1994 Arctic White Telecaster (Japan version)
- Fender 2009 Sunburst American Vintage '52 Telecaster (Piezo)
Fender American Vintage Series '52 Telecaster Electric Guitar Butterscotch Blonde
- Gretsch 1959 Sunburst 6101 Country Club
- Gibson 1965 Pelham Blue SG Les Paul Standard
- Gibson 2008 Sunburst SJ-200 Acoustic/Electric
Gibson SJ-200 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst
- Gibson 2008 Blonde SJ-200 Acoustic/Electric
- Gibson 2005 Sunburst J-45 Acoustic Electric
Gibson J-45 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst
- Martin 1972 and 2009 model Natural D12-28 Acoustic/Electric
Martin D12-28 12-String Dreadnought Guitar
- Epiphone 1966 Sunburst Texan Acoustic/Electric
- MOOG 2009 MG-001 Tobacco Sunburst Sustain Guitar
- Rickenbacker 1966 Fireglo 330-12 (x2)
- Rickenbacker 1967 Maple Rickenbacker 330-12 (x2)
- Rickenbacker 1968 Black 325
- Line 6 Variax Acoustic (Vertigo tour. Custom paint)







Amps and Cabinets
Vox AC30 - his 1964 AC30 has been used to record every single U2 album and has been used for every single concert. He has said in interviews that he owns over thirty AC30's.

On the 2009 tour, he was seen with:

- 1964 VOX AC30TB Grey Panel
- 1970's VOX AC30TB Grey Panel
- 1972 VOX AC30TB Grey Panel
- 1974 VOX AC30TB Red Panel

Vox Custom Classic AC30CC2 30w 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp


- Fender Deluxe Tweed (1957, 1958, 1959 models were on 2009 tour with him)

Fender 57 Deluxe 12W 1x12 Combo Amp

- Fender Blues Jr

Fender Blues Junior Combo Amp

- Roland JC120

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Amp

- 1956 Fender Harvard

- 2008 Marshall 50Watt 1987X Amp Head (on 2009 tour with him)

Marshall 1987XL Vintage Series 50W Tube Head

- 1966 4 X 12" Closed Back Cabinet w/Celestion Vintage Speakers (Mick Ralphs')





Effects Pedals and Rack

Here is the Gear said to be in The Edge's 2009 tour Guitar Rig (in close to alphabetical order)

- AMS SDMX Digital Delay
- AMS SDMX Digit Delay
- Boss CS-3 Compressor Sustain pedal

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer Pedal


- Boss Noise Suppressor NS-2 pedal

Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal


- Boss GE-7 EQ pedal

Boss GE-7 Equalizer Pedal


- Boss FET FA-1 Amplifier
- Custom Audio Elec AMS Interface
- Custom Audio Elec Remote Wah
- Custom Audio Elec Dual Stereo Mixer
- Custom Audio Amp Selector and Patch Point
- Durham Electronics SexDrive pedal
- Digitech Synth Wah Pedal

DigiTech XSW Synth Wah Envelope Filter Pedal


- Death By Audio HARMONIC TRANSFORMER Dist Pedal
- Death By Audio FUZZ GUN
- Death By Audio Soundwave Breakdown
- Digitech WH1 Whammy Pedal

DigiTech Whammy Pedal with MIDI Control


- Drive Breaker Distortion pedal
- Dunlop Crybaby Rack Wah Controller

Dunlop Crybaby Rack Wah


- Electro Harmonix POG pedal

Electro-Harmonix XO micro POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Guitar Effects Pedal


- Electrix Filter Factory
- Eventide H3000 Harmonizer
- Furman Rack Power Pro (x2)
- Korg SDD 3000 Digital Delay (x2)
- KORG A3 Rack Multi Effects Unit (x2)
- Lexicon PCM80 and PCM70 Digital Effects Processors

Lexicon PCM96 Stereo Reverb/Effects Processor


- Line 6 DM-4 Pro Custom made rack device and DM-4 pedal (x2)

Line 6 DM-4 Distortion Modeler Pedal


- Line 6 Pod Pro (x2)

Line 6 POD X3 Pro Guitar Multi Effects Processor


- Peterson V-SAM Tuner

Peterson V-SAM Virtual Strobe Tuner/Metronome


- "Rab Tronix" (6) Way Selector Box
- Rocktron Bradshaw DVC Pedal VCA
- Shure U4RS Dual Receivers (x8)
- Shure UR1-J5 Beltpacks (x13)
- Skrydstrup Bufferooster pedal
- Skrydstrup MR9 Loop System (x3) and Skyrdstrup System Interface
- Skrydstrup SC1, SC1 Extensions and Extension Plus Controller (foot controller which controls the gear in rack, and the pedals as well.)
- TC 2290 Digital Delay (x4)







Here is some other gear that has been seen in The Edge's Rig over the years:

- Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Pedal

- Boss PW-2 Power Driver
- Electro Harmonix Big Muff

Electro-Harmonix USA Big Muff Pi Distortion/Sustainer Pedal

- Electro Harmonix Memory Man

Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man XO Analog Delay Guitar Effects Pedal

- Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Effects Pedal

- Lovetone Doppelganger phaser/vibrato
- Lovetone Meatball envelope filter

- BOSS FBM-1 (more recently)

Boss FBM-1 Fender Bassman Pedal


- Boss SD-1

Boss SUPER OverDrive SD-1 Pedal


- Boss OD-2

Boss OD-3 OverDrive Pedal


- Keeley modded Boss BD-2

Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Pedal


- MXR Dyna Comp pedal

MXR M-102 Dyna Comp Compressor Pedal


- EHX Holier Grail
- CAE Boost/Overdrive

MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal


- Moogerfooger MF-102 and 105
Moog MF-102 Moogerfooger Ring Modulator





Strings, Picks, and Accessories
- D'Addario EXL110 XL Reg Lite .10-.46 gauge

D'Addario EXL110 Nickel Regular Light Electric Guitar Strings Single


- D'Addario EXL115 XL Blues Jazz .11-.49 gauge
- D'Addario EXL116 XL Medium Top Heavy .11-.52 gauge
- D'Addario EXL 140 Light Top/Heavy Bottom .10-.52 gauge
- D'Addario EXL 150 Light Elec 12 String .10-.46 gauge
- D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Wound EJ15 Extra Light .10-.47 gauge

D'Addario EJ15 Phosphor Bronze Extra Light Acoustic Strings Single


- D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Wound EJ26 Custom Light .11-.52 gauge
- Martin MSP 4000 Bronze .10-.47 gauge
- Martin MSP 4050 Bronze Custom Light .11-.52 gauge

Martin MSP4050 SP Phosphor Bronze Custom Light Acoustic Guitar Strings


- Martin M500 Extra Light Acoustic Bronze 12 String .10-.47 gauge
- Ernie Ball 2233 12 String Electric .009-.046 gauge

Ernie Ball 2233 Nickel 12-String Light Electric Guitar Strings


- D'andrea medium Nylon Picks
- Ebow

EBow PlusEbow Electronic Bow for Guitar


- Datum Machining/Dallas Schoo Custom Machined Finger Brass Slides
- Dunlop Brass Full Slides

Dunlop Solid Brass Guitar Slide Medium Wall Medium


- Levy Leather Guitar Straps

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

a study on edge's delay can be found here

http://www.amnesta.net/edge_delay/

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

here's some pix of his setup

and

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

U2 Exclusive: The Edge's stage setup revealed

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/u2-exclusive-the-edges-stage-setup-revealed-223342

 

[PRSfan nym 1985]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

I'm trying to replicate the sound U2's "The Edge" gets for "Where the Streets Have No Name". I have a Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50's with an SSL-5 in the bridge position and stock pick-ups in the middle and neck positions (both will soon be replaced by SSL-1s). I'm using a Crate V-50 tube amp set to clean with a Digitech RP-255 multi-effects unit. I've downloaded some Edge presets from the Digitech site and some other sites, but none of them produce the sound quite right. The delay is pretty good, but there isn't quite enough "bite". The high notes, especially on the intro, sound a bit dead. It needs some more compression or distortion...or something to thicken up the sound a bit, but I just can't seem to get it quite right. Does anyone have any ideas?

At that time Edge was using AC30's with AlNiCo speakers. So on your Digitech I'd go with an AC30 alnico cab setting either clean or barely breaking up (that typical chimey vox clean sound).

Usually he uses multiple delays if you have something that emulates an analog delay I'd try that, you may want to add subtle modulation to thicken it up. If you have a rhythmic delay setting I'd choose quarter and dotted 8th note to start.

He uses a lot of different distortion boxes through the years you could try a Big Muff Pi setting.

Just remember that at the end of the day you are just emulating his sound you don't have his hands, his guitars, his effects, or his amps let alone the environment he recorded in.

Your strat should be able to get a similar tone but like I said none of your gear is the same as his. No two trees or humans were created the same.

Hopefully that helps you out a bit.

 

[FAC]

Re: Trying to model U2's sound

His pick and him using it the wrong way round is key to some of his sounds plus a strat through an AC30 is quite a particular sound. Maybe try some treble boost and a tad of compression or the digitech into the effects loop (if the crate has one) on an AC30 setting.

The bite/chime you're missing is likely from the pick+Vox, as noted by James Rock. The pick has a textured grip area, and the Edge holds it "backwards" so the texture hits the strings. It really makes a difference if you are trying to cop his sound.

Check this video (the special pick is at the end of the video...and turn it up, the level is low):