synth from “i ran (so far away)” by a flock of seagulls | ToneDB
i ran (so far away)
a flock of seagulls
synth
AI generatedv1.0
Tone Profile
This synth sound is a classic example of 80s new wave, characterized by its bright, cutting tone and slightly detuned chorus effect. It's both futuristic and retro, perfect for driving rhythms and catchy melodies.
Gear
- Roland Jupiter-8instrument
- ReverbSweetwater
- Roland Dimension D SDD-320processing
- ReverbSweetwater
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The Story
The synth sound on 'I Ran (So Far Away)' was created using a Roland Jupiter-8 synthesizer, which was a staple of early 80s new wave and synthpop. The characteristic width and movement of the sound comes from processing through a Roland Dimension D SDD-320 chorus unit, which was commonly used to thicken synthesizer sounds during this era. The track was produced by Mike Howlett and recorded at Battery Studios in London.
Production Credits
Producer: Mike Howlett
Engineer: Unknown
Recorded at: Battery Studios, London
Signal Chain
Instrument: Roland Jupiter-8
Processing: Roland Dimension D SDD-320
Recreation Tips
- Start with a sawtooth wave on a virtual analog synth.
- Add a subtle chorus effect to create width and movement.
- Experiment with detuning one of the oscillators slightly for a richer tone.
- Use EQ to cut any muddy frequencies and boost the high end for clarity.
Original Gear
- Roland Jupiter-8(synth)
- Roland Dimension D SDD-320(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Roland Jupiter-8
Modern recreation of the Jupiter-8 with authentic analog modeling and the same filter characteristics that made the original perfect for 80s leads
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Roland Jupiter-8
Software emulation specifically designed to recreate vintage Roland polysynths with accurate sawtooth waves and filter response
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Roland Dimension D SDD-320
Modern recreation of the original Dimension D circuit with the same chorus algorithm that creates that distinctive 80s stereo width
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Roland Dimension D SDD-320
Digital recreation of the Dimension D's subtle pitch shifting and chorus effects that widen synth sounds without obvious modulation
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Roland Jupiter-8
Affordable analog polysynth with similar sawtooth oscillators and built-in chorus effects for recreating 80s synth tones on a budget
ReverbSweetwaterFrequently Asked Questions
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