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synth from “sexy boy” by air | ToneDB

sexy boy

air

synth

70% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This synth lead has a bright, slightly detuned, and somewhat metallic quality. It's reminiscent of classic analog polysynths with a touch of FM-like complexity.

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The Story

The synth lead on Air's "Sexy Boy" was reportedly created using a Moog Minimoog, according to interviews with the French duo. The track was recorded in Paris during the Moon Safari sessions, with Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel handling the production themselves. The characteristic bright, slightly detuned quality comes from the Minimoog's oscillators with subtle detuning and filter modulation.

Production Credits

Producer: Air

Recorded at: Paris, France

Signal Chain

Instrument: Moog MinimoogShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a sawtooth or pulse wave on an analog synthesizer.
  • Add a small amount of detuning between the oscillators to create a chorus effect.
  • Use a filter with moderate resonance and modulate the cutoff frequency with an envelope.
  • Experiment with adding subtle FM or cross-modulation to the oscillators for a more complex sound.
  • Use slight overdrive or saturation to enhance the metallic character.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Moog Subsequent 37Shop on Reverb$1,500-$1,800

Alternative to: Moog Minimoog

Modern Moog with classic filter and oscillator character, perfect for recreating that vintage Minimoog brightness and saturation

Arturia MiniBrute 2Shop on Reverb$650-$750

Alternative to: Moog Minimoog

Affordable analog synth with aggressive filter and metallic character similar to the original Minimoog sound

Arturia Mini VPlugin Boutique$100-$200

Alternative to: Moog Minimoog

Detailed Minimoog emulation plugin with authentic oscillator drift and filter behavior for the classic detuned Air sound

Behringer Model DShop on Reverb$300-$400

Alternative to: Moog Minimoog

Budget Minimoog clone with authentic analog circuitry, capable of the bright sawtooth tones heard on Sexy Boy

Native Instruments MonarkPlugin Boutique$100-$150

Alternative to: Moog Minimoog

High-quality Minimoog emulation that captures the filter resonance and oscillator character essential for this Air tone

Sources

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