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synth from “cruel summer” by bananarama | ToneDB

cruel summer

bananarama

synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, plucky, and iconic 80s synth lead with a distinct marimba-like, slightly metallic quality. It's heavily chorused and reverberated, defining the track's summery yet melancholic atmosphere.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Sequential Circuits Prophet-5

Amp: Direct Input

Processing: Stereo Chorus (e.g., Roland Dimension D or Boss CE-1 style), Hall Reverb (e.g., Lexicon 224 or AMS RMX16 style), Subtle Delay (optional)

Other: Patch: Two sawtooth oscillators slightly detuned. Fast attack/decay on filter (resonant low-pass) and amp envelopes for a percussive, marimba-like pluck. Polyphonic mode. Careful gain staging into effects.

Recording Notes

  • The synth was likely recorded directly into the mixing console.
  • Produced by Tony Swain and Steve Jolley, known for their polished, synth-heavy sound and work with artists like Imagination and Alison Moyet.
  • Recorded in 1983, likely at Sarm West Studios, London, a frequent choice for Jolley & Swain.
  • Extensive use of high-quality outboard effects like chorus (e.g., Roland Dimension D) and reverb units (e.g., Lexicon 224, AMS RMX16) common in top studios of the early 80s.

Recreation Tips

  • Use an analog or virtual analog synthesizer. Start with two sawtooth oscillators and detune them slightly for a natural phasing/chorus effect.
  • Set a low-pass filter with moderate to high resonance. The filter cutoff should be modulated by an envelope with a very fast attack, quick decay, and zero sustain to create the 'pluck'.
  • The amplifier envelope should mirror this: fast attack, quick decay, low or zero sustain, and a short release.
  • A lush stereo chorus is absolutely essential for the 80s character. Emulate units like the Roland Dimension D or a Boss CE-1/CE-2.
  • Add a spacious hall reverb to give the synth depth and place it in the mix. Early digital reverbs like the Lexicon 224 style are appropriate.
  • While likely originally an analog synth, an FM synthesizer (like a Yamaha DX7 or its emulations) can also achieve a very similar percussive, metallic timbre. Start with a marimba, kalimba, or electric piano type patch as a base and add the signature chorus and reverb.

Sources