TONEDB

bass synth from “bad guy” by billie eilish | ToneDB

bad guy

billie eilish

bass synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A punchy, heavily distorted, and slightly rubbery synth bass with prominent filter movement and rhythmic pumping.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Software Synthesizer (Likely Logic Pro X ES2 or Alchemy)

Amp: Synth Engine (Logic Pro X)

Processing: Distortion/Saturation (e.g., Logic Pedalboard, Soundtoys Decapitator, Phat FX), Low-Pass Filter (with automation/envelope), EQ, Sidechain Compressor

Other: Filter cutoff automation or envelope creates the 'wub' sound. Sidechain compression triggered by the kick drum provides rhythmic pumping. Likely started with a Saw or Square wave.

Recording Notes

  • Produced entirely 'in the box' (ITB) using Logic Pro X.
  • Heavy saturation/distortion is crucial to the sound's character.
  • Filter modulation (likely cutoff frequency) is automated or controlled by an envelope.
  • Prominent sidechain compression ducks the bass volume when the kick hits.
  • The main synth may be layered with a cleaner sub-bass track for low-end weight.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Saw or Square oscillator.
  • Apply aggressive distortion or saturation; experiment with different types (fuzz, overdrive).
  • Use a Low-Pass filter with moderate resonance.
  • Set a fast attack and short decay/sustain on the filter envelope, or automate the cutoff.
  • Use a short decay/sustain on the amplitude envelope for a plucky feel.
  • Apply heavy sidechain compression triggered by the kick drum (fast attack, adjust release to taste).
  • Use EQ to shape the tone: cut excessive sub-bass (below 30-40Hz), boost punch (100-250Hz), and potentially cut mud (300-500Hz).

Sources