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synth from “heart of glass” by blondie | ToneDB

heart of glass

blondie

synth

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Tone Profile

A bright, bubbly, and iconic arpeggiated monophonic synth with prominent phasing. This sound defines the late 70s disco-new wave crossover.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland SH-5 Monophonic Synthesizer

Amp: Roland SH-5 Synthesizer Engine (e.g., Sawtooth or narrow Pulse wave oscillator, Low Pass Filter with fast envelope, VCA with plucky envelope)

Processing: MXR Phase 100 (or similar phaser like Eventide Instant Phaser), Subtle Tape Delay (e.g., Roland RE-201 Space Echo)

Other: The synth plays a 16th-note arpeggio (typically root-fifth-octave patterns) in E major, tightly synchronized with the Roland CR-78 drum machine. The sound is bright, percussive, and made wider by the phaser.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in 1978 at The Power Station, New York City.
  • Produced by Mike Chapman, who encouraged the band's exploration of disco elements.
  • The rhythmic foundation of the track is a Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm drum machine.
  • Keyboardist Jimmy Destri primarily used a Roland SH-5 monophonic synthesizer for the arpeggiated line and other synth parts. A Roland System 100 may have also been used.
  • A key characteristic of the synth sound is the prominent phasing effect, likely an MXR Phase 100.
  • The song features multiple layered synth parts, creating a rich electronic texture.
  • The arpeggiated line was likely played manually or sequenced, locking in with the CR-78's groove.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a monophonic analog or virtual analog synthesizer.
  • Select a bright oscillator waveform like a sawtooth or a narrow pulse wave.
  • Set a fast attack and short decay/sustain on the amplitude envelope for a plucky, percussive sound.
  • Apply a similar fast envelope to the filter cutoff, with some resonance to emphasize the brightness.
  • Program or play a 16th-note arpeggio pattern. In the key of E major, common patterns include E-B-E (octave up), D#-A#-D#, C#-G#-C#, B-F#-B, following the chord changes.
  • Add a phaser pedal or plugin (e.g., emulating an MXR Phase 100 or Eventide Instant Phaser) with a moderate speed and depth to create the signature swirling texture.
  • Incorporate a subtle analog or tape-style delay (e.g., quarter or dotted eighth notes) to add space and rhythmic complexity.
  • Ensure the synth arpeggio is tightly synchronized with a drum machine pattern, ideally emulating the feel of a Roland CR-78.

Sources