TONEDB

bass synth from “around the world” by daft punk | ToneDB

around the world

daft punk

bass synth

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Tone Profile

A deeply funky and iconic analog mono-synth bass with a distinctive 'talking' characteristic, achieved through vocoding. It's punchy, resonant, and rhythmically precise.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Minimoog Model D

Amp: Direct Input (to mixing console preamp)

Processing: Minimoog internal synthesis: sawtooth waves, resonant low-pass filter with plucky envelope (forms the carrier signal for the vocoder), Roland SVC-350 Vocoder: Minimoog signal as carrier input, vocal performance (e.g., 'Around the World' phrase via Shure SM58 or similar dynamic microphone) as modulator input., Compression: (e.g., Urei 1176 or dbx 160) applied to the vocoder output for punch and dynamic control., EQ: (e.g., console EQ or API 550) for final tonal shaping of the vocoded bass.

Other: The key to this sound is the interaction between the Minimoog's synth patch and the vocal performance fed into the vocoder. The vocoder's output *is* the final bass synth sound.

Recording Notes

  • The core synth patch on the Minimoog likely used rich sawtooth waves with a plucky, resonant low-pass filter envelope, optimized as a carrier signal.
  • A vocal performance of the phrase 'Around the World' was enunciated clearly into a dynamic microphone and fed into the modulator input of the vocoder.
  • The vocoder's settings (filter bank characteristics, levels, carrier/modulator balance) were meticulously adjusted to achieve the intelligible yet robotic vocal timbre that defines the bassline.
  • The vocoded signal was likely recorded direct into a high-quality mixing console.
  • Analog compression and EQ were probably applied during tracking or mixing to enhance punch, control dynamics, and sit the bass perfectly in the dense mix.
  • The tight rhythmic synchronization between this bassline, the kick drum, and other percussive elements is fundamental to the track's groove.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a monophonic analog-style synthesizer (or emulation, like Arturia Mini V). Start with two sawtooth oscillators; one can be tuned an octave lower than the other. Slight detuning between oscillators can add thickness.
  • Configure the synthesizer's low-pass filter with a fast attack, moderate decay, zero (or very low) sustain, and a relatively fast release on the filter envelope. Add moderate resonance to get the characteristic 'squelch' or 'wow'.
  • Route this synthesizer sound (as the carrier signal) into a vocoder (hardware like a Roland VT-4 or software plugin like XILS V+ or Ableton's Vocoder).
  • Connect a microphone to the modulator input of the vocoder. Clearly speak or sing the phrase 'Around the World' (or other desired phrases) into the microphone, in time with the rhythm of the bassline you are playing on the synth.
  • Adjust the vocoder's parameters: the number of bands, the level of each band (if adjustable), formant shifting, and the balance between the carrier and modulator signals are crucial. Aim for clarity of the words within the synth tone.
  • Apply compression to the vocoder's output to even out the dynamics and add punch. This is especially important as vocoded signals can have a wide dynamic range.
  • Use EQ to shape the final tone. You might need to boost low frequencies for weight, manage low-mids to avoid muddiness, and ensure the 'vocal' aspect cuts through the mix.
  • For a non-vocoded but still animated bass sound (sometimes heard in variations or live interpretations), an envelope filter (e.g., Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron, Mu-Tron III) or a phaser (e.g., Electro-Harmonix Small Stone, Mu-Tron Bi-Phase) can be applied to the basic Minimoog patch.

Sources