TONEDB

synth from “one more time” by daft punk | ToneDB

one more time

daft punk

synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, heavily filtered, and rhythmically pumping brassy synth lead, iconic to the French Touch sound, achieved through creative sampling and aggressive processing.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Sample from Eddie Johns - "More Spell On You" (specifically the horn/string stabs)

Amp: Ensoniq ASR-10 Sampler (used for sampling, sequencing, and initial effects/filtering)

Processing: Resonant Low-Pass Filter (likely ASR-10 internal, or external unit like a Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole or Mutron III), Phaser (e.g., Mutron Bi-Phase, Electro-Harmonix Small Stone, or ASR-10 internal effect), Heavy Compression / Sidechain Compression (e.g., Alesis 3630 Compressor), EQ (e.g., Mackie mixing console EQ)

Other: The sample was chopped, looped, re-pitched, and heavily processed. Extensive use of sidechain compression, triggered by the kick drum, is crucial for the characteristic pumping effect. The original sample was likely EQ'd to isolate desired frequencies before further processing.

Recording Notes

  • The sound is fundamentally based on a manipulated sample, not a directly programmed synth part from scratch by Daft Punk for this track.
  • Heavy filtering, often with significant resonance, is key to shaping the timbre of the sample.
  • The iconic 'French pump' is achieved via sidechain compression, typically from the kick drum, causing the synth's volume to duck rhythmically.
  • Daft Punk were known for using relatively budget-friendly gear, like the Alesis 3630 compressor and Mackie mixers, to achieve their signature sound, pushing them to their limits.
  • The Ensoniq ASR-10's onboard effects and filters likely played a significant role in the initial sound shaping of the sample.

Recreation Tips

  • Obtain a clear sample of the horn/string stabs from Eddie Johns - "More Spell On You."
  • Load the sample into your DAW's sampler (e.g., Ableton Sampler, Logic Pro EXS24/Sampler, TAL Sampler). Chop and loop the relevant 2-bar phrase.
  • Apply a resonant low-pass filter. Automate the cutoff frequency or use an envelope follower for movement similar to the original.
  • Add a phaser plugin for swirling texture. Experiment with a moderate rate and depth.
  • Crucially, apply a compressor to the synth track and sidechain it to your kick drum track. Use a fast attack (0.1-1ms) and a release timed to the track's tempo (e.g., 50-150ms) with a high ratio and low threshold to create an aggressive pumping effect.
  • Use EQ to shape the final sound: boost high-mids (2-5kHz) for brightness and presence, and cut unnecessary low frequencies (below 100-150Hz) to avoid muddiness and make space for the bassline.
  • Experiment with pitching the sample; the original is pitched up from the source material.
  • Layering subtle distortion or saturation can add to the character, mimicking the sound of gear being pushed.

Sources