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synth from “ashes to ashes” by david bowie | ToneDB

ashes to ashes

david bowie

synth

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

This synth sound has a cold, futuristic vibe with a slightly detuned and chorus-like quality, fitting the song's themes of isolation and introspection. The sound is fairly clean but with a noticeable analog warmth and slight instability.

Gear

ARP Solina String Ensembleinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Roland Jupiter-4synth
ReverbSweetwater
Eventide Harmonizerpedal
Reverb$412Sweetwater

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The Story

The synth sounds on "Ashes to Ashes" were created using an ARP Solina String Ensemble for the foundational pad sound and a Roland Jupiter-4 for the lead melodies and arpeggiated sequences. The track was recorded at Good Earth Studios in London with producer Tony Visconti. An Eventide Harmonizer was likely used to add the characteristic pitch-shifting and chorus-like effects that give the synths their slightly detuned, spacey quality.

Production Credits

Producer: Tony Visconti

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Good Earth Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: ARP Solina String Ensemble

Recreation Tips

  • Start with an ARP Solina String Ensemble or a similar string synthesizer emulation for the base sound.
  • Introduce a Roland Jupiter-4 or a similar poly synth to create a lead sound and sequences with its arpeggiator.
  • Use a chorus or a subtle pitch-shifting effect (like an Eventide Harmonizer emulation) to create a slightly detuned and chorus-like quality.
  • Adjust the filter and resonance on the synth to shape the overall tone, keeping it bright but not harsh.
  • Consider adding a touch of reverb or delay to enhance the spaciousness of the sound.

Original Gear

  • ARP Solina String Ensemble(synth)
  • Roland Jupiter-4(synth)
  • Eventide Harmonizer(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia Solina V$99-$199

Alternative to: ARP Solina String Ensemble

Faithful software recreation of the original ARP Solina with the exact string ensemble character and built-in chorus

ReverbSweetwater
Roland Jupiter-Xm$1,499-$1,799

Alternative to: Roland Jupiter-4

Modern Roland synth with Jupiter-4 modeling and authentic arpeggiator for the lead sequences

ReverbSweetwater
Eventide H9$529-$629

Alternative to: Eventide Harmonizer

Modern Eventide processor with vintage harmonizer algorithms for authentic pitch-shifting effects

ReverbSweetwater
Behringer Solina$329-$399

Alternative to: ARP Solina String Ensemble

Budget hardware clone of the original Solina with authentic string ensemble sounds and built-in phaser

ReverbSweetwater
Arturia Jupiter-8 V$199-$299

Alternative to: Roland Jupiter-4

While modeled on the Jupiter-8, provides similar Jupiter series analog character and arpeggiator functionality

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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