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synth from “enjoy the silence” by depeche mode | ToneDB

enjoy the silence

depeche mode

synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

An iconic, ethereal synth lead with a melancholic and breathy sampled-vocal character. It's defined by its soft attack, rich layering, and spacious reverb/delay.

Signal Chain

Instrument: E-mu Emulator III (primary sound: sampled female voice 'ooh' or 'aah')

Amp: Direct Input to SSL console channel strip

Processing: Lexicon 480L Reverb (Large Hall or Plate algorithm), AMS DMX 15-80S Digital Delay (synced, e.g., 1/8 or dotted 1/8 note), Roland Dimension D Chorus (subtle width), SSL Channel EQ (for shaping and fitting in mix)

Other: This sound was a composite, with the sampled female voice being key. It was likely layered with a soft synth pad (e.g., from a Korg M1 or Roland D-50 using string/flute-like tones, mixed lower) to add warmth and body. The main sample has a slow attack, moderate decay/release, and subtle pitch modulation for character.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded primarily at Puk Studios, Denmark, and The Church, London, between 1989 and 1990.
  • Produced by Depeche Mode and Flood, who was known for his meticulous sound design and layering techniques.
  • The album *Violator* heavily featured the E-mu Emulator III sampler for many signature sounds.
  • The main melodic riff was reportedly a composite of several sounds, including a processed guitar arpeggio (later re-played/replaced), a soft synth pad, and a sampled female voice.
  • Extensive use of high-end studio effects like Lexicon reverbs and AMS delays contributed to the album's atmospheric sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a high-quality female choir 'ooh' or 'aah' sample in a software sampler (e.g., Kontakt, Ableton Sampler).
  • Shape the amplitude envelope with a soft/slow attack (e.g., 20-50ms) and a moderate release (e.g., 300-600ms) to get the breathy, sustained quality.
  • Use a low-pass filter to remove harsh high frequencies, possibly with a slight resonance to emphasize a vocal formant.
  • Introduce subtle pitch modulation (LFO to fine pitch, very slow rate and shallow depth) or slightly detune layered voices to emulate analog drift and add richness.
  • Layer this with a simple, soft pad sound (e.g., a filtered sawtooth or a string preset from a synth VST) mixed low for underlying warmth.
  • Apply a high-quality hall or large plate reverb with a long decay time (2-4 seconds) to create the atmospheric space.
  • Add a stereo delay, timed to the song's tempo (e.g., dotted eighth notes or quarter notes), with some feedback.
  • A touch of chorus can further enhance the width and movement, but use sparingly to maintain clarity.

Sources