Tone Profile

This is a deep, resonant synth bass with a pronounced envelope filter, creating a pronounced vowel-like sweep. It's dark and powerful, providing a strong foundation for the track.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The bass sound was created using a Yamaha DX7. They used the Yamaha to get it down as MIDI information, and then they messed around with the DX7 sound to get something interesting.
• Moog Moogerfooger MF-101 was used for the resonant filter sweep, creating the bass's characteristic vowel-like sound. The sound was then passed through an Aphex Aural Exciter, adding brightness and enhancing the high frequencies. Martin Gore favored it because it added presence to the song.
• The synth bass was a core component of Strangelove's instrumental arrangement and contributed significantly to the song's overall dark and sensual mood.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a Yamaha DX7 or a comparable FM synthesizer.
• Design a bass patch on the DX7 with a rich, harmonically complex waveform, focusing on the lower frequencies to establish a solid foundation.
• Use an envelope filter (such as the Moog Moogerfooger MF-101) to create the vowel-like sweep.
• Experiment with different resonance settings on the filter to shape the tone and emphasize specific frequencies.
• Dial in the filter's envelope parameters to control the intensity and timing of the sweep. A slower attack time can produce a gradual, more pronounced effect.
• Use an Aphex Aural Exciter plugin to add brightness and enhance the high frequencies in the synth bass. This can help it cut through the mix and add clarity to the sound.
• Adjust the settings on the Aural Exciter to achieve the desired amount of brightness without making the bass sound harsh or thin.

Recommended Gear

• Yamaha DX7(synth)
• Moog Moogerfooger MF-101(pedal)
• Aphex Aural Exciter(pedal)