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synth from “strangelove” by depeche mode | ToneDB

strangelove

depeche mode

synth

85% ai confidence

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.

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The Story

The distinctive synth bass on Depeche Mode's "Strangelove" was created using a Yamaha DX7 FM synthesizer as the foundation. The bass was then processed through a Moog Moogerfooger MF-101 lowpass filter to create the characteristic resonant filter sweep that gives it its vowel-like quality. An Aphex Aural Exciter was used to add brightness and presence to help the bass cut through the mix while maintaining its dark, powerful character.

Production Credits

Producer: Depeche Mode and David Bascombe

Engineer: Daniel Miller

Recorded at: Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris

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.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Native Instruments FM8Plugin Boutique$149

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Accurately recreates FM synthesis with DX7-style algorithms and presets, perfect for that complex harmonic bass foundation

Moog MF-101 Moogerfooger PluginPlugin Boutique$99

Alternative to: Moog Moogerfooger MF-101

Official plugin version of the exact hardware filter used, providing the same resonant sweep and envelope control

Arturia DX7 VPlugin Boutique$99

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Dedicated DX7 emulation with enhanced features while maintaining authentic FM synthesis character

EHX Bass Mono SynthShop on Reverb$180-200

Alternative to: Moog Moogerfooger MF-101

Hardware alternative with similar envelope filter capabilities for creating resonant bass sweeps

Waves Aphex Vintage Aural ExciterPlugin Boutique$29

Alternative to: Aphex Aural Exciter

Official plugin version of the Aphex processors used to add brightness and presence to the bass

Sources

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