synth from “strangelove” by depeche mode | ToneDB
strangelove
depeche mode
synth
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.
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
Signal Chain
Instrument: Yamaha DX7
Processing: Moog Moogerfooger MF-101, Aphex Aural Exciter
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
- Yamaha DX7(synth)
- Moog Moogerfooger MF-101(pedal)
- Aphex Aural Exciter(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Accurately recreates FM synthesis with DX7-style algorithms and presets, perfect for that complex harmonic bass foundation
Alternative to: Moog Moogerfooger MF-101
Official plugin version of the exact hardware filter used, providing the same resonant sweep and envelope control
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Dedicated DX7 emulation with enhanced features while maintaining authentic FM synthesis character
Alternative to: Moog Moogerfooger MF-101
Hardware alternative with similar envelope filter capabilities for creating resonant bass sweeps
Frequently Asked Questions
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