TONEDB

synth from “whip it” by devo | ToneDB

whip it

devo

synth

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Tone Profile

A punchy and iconic monophonic analog lead with a distinctive 'whip-like' pitch bend. Characterized by its bright, cutting, and slightly detuned sawtooth waveform, the sound is direct and driven by a fast filter envelope.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Minimoog Model D

Amp: Direct Input

Processing: Subtle console EQ (if any, likely minimal), Short plate reverb or slap-back delay (very subtle, for ambience)

Other: Signal sent directly to mixing console preamp. The 'whip' sound is primarily achieved through performance (pitch bend) and synthesis parameters (fast filter envelope, oscillator settings) on the Minimoog itself.

Recording Notes

  • The synth was recorded directly into the mixing console, providing a clean, sharp, and present sound.
  • The Minimoog's inherent analog character, including its punchy envelopes and rich oscillators, is fundamental to the tone.
  • Minimal outboard effects were likely used on the primary synth riff; the sound is largely shaped within the synthesizer.
  • The performance, especially the precise execution of the pitch bend, is a critical component of the sound.
  • Recorded to analog tape, which would have contributed some warmth, subtle saturation, and tape compression.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a monophonic analog or virtual analog synthesizer capable of producing strong sawtooth waves.
  • Set up two oscillators: Oscillator 1 as a sawtooth wave. Oscillator 2 as a sawtooth wave, tuned slightly sharp (a few cents) relative to Oscillator 1 for a natural chorusing effect.
  • Configure the filter as a low-pass filter (LPF) with moderate resonance (Emphasis/Q).
  • The filter envelope (Contour) is crucial: set a very fast attack, a short decay, zero or low sustain, and a short release. The envelope amount should be high to significantly modulate the filter cutoff.
  • The amplifier envelope should also have a very fast attack, a medium decay, medium-to-high sustain (enough for the note to be heard clearly), and a short release.
  • Practice a quick, sharp upward pitch bend at the very beginning of key notes in the riff to create the signature 'whip' effect.
  • Keep external effects minimal. A touch of very short reverb (e.g., a small plate) or a subtle slap-back delay can add a sense of space without muddying the directness of the sound.

Sources