TONEDB

bass synth from “xxplosive” by dr. dre | ToneDB

xxplosive

dr. dre

bass synth

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A deep, round, and funky analog synth bass with prominent glide, characteristic of early 2000s West Coast hip-hop. It's smooth yet powerful, providing a foundational groove with a distinct, slightly buzzy character.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Minimoog Model D

Amp: Direct Input to Studio Console (e.g., SSL or Neve)

Processing: Console EQ (subtle low-end boost, possibly a slight mid-cut), Light Console Compression (e.g., LA-2A or 1176 style for warmth and dynamic control)

Other: Key elements are the use of portamento/glide between notes and a carefully shaped filter envelope (plucky attack, moderate decay) to define the sound's punch and body. Likely played by Mike Elizondo.

Recording Notes

  • The track was produced by Dr. Dre and released on the album '2001' (1999).
  • Mike Elizondo is credited with playing bass on this track, and he frequently used a Minimoog Model D.
  • The G-Funk sound often relies on analog synthesizers for basslines, providing warmth and weight.
  • The bassline was likely recorded directly into a high-quality mixing console preamp.
  • The performance, including note choice, rhythm, and expressive use of glide, is crucial to the sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Minimoog or a faithful emulation.
  • Set Oscillators: Start with two sawtooth waves. Oscillator 1 as the primary tone, Oscillator 2 tuned slightly differently (a few cents sharp or flat) or an octave lower for thickness. A square wave can also be blended in for more body or sub-bass (Oscillator 3).
  • Filter: Use a 24dB/octave low-pass filter. Set the cutoff frequency relatively low and modulate it with an envelope. Add a moderate amount of resonance (Emphasis) for that characteristic Moog 'growl'.
  • Filter Envelope (Contour): Fast attack (0-10ms), medium decay (300-600ms), low to medium sustain level. Adjust envelope amount to control how much the filter opens.
  • Amplifier Envelope: Fast attack, decay and sustain levels that complement the filter envelope to create a percussive yet sustained sound. Short to medium release.
  • Glide/Portamento: This is essential. Set the glide time to achieve smooth slides between notes, a hallmark of this bassline.
  • Mixer Section: Balance the levels of the active oscillators carefully. Drive the filter input slightly if your synth/plugin allows, for added warmth.
  • Consider subtle stereo chorus or phaser if you want to emulate a slightly more 'polished' sound, though the original is quite direct.

Sources