TONEDB

lead synth from “levitating” by dua lipa | ToneDB

levitating

dua lipa

lead synth

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, funky, and slightly chorused analog-style polysynth lead with a tight envelope, reminiscent of classic 80s disco and pop.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland Juno-106 (or similar polyphonic analog/virtual analog synth)

Amp: Synth Engine (Oscillators: Saw + Square/Pulse, Filter: Low Pass)

Processing: Built-in Chorus (Juno style), EQ (Boosting highs, cutting lows), Compressor (Sidechained to Kick), Subtle Delay (Sync'd), Reverb (Short Plate/Hall)

Other: Polyphonic mode. Filter envelope controlling cutoff frequency with fast attack, medium decay/sustain, fast release. Potential layering with another brighter synth patch.

Recording Notes

  • Likely programmed via MIDI for tight timing.
  • Heavy use of sidechain compression triggered by the kick drum creates the pumping effect.
  • The built-in Juno chorus effect is a key characteristic.
  • EQ used to ensure the synth cuts through the dense mix without cluttering low frequencies.
  • Automation likely used on filter cutoff for subtle variations.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a sawtooth wave, potentially mixed with a square or pulse wave an octave higher.
  • Set a low-pass filter with resonance around 20-40%.
  • Use a filter envelope with Attack: ~0ms, Decay: ~300-500ms, Sustain: ~0-20%, Release: ~50-100ms.
  • Apply a Juno-style chorus effect (like TAL-Chorus-LX or the built-in chorus on Juno emulations).
  • Add subtle, syncopated delay (e.g., 1/8th or 1/16th note) mixed low.
  • Use a short reverb (Plate or Hall) to give space.
  • Implement sidechain compression keyed to the kick drum with a fast attack and release.

Sources