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synth from “running up that hill” by kate bush | ToneDB

running up that hill

kate bush

synth

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The synth sound is a blend of melodic, brassy, and somewhat haunting textures, providing a driving rhythm with a unique and memorable timbre. It is characterized by its layered qualities and slightly detuned oscillators.

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The Story

The iconic synth sound on Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" was created using a Fairlight CMI digital sampling synthesizer layered with a Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 analog synthesizer. Kate Bush recorded the track at Abbey Road Studios with engineer Del Palmer, experimenting with detuning oscillators and layering multiple synth parts to achieve the song's distinctive brassy, haunting texture.

Production Credits

Producer: Kate Bush

Engineer: Del Palmer

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fairlight CMIShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a sampled brass-like sound or a synthesized brass patch.
  • Use a Fairlight CMI if available, or a modern sampler capable of complex sound manipulation.
  • Layer the sampled sound with a Prophet-5-style synth patch, focusing on a brassy or string-like waveform.
  • Experiment with slight detuning and chorus effects to emulate the layered, slightly unstable nature of the original sound.
  • Adjust EQ and compression to blend the layers seamlessly and create a cohesive sound.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia CMI VPlugin Boutique$199

Alternative to: Fairlight CMI

Faithful emulation of the original Fairlight CMI with authentic sampling engine and the exact brassy samples used on the track

Sequential Prophet-5 (Rev4)Shop on Reverb$4000

Alternative to: Sequential Circuits Prophet-5

Modern reissue of the exact analog synth used for layering, providing the same warm analog sound and filter character

Arturia Prophet-VPlugin Boutique$199

Alternative to: Sequential Circuits Prophet-5

Software emulation of the Prophet-5's analog circuitry with the brass and string patches needed for the layered sound

Native Instruments KontaktPlugin Boutique$399

Alternative to: Fairlight CMI

Modern sampler with Fairlight sample libraries available, allowing recreation of the CMI's distinctive digital sampling character

Behringer Pro-1Shop on Reverb$329

Alternative to: Sequential Circuits Prophet-5

Budget analog monosynth with Prophet-style filter and oscillators, useful for layering brass-like patches in the same style

Sources

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