TONEDB

bass synth from “juice” by lizzo | ToneDB

juice

lizzo

bass synth

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A punchy, funky, and round analog synth bass with a prominent filter envelope, driving the groove with classic Minneapolis Sound energy.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Moog Sub Phatty

Amp: Direct Input

Processing: Urei 1178 (Compressor), API 550A (EQ)

Other: Core sound from Moog Sub Phatty patch (sawtooth + square waves, filter envelope). Mixed by Chris Tabron, who reportedly may have added FabFilter Saturn (saturation) and Pultec EQP-1A (EQ) for further shaping.

Recording Notes

  • The bass sound was created and performed by producer Ricky Reed.
  • The Moog Sub Phatty was recorded directly, likely into a high-quality audio interface or console preamp.
  • Compression (Urei 1178) and EQ (API 550A) were applied during the tracking stage to shape the sound.
  • The synth patch involved both sawtooth and square wave oscillators.
  • The characteristic 'pluck' or 'bwow' sound comes largely from the Sub Phatty's filter and filter envelope settings.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Moog Sub Phatty or a similar analog/virtual analog monosynth (e.g., Arturia Mini V, u-he Diva, Moog Subsequent series).
  • Combine sawtooth and square wave oscillators. You can slightly detune them or adjust their levels to taste.
  • Set the low-pass filter with moderate to high resonance. The filter envelope is key: use a fast attack, a quick decay (e.g., 200-400ms), zero or very low sustain, and a short release.
  • Adjust the filter envelope amount (how much the envelope modulates the filter cutoff) to achieve the desired 'pluck' or 'bwow' intensity.
  • The amp envelope should also be relatively tight: fast attack, decay/sustain matching the desired note length, and a quick release.
  • Apply a FET-style compressor (like a Urei 1178 or Universal Audio 1176 emulation) with a medium attack and fast release to add punch and control dynamics. Aim for 3-6dB of gain reduction.
  • Use an API 550A-style EQ (or similar) to shape the tone: boost low-mids (around 200-400Hz) for warmth, add a touch of highs (2-5kHz) for definition if needed, and cut any excessive sub-bass or muddiness (below 80Hz or around 150-250Hz).
  • For mix-stage enhancements, consider subtle parallel saturation (e.g., FabFilter Saturn) for added harmonics and warmth, and a Pultec-style EQ for broad tonal shaping, especially in the low end.

Sources