pads from “midnight city” by m83 | ToneDB
midnight city
m83
pads
90% ai confidence
Tone Profile
Massive, reverberant analog synth pads with a brassy character and anthemic quality, defining the song's atmosphere.
Signal Chain
Instrument: Yamaha CS-80 (or similar analog polysynth like Roland Jupiter-8)
Amp: Direct Input / Synth Engine
Processing: EQ (High-pass filter, presence boost), Compression, Chorus/Ensemble, Delay (Sync'd, likely 1/8 or 1/4 notes), Reverb (Large Hall/Plate, long decay)
Other: Likely layered multiple takes or voices with slight detuning for thickness. Heavy automation on filters and effects sends.
Recording Notes
- Extensive use of layering to create a huge sound.
- Heavy reliance on time-based effects, particularly large reverbs.
- EQ used to carve space in the dense mix and emphasize upper mids.
- Likely recorded directly from the synth output into the console/DAW.
- Potential use of tape saturation or console emulation for warmth.
Recreation Tips
- Start with brassy analog synth patches (Sawtooth waves often work well).
- Use long attack and release times on the amplitude envelope.
- Apply generous amounts of high-quality reverb with a long decay time (> 3 seconds).
- Add sync'd stereo delay to enhance the rhythmic feel and width.
- Use unison modes or layer patches with slight detuning.
- Automate filter cutoff frequency for movement.
- Apply compression to even out dynamics and add sustain.
Recommended Gear
- Arturia CS-80 V(synth plugin)
- U-He Diva(synth plugin)
- Roland Cloud Jupiter-8(synth plugin)
- Valhalla VintageVerb(plugin)
- Soundtoys EchoBoy(plugin)
- Yamaha CS-80(synth)
- Roland Jupiter-8(synth)