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organ from “our house” by madness | ToneDB

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madness

organ

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Tone Profile

A bright, percussive, and iconic Hammond organ sound with a fast Leslie speaker effect, driving the song's cheerful and bouncy character. The tone is clean with a distinct key-click and a swirling, energetic modulation.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Hammond L-102 Organ

Amp: Leslie Speaker Cabinet (e.g., Model 122, 145, or similar)

Microphone: AKG C414s (stereo on horn), AKG D12 (on bass rotor)

Processing: Hammond Percussion (Third Harmonic, Fast Decay, Normal Volume), Leslie Speaker Effect (Fast 'Tremolo' Speed), Studio EQ (Subtle high-frequency lift via console)

Other: A DI signal from the organ was also recorded and likely blended with the miked Leslie sound. Drawbar setting approximated as 808800000 or similar to achieve brightness and cut, adjusted to taste. Leslie speed primarily fast (Tremolo).

Recording Notes

  • The organ part, performed by Mike Barson, is foundational to the song's arrangement and feel.
  • A Hammond L-102 organ was used, fed into a Leslie speaker cabinet.
  • The Leslie cabinet was miked with AKG C414s in stereo on the rotating high-frequency horn and an AKG D12 on the low-frequency bass rotor.
  • A direct inject (DI) signal from the organ was also captured and blended with the miked Leslie sound to enhance attack and provide tonal options during mixing.
  • The Leslie speaker was predominantly set to its fast (tremolo) speed for the signature swirling sound.
  • Minimal outboard EQ was likely used, perhaps a slight high-frequency boost from the mixing console for presence and clarity.

Recreation Tips

  • If a physical Hammond L-102 and Leslie are unavailable, use a high-quality Hammond organ VST plugin (e.g., Arturia B-3 V, IK Multimedia Hammond B-3X, Native Instruments Vintage Organs).
  • For drawbar settings, aim for a bright and somewhat reedy tone. A good starting point is 808800000 or 008808008. Adjust the higher-pitched drawbars (16', 8', 4', 2 2/3', 2') to taste.
  • Enable the Hammond's built-in percussion feature. Use the Third Harmonic, set to a Fast Decay, and Normal or Soft Volume to get the characteristic attack.
  • Utilize a Leslie speaker emulation. Set it to the fast 'Tremolo' speed for the main riff. If your plugin allows, experiment with stereo miking emulation of the horn.
  • Try blending a clean DI signal from your organ VST with the Leslie-processed signal. This can add definition and attack, similar to the original recording technique.
  • Keep additional effects minimal. The core character comes from the Hammond and Leslie. A subtle EQ boost in the high frequencies (e.g., 3-5kHz) can add presence if needed.
  • Pay close attention to the staccato, rhythmic playing style, as it's crucial to replicating the feel of the original part.

Sources