Tone Profile

A super punchy, tight, and funky synth bass line with a distinct filter envelope providing a 'bouncy' character. It's clean yet powerful, driving the groove with precision and attitude.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The iconic bassline in 'Uptown Funk' is primarily a Moog Minimoog Model D synthesizer, not an electric bass guitar.
• Mark Ronson himself programmed and played the Minimoog bass part.
• The synth was recorded direct, processed with a Teletronix LA-2A compressor and a Pultec EQP-1A EQ for warmth, control, and tonal shaping.
• Key to the sound is the Minimoog's filter envelope (fast attack, quick decay/sustain with moderate envelope amount) and amplifier envelope (tight and percussive) creating the 'bouncy', staccato feel.
• Oscillator choice likely involved sawtooth waves, possibly blended or layered, to achieve the rich, cutting tone.

Recreation Tips

• Use an original Moog Minimoog Model D or a high-quality software emulation (e.g., Arturia Mini V, Moog Model D app, u-he Diva).
• For the Minimoog settings: start with two or three sawtooth oscillators, slightly detuned for thickness. Set Mixer levels for each oscillator to taste.
• Filter: Set cutoff moderately low, with emphasis (resonance) around 20-40%. The filter envelope contour should have a fast attack, a quick decay (around 200-400ms), zero sustain, and a moderate envelope amount to create the 'bwow' or 'bouncy' effect.
• Amplifier Envelope: Fast attack, quick decay (around 200-400ms), zero sustain, and a short release for a tight, percussive sound.
• Apply optical compression (like an LA-2A plugin) with moderate gain reduction (3-6dB) for smooth leveling and added warmth.
• Use a Pultec-style EQ plugin to boost the low-end (e.g., 60-100Hz) and perhaps a touch of high-end sizzle (e.g., 5-10kHz) for definition.
• If attempting to emulate this sound with an electric bass: use a Fender Precision Bass or Jazz Bass with fresh roundwound strings. Play staccato with a pick or aggressive fingerstyle very close to the bridge.
• For electric bass processing: use a strong compressor (FET or optical, e.g., 1176 or LA-2A style) with medium attack and fast release. Consider a subtle envelope filter or auto-wah with a fast attack and sensitivity set to react to your playing dynamics, mimicking the synth's filter. A clean DI signal into a good preamp is crucial.

Recommended Gear

• Moog Minimoog Model D(Synth)
• Arturia Mini V(Plugin)
• Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection(Plugin)
• Universal Audio Pultec Passive EQ Collection(Plugin)
• Fender American Professional II Precision Bass(Guitar)
• Empirical Labs Distressor EL8X (for bass guitar compression)(Pedal)
• MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter (for bass guitar effect)(Pedal)