TONEDB

bass synth from “starlight” by muse | ToneDB

starlight

muse

bass synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A powerful, saw-wave-like synth bass with a distinct filter envelope and layered fuzz, providing a driving and melodic foundation.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Pedulla Rapture RB4 Bass Guitar (or Fender Jazz Bass)

Amp: Marshall DBS 7400 / Ampeg SVT-CL (often run in parallel or bi-amped with DI)

Microphone: AKG D112 or Electro-Voice RE20 (on cabs, blended with DI)

Processing: Akai Deep Impact SB1 (Preset 1 'Deep Impact' or similar saw/square wave with filter envelope), Human Gear Animato (or similar aggressive fuzz, blended)

Other: The core sound comes from the Akai Deep Impact pedal. The signal was likely DI'd (post-effects) and also sent to an amp. Fuzz is blended for texture and aggression. A clean DI signal might also be blended for low-end solidity.

Recording Notes

  • The sound is primarily a bass guitar processed heavily with pedals, not a keyboard synthesizer.
  • The Akai Deep Impact SB1 pedal is the cornerstone of this synth bass sound, providing the filtered saw/square wave character.
  • An aggressive fuzz pedal, like the Human Gear Animato, is layered with the synth pedal to add harmonic richness, grit, and sustain.
  • Likely recorded using a multi-signal approach: a DI signal from the pedalboard, mic'd amplifier(s) capturing the effected sound, and potentially a separate clean DI signal blended for fundamental low-end.
  • Extensive use of EQ and compression in the mix to shape the final tone and ensure it sits well while driving the track.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bass guitar as the source signal.
  • A synth bass pedal capable of producing saw or square waves with an envelope filter is essential (e.g., Akai Deep Impact, Panda Audio Future Impact, Source Audio C4).
  • Dial in a filter envelope that sweeps with each note, creating the characteristic 'wow' or 'oow' sound. Adjust attack and decay to match the song's feel.
  • Add an aggressive fuzz pedal (like a Human Gear Animato clone, ZVex Woolly Mammoth, or a versatile fuzz with good low-end retention) either before or after the synth pedal, or run in parallel. Blend to taste.
  • Consider splitting your signal to maintain a solid low-end: one path for the synth effect, another for a clean DI blend or a less effected amped sound.
  • Experiment with the 'Sensitivity' or 'Trigger' control on the synth pedal to ensure consistent tracking with your playing dynamics.
  • A touch of chorus or phaser can sometimes be subtly blended in, though the core sound is primarily synth + fuzz.

Sources