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synth from “echoes” by pink floyd | ToneDB

echoes

pink floyd

synth

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

Ethereal and evolving synth pad with a haunting and slightly dissonant character. The sound is spacious and atmospheric, creating a sense of depth and movement.

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The Story

The ethereal synth pad on Pink Floyd's "Echoes" was created using an EMS VCS3 synthesizer, one of the earliest British modular synths. The VCS3's oscillators, filters, and unique pin matrix system allowed for complex modulation and the characteristic haunting quality. A Binson Echorec 2 echo unit was used to add the spacious, repeating delay effects that give the sound its sense of movement and depth. The track was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with engineer Peter Bown.

Production Credits

Producer: Pink Floyd

Engineer: Peter Bown

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: EMS VCS3Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a sawtooth or triangle wave on a synthesizer.
  • Use a resonant low-pass filter to shape the tone and add movement.
  • Apply a generous amount of delay, aiming for a long delay time with moderate feedback.
  • Experiment with chorus or phaser to add further modulation and depth.
  • Consider adding a touch of reverb to enhance the spaciousness of the sound.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Behringer VCS3 SynthiPlugin Boutique$50-$80

Alternative to: EMS VCS3 synthesizer

Software recreation of the original VCS3 with authentic oscillator behavior and pin matrix modulation system essential for this ethereal pad sound

Make Noise 0-CoastShop on Reverb$500-$600

Alternative to: EMS VCS3 synthesizer

Semi-modular synth with West Coast synthesis approach similar to the VCS3's experimental character and filter resonance

Strymon El CapistanShop on Reverb$280-$320

Alternative to: Binson Echorec 2 delay

Tape echo emulation that captures the warm, modulated delay character of the original Binson drum echo

Universal Audio Binson Echorec pluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Binson Echorec 2 delay

Official UAD emulation of the exact Binson Echorec 2 model used on the original recording

Moog Subsequent 37Shop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: EMS VCS3 synthesizer

Analog monosynth with excellent filter resonance and modulation capabilities for recreating the VCS3's evolving pad textures

Sources

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