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synth from “when doves cry” by prince | ToneDB

when doves cry

prince

synth

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This synth lead is bright and cutting, with a metallic, almost bell-like quality. It's characterized by a strong attack and a relatively quick decay, giving it a percussive edge.

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The Story

Prince recorded the lead synth parts for 'When Doves Cry' using his Oberheim OB-8 synthesizer at Paisley Park Studios. The track was engineered by Susan Rogers, with Prince himself handling production duties. The OB-8's distinctive filter characteristics and duophonic capabilities were key to achieving the song's bright, metallic synth lead sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Prince

Engineer: Susan Rogers

Recorded at: Paisley Park Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Oberheim OB-8Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a sawtooth or pulse wave as your oscillator.
  • Use a resonant filter to create a sweeping, metallic tone.
  • Experiment with the OB-8's duophonic mode to emulate the original sound.
  • Apply a touch of chorus or flanger for added width and movement.
  • Use a fast attack and moderate decay envelope for the filter and amplitude to achieve the percussive quality.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Oberheim OB-6Shop on Reverb$2800-$3200

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Direct successor to the OB-8 with the same SEM filter character and Tom Oberheim design philosophy that creates that signature metallic brightness

Arturia OB-Xa VPlugin Boutique$200-$250

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Software emulation of Oberheim synths with accurate SEM filter modeling and duophonic mode for recreating Prince's layered approach

Sequential Prophet-5 Rev 4Shop on Reverb$4000-$4500

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Similar vintage analog architecture and filter resonance characteristics that can achieve the bright, cutting metallic tones

Behringer OB-6Shop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Budget analog polysynth with resonant filters capable of the sweeping, metallic sounds when programmed with sawtooth waves and filter modulation

Sources

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