Tone Profile

A bright, cutting synth lead with a slightly metallic and resonant quality. It's assertive and present, fitting the energetic and iconic nature of the song.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The Oberheim OB-X was likely used to create the synth lead sound. Geddy Lee favored Oberheim synthesizers during this period.
• The specific patch used likely involved sawtooth waves with some pulse width modulation and filter sweeps to achieve the characteristic sound.

Recreation Tips

• Start with an Oberheim OB-X or a virtual instrument that emulates its sound.
• Use sawtooth waves as the primary oscillator source.
• Apply pulse width modulation for a slightly detuned and evolving sound.
• Experiment with filter cutoff and resonance settings to create the desired metallic and resonant character.
• Add a touch of chorus or ensemble effect to further enhance the width and depth of the sound.
• EQ to taste to make the synth cut through the mix, focusing on upper midrange frequencies.

Recommended Gear

• Oberheim OB-X(synth)