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synth from “don't you (forget about me)” by simple minds | ToneDB

don't you (forget about me)

simple minds

synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A majestic and anthemic synth pad, characterized by its warm analog character from stacked oscillators, enriched by a Roland Dimension D chorus, and placed in a spacious reverb, defining the sound of 80s stadium rock.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Oberheim OB-Xa

Amp: Oberheim OB-Xa Synth Engine

Processing: Roland Dimension D (Chorus), SSL Console EQ, Studio Reverb (e.g., Lexicon 224 or AMS RMX16, via console aux send)

Other: Primary synth for the main chords. Alternative could be a Roland Jupiter-8. Signal path: Synth -> Roland Dimension D -> DI Box -> SSL Mixing Console. Patch likely used stacked, slightly detuned sawtooth oscillators with a moderate attack (20-50ms) and release (500-800ms) envelope for a brassy pad sound. Low-pass filter (24dB/oct) with envelope modulation.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Wessex Sound Studios, London, on an SSL console.
  • Produced by Keith Forsey, who significantly shaped the song's arrangement and sound.
  • Keyboards, including the Oberheim OB-Xa, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, and PPG Wave 2.2, were part of Mick MacNeil's rig.
  • Keyboards were recorded direct input (DI) into the SSL console.
  • A Roland Dimension D chorus unit was a key component in Mick MacNeil's keyboard signal path before the DI.
  • Extensive use of high-end studio reverbs like the Lexicon 224 or AMS RMX16, applied via console auxiliary sends.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a polyphonic analog or virtual analog synthesizer (e.g., Oberheim OB-Xa emulation like Arturia OB-Xa V or GForce OB-E, or U-He Diva).
  • Program two oscillators per voice, using sawtooth waves. Detune them slightly (e.g., one +5 cents, the other -5 cents) to create a rich, chorused effect naturally.
  • Employ a resonant low-pass filter (typically 24dB/octave). Modulate the filter cutoff with an envelope: set a moderate attack (20-50ms), medium decay, full sustain, and a moderate release (300-800ms).
  • The amplitude envelope should have a similar moderate attack and a slightly longer release to create the characteristic pad/stab sound.
  • Add a high-quality stereo chorus effect. Emulations of the Roland Dimension D are ideal for authenticity.
  • Apply a spacious hall or plate reverb with a decay time of approximately 2-3 seconds to create the anthemic feel.
  • Use console EQ emulation or a parametric EQ to gently shape the tone: a slight boost in the high frequencies for air, and potentially a small cut in the low-mids (200-400Hz) if the sound is muddy.
  • Consider layering two slightly different synth patches for a fuller sound, one focused on the brassy attack and another on the sustained pad warmth.

Sources