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organ from “killing for company” by swans | ToneDB

killing for company

swans

organ

80% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A dark, sustained, and atmospheric digital organ sound, likely from a Korg M1, providing a haunting and spacious harmonic foundation with significant reverb.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Korg M1 Synthesizer

Amp: Korg M1 AI Synthesis Engine

Processing: External Studio Reverb (e.g., Lexicon PCM70, Eventide H3000), External Studio Chorus (subtle, if not already prominent in M1 patch)

Other: Signal path: Direct stereo output from M1 to mixing console. Likely a stock M1 organ patch (e.g., 'Organ 1', 'Organ 2', or 'Church Organ'). M1 internal effects (chorus, basic reverb) might also be part of the sound before external processing.

Recording Notes

  • The organ sound was recorded via direct stereo outputs from the Korg M1 into high-quality studio preamps and then to the mixing console, as confirmed by engineer Martin Bisi for 'The Great Annihilator' album sessions.
  • Extensive use of high-quality digital reverb (such as Lexicon 224XL, 480L, PCM70, or Eventide H3000) was a common practice in this era to achieve the desired spacious and atmospheric texture.
  • The Korg M1's own internal effects, particularly its built-in chorus and basic reverbs, likely formed the initial character of the sound before being enhanced by outboard studio gear.
  • Careful EQing would have been applied during mixing to ensure the organ provided a solid harmonic bed within Swans' characteristically dense arrangements, avoiding muddiness while maintaining presence.

Recreation Tips

  • Utilize a Korg M1 emulation (e.g., Korg Collection - M1 plugin) or high-quality samples from an original M1.
  • Explore classic M1 organ presets such as 'Organ 1', 'Organ 2', or 'Church Organ'. These presets often feature the smooth, slightly chorused character heard in the track.
  • Apply a generous amount of high-quality hall or large plate reverb. Aim for a long decay time (2-4 seconds) to create the signature atmospheric depth.
  • If the chosen M1 patch doesn't have sufficient movement, add a subtle stereo chorus effect. Many M1 organ sounds already include a Leslie-like chorus.
  • Ensure the final organ sound is panned or processed in stereo to capture the intended spaciousness.
  • Use EQ to shape the tone: filter out excessive low-end (below 80-100Hz) to prevent muddiness and gently roll off extreme high frequencies if the patch is too bright, aiming for a warm yet dark presence.

Sources