What synth was used on Taylor Swift Bad Blood?

While the specific synthesizer model hasn't been definitively confirmed, the tone characteristics suggest analog subtractive synthesis similar to a Roland Juno-106 or comparable instrument. The aggressive, processed sound was achieved through additional distortion and effects processing.

How to get the Bad Blood synth sound?

Start with sawtooth or pulse waves from an analog-style synthesizer, then add aggressive distortion using a RAT-style pedal or plugin. Apply chorus and subtle pitch modulation for texture, and use EQ to emphasize high frequencies for the cutting, metallic quality.

Who produced Bad Blood by Taylor Swift?

"Bad Blood" was produced by Max Martin, known for his work with numerous pop artists. The track was mixed by Serban Ghenea, contributing to its polished, radio-ready sound.

What effects were used on Bad Blood synth?

The synth features distortion for its aggressive edge, plus chorus and pitch modulation effects for added texture and width. EQ processing emphasizes high frequencies to help the synth cut through the dense pop production.

synth from "bad blood" by taylor swift

bad blood

taylor swift

synth

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Tone Profile

Aggressive and distorted synth lead with a slightly metallic and processed quality. The sound is cutting and assertive, fitting the song's intense vibe.

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Roland Juno-106(instrument)
Pro Co RAT(processing)
Eventide H3000(processing)

The Story

The aggressive synth lead on "Bad Blood" was produced by Max Martin and mixed by Serban Ghenea. The sound is built around analog synthesis techniques with additional processing to create its cutting, distorted character that cuts through the dense pop production.

Production Credits

Producer: Max Martin

Engineer: Serban Ghenea

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland Juno-106Shop on Reverb

Processing: Pro Co RATShop on Reverb, Eventide H3000Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a sawtooth or pulse wave on a Roland Juno-106 or similar analog synth.
Apply a moderate amount of distortion using a Pro Co RAT or similar distortion pedal to add grit and aggression.
Use an Eventide H3000 for chorus and subtle pitch modulation to add depth and character.
Experiment with EQ to sculpt the tone, emphasizing the high frequencies for clarity and presence while taming any harshness.
Consider layering multiple takes of the synth part to further thicken the sound.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland Boutique JU-06APlugin Boutique$349-$399

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Authentic recreation of the original Juno-106 circuits in a compact format, providing the same sawtooth and pulse waves essential for this aggressive synth tone

TAL-U-NO-LXPlugin Boutique$60-$80

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Budget-friendly plugin that accurately models the Juno-106's subtractive synthesis engine and filter characteristics needed for this metallic lead sound

Pro Co RAT 2Shop on Reverb$70-$90

Alternative to: Pro Co RAT

Current production version of the original RAT circuit that provides the same aggressive distortion and sustain characteristics for the synth's cutting edge

SoundToys DecapitatorPlugin Boutique$199-$249

Alternative to: Pro Co RAT

Digital saturation plugin that can replicate the RAT's aggressive distortion characteristics with additional tone shaping options for the processed synth sound

Eventide H3000 Factory PluginPlugin Boutique$179-$199

Alternative to: Eventide H3000

Official plugin recreation of the H3000 hardware providing the same pitch modulation and chorus effects that add depth to the synth texture

Sources

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synth from “bad blood” by taylor swift | ToneDB