What synthesizer did The Cure use on Close to Me?

The Cure used a PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer for the distinctive synth sound on "Close to Me." This German-made instrument was known for its unique wavetable synthesis and hybrid digital/analog architecture.

How to get The Cure Close to Me synth sound?

Start with a wavetable synthesizer like the original PPG Wave 2.2 or a modern emulation. Experiment with different wavetable combinations and use modulation to add movement to the sound. Adding subtle chorus or delay can enhance the stereo width and spatial character.

What is a PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer?

The PPG Wave 2.2 was a pioneering digital/analog hybrid synthesizer from Germany, featuring wavetable oscillators paired with analog filters. It was known for producing unique, complex timbres that were difficult to achieve with traditional analog synthesis alone.

Where was The Cure Close to Me recorded?

"Close to Me" was recorded at RAK Studios in London with producer David M. Allen. RAK Studios was a popular recording facility used by many prominent artists during the 1980s.

Can you recreate PPG Wave sounds with modern plugins?

Yes, several modern plugins can recreate PPG Wave sounds effectively. Waldorf (PPG's successor company) makes software versions, and other wavetable synthesizers like Native Instruments Massive X or Arturia Pigments can achieve similar complex, evolving timbres.

synth from "close to me" by the cure

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Tone Profile

The synth sound is bright, quirky, and slightly off-kilter, providing a unique melodic element. It's a distinctive and memorable sound that helps define the song's playful and slightly unsettling atmosphere.

The Story

The distinctive synth sound on "Close to Me" was created using a PPG Wave 2.2, a German digital/analog hybrid synthesizer known for its complex wavetable synthesis. The recording was produced by David M. Allen at RAK Studios in London. The PPG Wave's unique architecture, combining wavetable digital oscillators with analog filters, provided the bright, quirky timbral qualities that define this memorable synth part.

Production Credits

Producer: David M. Allen

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: RAK Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: PPG Wave 2.2

Recreation Tips

Start with a PPG Wave 2.2 or a software emulation.
Explore the wavetable oscillators and experiment with different combinations.
Use modulation to add movement and character to the sound.
Add a touch of chorus or delay to enhance the stereo width and create a sense of space.

Original Gear

PPG Wave 2.2(synth)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Waldorf Blofeld$200-$250

Alternative to: PPG Wave 2.2 wavetable synthesizer

Modern wavetable synth from Waldorf (PPG's successor company) that includes classic PPG wavetables and similar synthesis architecture

Native Instruments Massive X$150-$200

Alternative to: PPG Wave 2.2 wavetable synthesis

Advanced wavetable synthesizer with extensive modulation capabilities that can recreate the complex, evolving timbres of the PPG Wave

Arturia Pigments$200-$250

Alternative to: PPG Wave 2.2 analog filtering

Combines wavetable and analog-modeled synthesis with vintage filter emulations, allowing recreation of the PPG's hybrid digital/analog character

Waldorf Quantum$4000-$4500

Alternative to: PPG Wave 2.2 hardware synthesizer

Premium hardware synthesizer from Waldorf featuring authentic PPG wavetables and filters, closest modern equivalent to the original Wave series

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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synth from “close to me” by the cure | ToneDB