synth from “somebody told me” by the killers | ToneDB
somebody told me
the killers
synth
Tone Profile
A bright, cutting synth lead with a slightly metallic and resonant quality, providing a distinctive hook in the song.
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The Story
The distinctive synth lead on 'Somebody Told Me' was created using an Access Virus synthesizer, recorded at The Hearse studio in Berkeley, CA with producer Jeff Saltzman. The tone features careful manipulation of the Virus's oscillators and filter settings to create a bright, cutting lead with resonant peaks and a metallic quality that cuts through the mix.
Production Credits
Producer: Jeff Saltzman
Engineer: Jeff Saltzman
Recorded at: The Hearse, Berkeley, CA
Signal Chain
Instrument: Access VirusShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a sawtooth or square wave as the oscillator waveform.
- Use the Access Virus's filter to create a resonant peak, adjusting the cutoff and resonance to achieve the desired metallic quality.
- Experiment with the synth's envelope to shape the attack and decay of the sound, ensuring it has enough punch and sustain.
- Add a touch of chorus or a slight delay to enhance the width and depth of the synth lead.
- Adjust EQ to ensure the synth sits well in the mix without clashing with other instruments.
Original Gear
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- Access VirusShop on Reverb(synth)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Access Virus
The current Virus model maintains the same oscillators and filter architecture that created the original tone, with identical sonic capabilities
Alternative to: Access Virus
Accurately models vintage analog synth oscillators and filters, capable of recreating the metallic resonant peaks characteristic of this tone
Alternative to: Access Virus
Analog oscillators and multimode filter can produce similar sawtooth-based leads with resonant filter sweeps and metallic character
Alternative to: Access Virus
Modern wavetable synth with powerful filters capable of creating bright, cutting leads with the metallic resonance needed for this tone
Alternative to: Access Virus
Analog oscillators and ladder filter can achieve similar bright, resonant lead tones with proper envelope shaping and filter modulation
Frequently Asked Questions
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