What synth did The Prodigy use on Smack My Bitch Up?

The Prodigy used a Roland Juno-106 synthesizer as the foundation for the aggressive lead synth sound. Liam Howlett then processed this through guitar effects pedals to create the distinctive distorted texture.

How did Liam Howlett get that distorted synth sound?

Howlett achieved the distorted synth sound by running his Roland Juno-106 through an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer overdrive pedal with the drive cranked up. He then used a Drawmer DL221 compressor to enhance the sustain and impact of the distorted signal.

Can you run a synthesizer through guitar pedals?

Yes, synthesizers can be run through guitar pedals, which is exactly what Liam Howlett did to create The Prodigy's signature sounds. The line-level output of most synths works well with guitar pedals, though you may need to adjust input levels depending on the pedal.

What guitar effects did The Prodigy use on synths?

The Prodigy famously used guitar overdrive and distortion pedals on their synthesizers, particularly the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. This technique of processing synths through guitar effects was a key element in creating their aggressive, industrial-influenced electronic sound.

synth from "smack my bitch up" by the prodigy

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Tone Profile

Aggressive and distorted sawtooth lead synth with a driving, almost industrial feel. The sound is characterized by its strong resonance and prominent, gritty distortion.

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Roland Juno-106(instrument)
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer(processing)
Drawmer DL221(processing)

The Story

The aggressive synth sound on "Smack My Bitch Up" was created by Liam Howlett using a Roland Juno-106 synthesizer run through guitar effects pedals, including an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer for distortion and a Drawmer DL221 compressor. This technique of processing synthesizers through guitar pedals was a signature approach Howlett used throughout The Prodigy's catalog to create unique, industrial-influenced textures.

Production Credits

Producer: Liam Howlett

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland Juno-106Shop on Reverb

Processing: Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb, Drawmer DL221Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a sawtooth wave on a Roland Juno-106 or similar synthesizer.
Add a Tube Screamer to the signal chain and crank the drive to achieve a gritty distortion.
Use a compressor like the Drawmer DL221 to further enhance the sustain and impact.
Experiment with EQ to shape the tone and cut any unwanted frequencies caused by the distortion.

Original Gear

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Roland Juno-106Shop on Reverb(synth)
Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb(pedal)
Drawmer DL221Shop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland JU-06AShop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Modern Boutique recreation of the Juno-106 with the same analog-modeled oscillators and filter character needed for that sawtooth foundation

Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Still in production and provides the exact midrange-focused overdrive that creates the gritty synth distortion heard on the track

FMR Audio RNC 1773Shop on Reverb$180-$200

Alternative to: Drawmer DL221 compressor

Provides similar transparent compression to enhance sustain and punch of the distorted synth without coloring the aggressive tone

TAL-U-NO-LXPlugin Boutique$60-$70

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Software emulation of the Juno-106 that captures the sawtooth character and filter resonance essential to this sound

Boss OD-1XShop on Reverb$130-$150