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synth from “1979” by the smashing pumpkins | ToneDB

1979

the smashing pumpkins

synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A lush, evolving synth pad with a warm, slightly detuned character, creating a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere. The sound has a subtle chorus or phasing effect that adds depth and movement.

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The Story

The lush synth pad in '1979' was created using an Oberheim OB-8 synthesizer during the Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness sessions. Billy Corgan used the OB-8's analog oscillators with slight detuning to create the warm, chorused character that defines the track's dreamy atmosphere. The synth was recorded direct into the mixing console with additional effects processing to enhance the pad's depth and movement.

Production Credits

Producer: Alan Moulder, Flood, Billy Corgan

Engineer: Alan Moulder

Recorded at: Pumpkinland (Chicago, IL)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Oberheim OB-8Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

  • Start with an Oberheim OB-8 or an emulation. Initialize a patch and select either sawtooth or pulse waveforms for your oscillators.
  • Slightly detune the oscillators to create a rich, chorusing effect. Experiment with different amounts of detuning to find the sweet spot.
  • Add a chorus or phasing effect to further enhance the depth and movement of the sound. Adjust the rate and depth of the effect to taste.
  • Use a long attack and release time on the amplifier envelope to create a smooth, evolving pad sound.
  • Slightly filter the sound to get rid of any harsh high frequencies.
  • Add a touch of reverb to give the sound some space and ambience.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia OB-Xa VPlugin Boutique$99-$199

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Accurate emulation of Oberheim's analog sound engine with the detuning and chorus capabilities needed for that warm, slightly unstable pad character

Sequential OB-6Shop on Reverb$2800-$3200

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Modern Oberheim collaboration that captures the classic analog warmth and detuning behavior of the original OB series

Behringer OB-6Shop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Budget analog polysynth with similar sawtooth/pulse oscillators and detuning capabilities for recreating vintage Oberheim-style pads

Roland System-8Shop on Reverb$1400-$1600

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-8

Includes Jupiter-8 and Juno-106 models that can achieve similar analog pad textures with built-in chorus effects

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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