TONEDB

lead synth from “save your tears” by the weeknd | ToneDB

save your tears

the weeknd

lead synth

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, nostalgic 80s-inspired synth lead with a distinctive chorus effect and melancholic character. It features a sharp attack and moderate release, evoking classic synth-pop sounds.

Signal Chain

Instrument: MIDI Controller

Amp: Roland Juno-106 (or emulation)

Processing: Built-in Juno Chorus, Stereo Delay, Hall Reverb, EQ, Light Compression

Other: Likely a Sawtooth wave oscillator. Pitch bend used expressively. Filter envelope with fast attack, medium decay/sustain, medium release.

Recording Notes

  • Produced by Max Martin and Oscar Holter, known for using both vintage hardware and modern software synths.
  • The core sound heavily relies on the Juno's characteristic chorus effect.
  • Likely recorded directly into the DAW via audio interface.
  • Subtle automation on filter cutoff and volume likely used for expression.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a single sawtooth oscillator.
  • Use a Juno-style chorus (like the built-in effect on Juno emulations or dedicated chorus plugins).
  • Set the amp envelope: Attack ~0-5ms, Decay ~400-600ms, Sustain ~0.5-0.7, Release ~300-500ms.
  • Set the filter envelope similarly, adjusting cutoff and envelope amount to taste for brightness.
  • Add stereo ping-pong delay (around 1/8th or 1/4 dotted notes) and a medium-to-large hall reverb.
  • Use pitch bend for the characteristic slides between notes.
  • Apply EQ to boost highs slightly (around 5-8kHz) and cut unnecessary low-end (<150Hz).

Sources