TONEDB

pads from “waterfalls” by tlc | ToneDB

waterfalls

tlc

pads

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

Warm and lush ambient synth pads, providing a smooth and enveloping harmonic foundation. The sound is characterized by its wide stereo image and gentle, evolving texture.

Gear

Roland Juno-106instrument
ReverbSweetwater
SSL 4000 G+ Consolechannel_strip
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

The warm pad sounds on TLC's 'Waterfalls' were created using a Roland Juno-106 synthesizer and processed through an SSL 4000 G+ console. The track was recorded at DARP Studios in Atlanta, produced by Organized Noize with Neal Pogue engineering. The Juno-106's characteristic analog warmth was enhanced with chorus effects and console processing to create the lush, wide stereo image that defines the song's atmospheric foundation.

Production Credits

Producer: Organized Noize

Engineer: Neal Pogue

Recorded at: DARP Studios, Atlanta

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland Juno-106

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Roland Juno-106 or a similar analog polysynth.
  • Use a saw wave or a combination of saw and square waves as the oscillator source.
  • Apply a chorus effect to thicken the sound and create a wide stereo image.
  • Add a touch of reverb to create depth and space.
  • Use gentle compression and EQ to smooth out the sound and enhance its warmth.

Original Gear

  • Roland Juno-106(synth)
  • SSL 4000 G+ Console(channel_strip)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland JU-06A Boutique$300-$400

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Authentic ACB modeling of the original Juno-106 circuits including the signature chorus that's essential for this pad sound

ReverbSweetwater
TAL-U-NO-LX Plugin$60-$80

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Software emulation of the Juno-106 with accurate chorus modeling and vintage analog character at an affordable price point

ReverbSweetwater
SSL Native Channel Strip 2$300-$400

Alternative to: SSL 4000 G+ Console

Official SSL plugin recreation of their classic console EQ and compression used for the warm processing on this track

ReverbSweetwater
Arturia Jun-6 V$100-$150

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Detailed software modeling of the Juno-106 with enhanced features while maintaining the original's warm analog pad character

ReverbSweetwater
Roland System-8$1400-$1600

Alternative to: Roland Juno-106

Modern hardware synth with official Juno-106 plug-out that provides the authentic analog-modeled sound with modern reliability

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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