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synth from “jump” by van halen | ToneDB

jump

van halen

synth

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The synth lead has a bright, almost metallic tone with a slight chorus effect, contributing to its energetic and memorable character. It's a classic 80s synth sound that cuts through the mix with a distinct presence.

Gear

Oberheim OB-Xainstrument
ReverbSweetwater
MXR Flanger Doublerprocessing
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

Eddie Van Halen created the iconic synth lead on 'Jump' using an Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer run through an MXR Flanger Doubler for modulation and stereo width. The track was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood with producer Ted Templeman and engineer Donn Landee.

Production Credits

Producer: Ted Templeman

Engineer: Donn Landee

Recorded at: Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Oberheim OB-Xa

Processing: MXR Flanger Doubler

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a sawtooth wave on a subtractive synth, like the Oberheim OB-Xa if available, or a similar emulation.
  • Adjust the filter cutoff and resonance to achieve a bright and slightly resonant tone.
  • Use a flanger or chorus effect to add movement and width to the sound.
  • Experiment with the flanger's rate and depth to match the original's subtle modulation.
  • EQ the synth to sit well in the mix, cutting any muddiness and boosting the high frequencies for clarity.

Original Gear

  • Oberheim OB-Xa(synth)
  • MXR Flanger Doubler(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia OB-Xa V$199

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-Xa

Official emulation of the OB-Xa with accurate sawtooth wave modeling and filter characteristics for the bright, cutting lead sound

ReverbSweetwater
Sequential OB-6$2,299

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-Xa

Modern collaboration between Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim, delivering authentic Oberheim character with the sawtooth waves and filter resonance needed

ReverbSweetwater
MXR M117R Flanger$129

Alternative to: MXR Flanger Doubler

Modern reissue of the classic MXR flanger circuit that provides the subtle modulation and stereo width effect

ReverbSweetwater
Behringer UB-Xa$449

Alternative to: Oberheim OB-Xa

Budget hardware clone of the OB-Xa that captures the essential sawtooth character and filter behavior for the Jump lead sound

ReverbSweetwater
Eventide TimeFactor$399

Alternative to: MXR Flanger Doubler

Premium option with vintage flanger algorithms that can recreate the doubling and modulation effects with precise control

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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