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synth from “jump” by van halen | ToneDB

jump

van halen

synth

85% ai confidence

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.

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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

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

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia OB-Xa VPlugin Boutique$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

Sequential OB-6Shop on Reverb$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

MXR M117R FlangerShop on Reverb$129

Alternative to: MXR Flanger Doubler

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

Behringer UB-XaShop on Reverb$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

Eventide TimeFactorShop on Reverb$399

Alternative to: MXR Flanger Doubler

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

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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